1 6 THE PLANT WORLD. 



species of fungi were observed on their living hosts although 

 no especial search was made for them. 



The gill-bearing fungi ranged from half a centimeter to 

 15 cm. In size. Mostly beautifully symmetrical, some were 

 also irregularly scalloped; and some were funnel-shaped with 

 the gills on the outside. Another prominent group was the 

 type with spongy or perforated fruiting surfaces. These also 

 varied greatly In size and shape ; some grew on soil and some 

 on dead organic matter. The largest of this group measured 

 23 by 25 cm. and was supported by a stalk 10 cm. high. 



A third extensive group were the shelf fungi which 

 usually grew on dead wood or other organic matter, and also 

 on soil rich In humus. They varied In shape from the nearly 

 round oak parasites to those composed of thin and wavy lobes 

 which overlapped one another. The latter type were often 

 of great size. One, the largest fungus encountered during 

 the collecting season, measured 27 by 33 cm. It was on the 

 ground and enveloped the bases of several green plants. A 

 common form of Polyponis on pine stumps sometimes reaches 

 nearly this diameter. 



The puff-balls were also represented by several species, 

 among which was a form Intermediate between the gill- 

 bearers and Lycoperdon. It was white in color and shaped 

 like an orange. It grew beneath an evergreen oak. There 

 was a great variety of striking forms not only among the 

 Basidiotnycetes but also among the lower orders. These 

 were of all colors and many had distinct and characteristic 

 odors. 



Several Interesting relations were observed between 

 species of fungi and the habitat, such as among young soil 

 forms stems like corkscrews were often present by whose 

 movements (resulting from variation in water content) the 

 way could be forced through the soil. There was a close 

 relation between the dryness and warmth of the habitat and 

 the form and size of the fungus and the duration of life. 



In general, though there may have been exceptions, the 



