THE FUNGI : ASCOMYCETES AND BASIDIOMYCETES 327 



process of autodigestion, whereby the cap is digested from the edge up 

 wards, while at the same time it becomes turned outwards (Fig. 321). This 



process 

 tionallv 



Fig. 320. — Amanita phalloides. Fruiting bodies 

 in various stages showing annulus and volva. 

 / The gills bear white spores. 



may assist in the dissemination of the spores, for the gills are excep- 

 long and are folded close around the stipe in such a way that only 



Fig. 321. — Coprinus domesticus. A, Young fruiting bodies. B, Fruiting bodies 

 after the deliquescence of the gills due to autodigestion. 



spores at the margin of the pileus could fall clear until by autodigestion the 

 cap expands and exposes the upper part of the gills. 



Spore production in many of the higher Fungi is enormous. It has been 

 estimated that a mushroom about 3 in. across produces about 800,000,000 

 spores, while some of the Bracket Fungi and giant Puff Balls may produce 

 from 11,000,000,000 to 7,000,000,000,000 spores. Bearing in mind that 



