CLASSIFICATION OF FUNGI. 65 



PEZIZAS = the Cup fungi. 



These form a very large group, mostly grow- 

 ing on decaying plants. They are typically 

 disc-shaped or cup-shaped, and when young 

 are closed or nearly so, opening when mature. 

 They vary in size from minute species to large 

 fleshy ones, 3 to 4 inches in diameter. They 

 are generally small, thin, and tough. They 

 grow on twigs, leaves, dead wood, or on the 

 ground. Many are stemless. They are both 

 solitary and densely clustered. The color 

 varies from pale brown to a dark gray, re- 

 sembling, when moist, india-rubber cloth ? 

 and then, again, there are many of brilliant 

 hues — red and orange. Some are erect, some 

 are split down at the side like the ear of a hare. 

 The Cup fungi are found in August and Sep- 

 tember, growing near ditches, and by the road- 

 side where there is moisture. The ear-shaped 

 Pezizas somewhat resemble the Jew's ear, and 

 the beginner might easily confound them. This 

 latter fungus belongs to the third class of mem- 

 brane fungi (Hymenomycetes), and it is in- 

 cluded in the descriptions of fungi. 



