PH YCOM YCETO US A FFINI TIES 3 1 1 



The genus Oscarbrefeldia is monotypic, having been based on 

 0. pelliicida Holtcrmann (1898), isolated in Java from a slime 

 flux of trees. The mycelium is septate and bears ellipsoidal 

 conidia similar to those of Ascoidea. Frequently also, cells 

 indistinguishable from the conidia in shape and position form 

 definite oval endogenous spores. Though Holtermann states 

 that the spore number varies from one to seventy, his figures 

 show it to be frequently eight. The spore sacs are sometimes 

 formed in chains. Proliferation does not occur. As figured 

 the spores are seen surrounded by epiplasm, but stained prepa- 

 rations were not made, and no evidence that nuclear fusion 

 or free-cell formation occurs in these cells is provided. The 

 author's figures and statements are confusing and unconvincing, 



Fig. 111. — Pericystis alvei Betts. (a) Copulation of gametangia to form a sac. 

 (6) Mature sac containing spores. {After Claussen 1921). 



and we are left in doubt as to the real nature of the form studied. 

 No adequate proof of its relationship with Dipodascus or Ascoidea 

 is given. The genus is at best of doubtful position. 



The genus Conidiascus is of similar status. It also is mono- 

 typic, having been based on C. paradoxus Holtermann (1898: 23), 

 found in Java in a slimy exudation from Ficus. The mycelium 

 forms a mat of septate, branching hyphae at whose tips oval 

 conidia cluster as in Ascoidea. In cultures of distilled water 

 the contents of a few conidia were observed to round up to form 

 three to five globose spore-like bodies. In such cases the terms 

 sporangium and ascus are used indiscriminately by Holtermann. 

 He figures the escape of the spores through a simple pore at the 

 end of the cell. No evidence of nuclear fusion or free-cell 

 formation is given. Though the species may yet be shown to 



