TERMITE FUNGI : A RESUME. 337 



the mycelium of which is constantly present in the combs. In 

 that his experience differs from results obtained in Ceylon. 



The fungus 'forms small superficial perithecia, either 

 scattered or in clusters, at first red, then dkty brown, 300-400 jx 

 diameter. Its asci are cylindric , 44 x 4 ^, and its spores (i.e., 

 part-spores) oval, yellowish olive green, 3-3-5 [a. 



Until quite recently this species had not been observed on 

 termite combs in Ceylon, in spite of the enormous number 

 which have been subjected to examination by various workers 

 during the last seven years. A short time ago, however, 

 specimens of a termite with its comb were sent to Peradeniya 

 from Jaffna, and on arrival this fungus was found to be growing 

 on the comb. As the parcel had been three or four days in the 

 post, it is probable that the fungus had developed in transit. 

 The termite in question was Termes redemanni, a species 

 which is common at Peradeniya, and one whose nests have been 

 examined on many occasions ; hence it would appear quite 

 certain that Neoskofitzia termitum is at least not invariably 

 associated with the combs of Termes redemanni. 



This fungus does not appear to differ from Neoskofitzia 

 monilijera (B. & Br.) v. Hohnel = Nectria monilifera B. & Br. 

 An examination of the co-type of the latter species in Herb. 

 Peradeniya shows that it grew on sandy soil, not on a termite 

 comb, though it is of course possible that specimens found on 

 the soil might have their origin on termite combs under ground. 



From the evidence available at present it appears that a 

 conidial fungus of the same type, and apparently the same 

 species, occurs in the nests of all the fungus-growing termites 

 of the Eastern Hemisphere. Over the same region, too, 

 Xylaria nigripes constantly develops from deserted termite 

 nests, while in Asia an agaric, Collybia albuminosa, arises from 

 them while they are still inhabited. 



It has been the aim of all mycologists who have studied the 

 subject to establish a connection between the conidial fungus 

 {Mgerita Duthei) and one of the other termite fungi, but 

 so far all these attempts have proved fruitless. In that 

 respect the termite fungi do not differ from the fungi in the 



