322 The North American Cup-Fungi 



200. Urnula Geaster (Plate 59, 60). 



Add the note: This interesting species so far as our American 

 records show occurs onl\- in the State of Texas. Recently a 

 specimen of this species has been reported from Japan by R. 

 Imazeki (Jour. Japanese Bot. 14: 680-684. /. 1-3. 1938.). 

 However, only a single specimen was found and no further 

 reports have been received. Since the publication of the early 

 pages of this work abundant material, excellent photographs, 

 and valuable observations have been received from Dr. G. W. 

 Goldsmith of the University of Texas. Perhaps the best way to 

 present these observations is to quote them in the series of 

 letters which were exchanged with the collector. Whether the 

 name Devil's Cigar refers to the form of the young specimens 

 which resemble a bloated cigar in form, as well as in color, or to 

 the fact that the fungus appears to "smoke" at maturity, we 

 cannot say. Perhaps both factors entered into the case. At 

 any rate, the name is very appropriate. The correspondence is 

 as follows: 



November 29, 1932. 



Dr. Fred J. Seavkr 



New York Botanical Garden 



New York City. 



Dear Sir: 



Under separate package I am sending you a box of Urnula in the fresh 

 condition. I hope that they reach you in good condition but of course a 

 shipment of fresh material is always a risk. At this season this species is 

 rather abundant here and we are trying to secure photographs of the spore 

 discharge such as the one of this phenomenon shown in your book for Sclero- 

 tinia. Our Urnula discharges spores with a sound which can be heard for 

 several feet. I am forwarding this package of material because Dr. McAllister 

 mentioned your being desirous of it. 



Very tndy, 



Signed — G. W. Goldsmith 



December 5, 1932. 



Mr. G. W. Goldsmith 

 University of Texas 

 Box 1611 Univ. Station 

 Austin, Texas. 



Dear Mr. Goldsmith: 



The splendid collection of Urnula Geaster was received in fine shape. 

 This is the first chance I have had to study this from fresh material. I am 



