308 Seaver: Studies in tropical Ascomycetes 



at an elevation of about 3500 feet. Here the soil and atmosphere 

 were saturated so much so that it was impossible to find a dis- 

 place where one could sit to rest or eat. The trunks of the trees 

 and even the leaves were loaded with mosses and hepatics, and 

 there seemed to be scarcely room for a fungus to grow, although 

 a number of specimens of Aschersonia in fruit (Ilypocrella) were 

 found and in some abundance. 



The view, which must be remarkable under favorable con- 

 ditions, was entirely missed by us on account of the atmospheric 

 conditions. In spite of the fact that we were under the tropical 

 sun, had it not been obscured by the clouds and fog, a cold chill 

 wind swept over the mountain top which compelled us to look 

 for a sheltered spot where we could eat our lunch in compara- 

 tive comfort. 



Not finding the conditions especially favorable for myco- 

 logical collecting at this elevation the writer preceded the party 

 down the trail in order to have time to hunt leisurely for things 

 of a mycological nature. Many interesting collections were 

 made, most of which have not been studied critically. One which 

 was of more than usual interest was a species of Xylaria which is 

 made the subject of the present paper. These specimens were 

 found opposite the overhanging rock about midway between 

 the summit and the Forester's cabin to the left of the trail going 

 down. 



On account of the density of the forest and the general gloomi- 

 ness of the day it was difficult to detect the presence of minute 

 fungi. However, on picking up what appeared to be a dead 

 stick a seed the size of an ordinary marble was found attached 

 to its base. On closer examination the object, which proved 

 to be a large fungus, was at first thought to be a fine Cordyceps. 

 It finally turned out to be a Xylaria. On further search other 

 plants were found until fifty or a hundred specimens had been 

 collected, each growing from a seed of what proved to be that 

 of the mountain palm, Euterpe globosa Gaert. A number of 

 fungi, such as certain species of Sclerotinia, grow exclusively on 

 seeds. Also a number of species of Cordyceps grow on under- 

 ground fungi which have much the same general appearance, 

 but so far as the experience of the writer has gone this is the 

 only species of Xylaria encountered which has the general ap- 

 pearance of a Cordyceps with the habitat of the Sclerotinia. 



