158 THE MYXOMYCETES 



which embraces several large cysts or vesicles whose function or 

 homology is not clear. 



From the base of the fructification rise also ascending branches 

 which are black, terete and not infrequently branched as if to form 

 the capillitium of a stemonitis. These ascending branches are in many 

 cases, probably in all, real, though as yet imperfectly developed, col- 

 umellae. They rise, at least in many cases, directly from the hypo- 

 thallus; each is central to one of the individual units referred to, 

 rising to about two-thirds its height, but never attaining the summit. 

 The columella bears cystiferous threads sparingly, if at all; never- 

 theless these abound in the intermediate portions of the capillitium, 

 and are especially noticeable beyond the level of the top of the colu- 

 mella. Many are so arranged that the plexus with its vesicles occupies 

 a place in the plane separating adjacent units, suggesting the possibil- 

 ity that we have here to do with an imperfectly developed surface net 

 and peridium. In this view the cysts would represent the meeting- 

 point of two opposite radial capillitial threads rather than the middle 

 of one. This accords with Rostafinski's observations and drawings. 

 The cysts, then, belong morphologically to the peridium or sporangium 

 wall. It is a stemonitis whose sporangia have never been perfectly 

 differentiated, a case of arrested development. See further under 

 Stemonitis confluens. 



Dermodium inquinans Lk. ex Fr., Symb. Gast. 9, 1817, is cited by 

 Rostafinski as a probable synonym of this species, and distinct from 

 the species so named by Link, which is thought to be a synonym for 

 Amaurochate fuliginosa. Fries spells the generic name "Demordium." 

 Rostafinski really offers the first definitive description. Fries probably 

 distinguished it, but his description would not indicate the fact except 

 for the added note wherein appears the reason for discarding an ap- 

 parently older name given by Link. But neither Link nor Sowerby 

 distinguished by description or figure Brefeldia from Amaurochaete. 



Throughout the northern forest, Maine to Vancouver Island, not 

 common, Argentina; also throughout Europe. 



6. Stemonitis Gleditsch emend. Rost. 



Versuch7. 1873. 



1753. Stemonitis Gleditsch, Meth. Fung. 140, in part. 



Sporangia distinct, though often closely aggregated, cylindric, stip- 

 itate; columella prominent; capillitium well developed by repeated 

 lateral and apical branching of the columella, at length assuming at 



