314 CRYPTOGAMIA. 
ported by the stipe in many of this order is the cap or pileus, 
from which, in some, project downwards the gills, thin per- 
pendicular lamellz, supporting the sporules. This, the part 
of fructification, is the hymenium, which at other times con- 
sists of tubes, pores, subulate processes, or a cellular head, 
&e, In many Fungi there is a circular membrane surround- 
ing the top of the stipe; this is the annulus or veil. The 
sporules are sometimes contained in a seed-vessel, called pe- 
ridium ; the sporules and peridium, which is often like a hol- 
low ball, forming the whole plant. 
Examptes.—Common Mushroom (Agaricus campestris) ; 
Agaric of the Oak (Boletus fomentarius); mould of cheese, 
&e. (Mucor) ; Uredo segetum, which attacks Wheat crops and 
destroys the grain, converting it into a black powder, called 
brand, dust brand, smut, or burnt corn. Another Fungus, 
Uredo caries, also injures Corn, by filling the kernel with a 
fetid greasy powder, which, when the Corn is thrashed, af- 
_ fects the whole mass. The Puccinia graminis also attacks 
Corn, causing the disease called blight, mildew, or rust. The 
__ dry-rot in wood is caused by the Merulius laerymans (Bole- 
tus t.), a species of Fungus. The Puff-ball or Devil’s Snuff 
= _ box (Lycoperdon) is a Fungus, the bag containing the dust 
being the peridium, while the dust consists of innumerable 
_ They may be divided into two great sections : the ANGro- 
earrt, which bears seeds internally, the Fungus being closed 
on all sides; and the Gymnocarrt, which bears seed exter- 
that is, not enclosed by the Fungus, The Angiocarpi 
er hard externally, like 
er (True); or 
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