522 COMPARATIVE MORPHOLOGY OF FUNGI 



membranes, with irregular borders, covered between the setae by an 

 even hymenium (Fig. 339, 2). 



The Tremelleae bear the same relation to the Sebacineae as Stereum 

 to Corticium, or Auricularia to Platygloea, only their fructifications are even 



Fig. 341. — Tremella compacta. Habit and cross section. (Natural size; after Moller, 



1895.) 



more gelatinuous than those of Auricularia. These gelatinous masses 

 are hygroscopic, having the ability to swell greatly in wet weather, while 

 in dry weather the imbibed water readily evaporates, producing great 



Fig. 342. — Tremella fuciformis. Habit. (Natural size; after Moller, 1895.) 



shrinkage and change of form, as well as practical suspension of life 

 processes. With the return of rainy weather, they renew their growth 

 and spore formation. They are very resistant to temperature changes 

 and endure —20° C. without injury. 



