THE FUNGI : ASCOMYCETES AND BASIDIOMYCETES 329 



Typical examples of the Gasteromycetes are the Puff Balls and Earth 

 Stars belonging to the genera Ly coper don and G easier respectively. 



In the genus Lycoperdon the peridium may become thin and dry when 

 mature. A perforation opens in the top of the peridium and the spores are 



Fig. 323. — Gi'dstcr triplex. Group of fruiting bodies developed on the 

 ground among Beech leaves. 



Gleba 



Endoperidium 



Exoperidium 



Fig. 324. — Geaster triplex. Vertical section through a 

 fruiting body to show the various parts. 



scattered by the wind (Fig. 322). In the genus Geaster the peridium splits into 

 an outer layer which folds back like the rays of a star, exposing an inner sac 

 containing the spores, which opens as in Lycoperdon (Figs. 323 and 324). 



Some of these Puff Balls reach a considerable size, and the giant Puff' Ball 

 {Lycoperdon giganteum) may measure as much as 3 ft. across. It is found on 

 grass, and not infrequently appears on golf courses. Even more remarkable 



