CHAPTER VI. 



On the Classification op Fungi. 



All Fungi belong to one or other of two grand Divisions ; namely, 

 Sporifera, in which the Spores are developed naked ; and Spori- 

 diifera, in which the fructifying agents are inclosed in cells, and 

 called for distinction's sake Sporidia. The first of these Divisions 

 is arranged into four Families, the latter into two. The six 

 Families are the following : 



Hynienomycetes, having an exposed or naked Hymenium, as in 

 Asraricini. 



Gasteromycetes, having an inclosed Hymenium, as in Pu£F-balls. 



Coniomycetes, having little or no Mycelium, and Spores forming 

 a dusty or gelatinous mass. 



Hyphomycetes, consisting of sporiferous threads. 



Ascomycetes, Sporidia developed on an exposed Hymenium. 



Physomycetes, Sporidia developed on threads. 



We shall only find Mushrooms contained in the Hymenomy- 

 cetes, Gasteromycetes, and Ascomycetes ; therefore the remaining 

 three Families need not engage our attention further at present, 

 as they are outside the domain considered in this book. 



EYMENOMYCETES. 



This Family contains six orders, characterized respectively as 

 under : 



The Order Agaricini, Hymenium spread upon Gills. 

 „ Polyporei, Hymenium lining Tubes. 



Hydnei, Hymenium spread over Spines, Teeth, or 



Tubercles. 

 Auricularini, Hymenium spread over an Even sur- 

 face, usually inferior, and confluent with Hy- 

 mcnophorc. 

 Clavariei, Hymenium spread over vertical stipes and 



stipules. 

 Tremellini, Hymenium covering an amorphous gela- 

 tinous structure. 



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