308 FUNGI. 



maize-flour, salt, and water. It was prepared in a family 

 in the usual way, but was discovered to be full of red 

 spots ; this was cast away ; but the red spots appeared 

 in the next preparation which excited consternation and 

 alarm. The blessing of the priest was implored, and 

 given ; still it was of no avail ; prayers, fasts, and masses, 

 were equally ineffectual. The gouttes of blood still ap- 

 peared ! The neighbours regarded the house and its 

 inmates with fear and horror ; in their opinion the pol- 

 enta must have been made from some old corn, refused 

 to the poor during the famine of 1819 ; and this was an 

 evidence of the divine displeasure. A skilful botanist 

 however, restored tranquillity and peace, by tracing the 

 cause of alarm to a crypt ogamic vegetation." 



The cellar fungus or Mouse-skin is another member of 

 this last class of fungi. This plant takes up its abodes 

 in caves or cellars. A newly placed prop in a Derbyshire 

 cavern was, in four years, draped with the felt formed 

 by this mouse-skin (Eaeodium cellare). It is in damp 

 places that it is generally found. 



Thus we come to an end of our selection of fungus 

 species ; having considered those most generally found 

 and most easy of recognition. We have examined the 

 distinctive features in the classes, the difference between 

 simple and ascus contained spores marking the two great 

 divisions ; the exposed hymenium, characteristic .of the 

 first class (Hymenomycetes) ; the envelope marking the 

 second class (Gasteromycetes), the prevalence of dust-like 

 spores in the third class (Coniomycetes) ; and of the 

 threads in the fourth (Hyphomycetes). Then the pre- 

 dominance of the spore bags in the fifth class (Ascomy- 



