FUNGI. 



223 



red colour, the same kind of fetid slimy matter being 

 collected near the centre of the disc. It seems strange, 

 if true, that Clathncs, as found in Europe, should be 

 reputed poisonous, and two other species, which at 

 one time were called Ileodictyon, should be eaten by 

 the natives in the Australian colonies. Probably, 



Fig. i,o.—Ase>-oc 7iilra, natural size. 



when denuded of the slime, none of the species are 

 injurious, but have acquired that reputation on account 

 of their disgusting odour. 



It was in the year 1843 that the announcement was 

 first made that the Clathnis had been found growing 



