196 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF [1890. 



12.5 !i. in diameter, with thick epispores .studded irregularly 

 with peculiar, bluut, elongated projections, each of which by the use 

 of a higli power lens can be resolved into from 2 to 8 or more minute, 

 irregularly cylindrical processes standing side by side, apparently 

 joined by their bases, in rank or in irregular angular clusters. 



The spore sculpturing is absolutely characteristic, and is the same 

 in both European and American specimens. It does not resemble 

 that of any known spore of the Myxomycetes and is well shown by 

 the illustration in Rostafinski's Monografia Sluzowce. 



The color of the sporangia is often modified, as is the case with 

 some of the specimens distributed under No. 2494, by the readiness 

 with which the external limy layer is stained by rain water, tinged 

 with coloring matter from the decaying leaves on which the spor- 

 angia may be developed. 



As the result of immaturity or imperfect development, a few in- 

 dividuals of a cluster of sporangia, may occasionally be found lack- 

 ing the external layer of lime, either wholly or in part, in which 

 case the membranaceous wall is beautifully iridescent. 



The stipitate sporangia are solitary, not gregarious in habit of 

 growth. They are ellipsoidal or obovate in shape and j^robably 

 represent the highest stage of development of the species. 



