I IO 



DISCOMYCETES 



[CH. 



The archicarp (figs. 66 b-e) consists of a long, branched, multicellular 

 trichogyne, an oogonial region of three or four coenocytic cells, and a 

 multicellular stalk. No antheridium has been observed. In the trichogyne 

 (fig. 66 e), pores are formed between the adjacent cells, and are closed after 

 a time by "callus" pads. In the central part of the archicarp the transverse 

 septa are completely broken down, so that a very wide passage is formed, 

 and nuclei pass readily from cell to cell (fig. 66/). All the cells give rise 



Fig. 66. Lachiua cretea Phi!.; a. mature ascocarp, xoo; b. <"■ development of archicarp, 

 X300; d. older archicarp showing crowded nuclei, x 400 ; e mature archicarp with 

 elaborately branched trichogyne, x 400;/'. three ascogonial cells united by very large 

 pores, X400. 



to ascogenous hyphae. Thus the oogonial region, though developmental ly 

 multicellular, is for all practical purposes unicellular at maturity, and offers 

 no greater difficulties in the way of fertilization than the oogonium of 

 Pyroncma itself. 



The branched character of the trichogyne is exceptional among Disco- 

 mycetes ; it might, no doubt, facilitate the establishment of contact with an 



