OBSERVATIONS ON PEZIZA CALYCINA. 171 



rest, nor in the obtusity of the extremities. The length of the 

 sporidia are not taken into account in the characteristics of the 

 proposed species. 



We would contend that there is 'a much greater probability in 

 favour of the form represented at fig. c being accepted as a distinct 

 species than that at fig. b. The figure c is derived from the speci- 

 mens mentioned in " Grevillea," iii., p. 121, as P. calycina var. 

 Trevehjani. The division of the endochrome is a much more note- 

 worthy feature in sporidia where nuclei are seldom observed, than 

 difference in length or breadth, or obtusity of sporidia, when so 

 great variability prevails. 



The extreme variability in the length of the sporidia is remark- 

 able in all forms of Peziza calycina. In fig. a we measured them 

 respectively at -014, -015, -02, -023, -025, -026, -028. In fig. b, 

 •015, -016, -018, -022, -024, -026, -028. In fig. c, -018, -02, -022, 

 •024, ^028, -03, -032. It may be remarked here, that in all in- 

 stances only one cup from the specimen named is concerned in the 

 figures represented, so that there can be no admixture of sporidia 

 from other and more or less matured cups. 



For further comparison we have also given the following addi- 

 tional figures : — 



Fig./, from specimen collected at Ken Wood, near London, in 

 which the sporidia are uniformly smaller. 



Fig. g is from another of the specimens published in " Fungi 

 Britannici" (ii., 370), regarded by Dr. Rehm as Peziza laricis. 



Fig. h, two of the most mature asci in the only developed cup to 

 be found on our specimen of Peziza calycina, in Fuckel's "Fungi 

 Rhenani," No. 1206. 



Fig. ?', is from specimen named P. calycina, received from the 

 late Dr. Curtis, of S. Carolina (U.S.), and which seems to be P. 

 lachnoderma. Berk. 



It may be remarked here, that a great number of the specimens 

 referred to P. calycina, in Herbaria, are P. subtilissima, Cooke 

 ("Grevillea," iii., fig. 167), as for instance, specimens we have 

 received from Dr. Geo. Winter (Leipzic), H. W. Ravenel (S. 

 Carolina), Prof. Hazslinszky (Eperies), A. Jerdon (Scotland), 

 Fries's " Scler. Suec," No. 360, Mougeot (in '' Herb. Berk."), and 

 Piziza pulchella, Grev., in "Herb. Edinensis." ThQ Peziza caly- 

 cina, of Nylander (" Obs.," p. 24) and of Karsten (" Myc. Fenn.," 

 p. 154), is clearly the same species. 



If it were admitted that the difference in width and obtusity of 

 sporidia existed in the forms indicated by Dr. Rehm, to the extent 

 alleged, we do not consider such difference to be of specific value in 

 a species where so much variation, even beyond the limits which he 

 assigns, is manifest. 



Second. — The texture of the asci is noted. In 

 P. calycina. " Asci tenues." 

 P. laricis. " Apex ascorum crassorum." 



