io8 



RESEARCHES ON FUNGI 



in meadows (Fig. 39). The fruit-bodies are developed during a spell 

 of wet weather, but, when the air and soil become reduced in 

 moisture, and especially when the radiation of the sun is intense, 

 they slowly dry up and cease to shed spores. As soon as rain comes 

 again, water is quickly reabsorbed through the top of the pileus, and 

 the spore-liberating function is resumed. There can be no doubt 

 that the revival of the fruit-bodies of Marasmii after desiccation is 

 an advantageous adaptation which prevents a great loss of spores. 



FlG. 40. — Marasmius orcadis. A and B, the under surfaces, and C, the upper 

 surface of the pilei of three fruit-bodies after desiccation. D and F are the 

 pilei A and C respectively three hours after the commencement of revival by 

 absorption of water through their upper surfaces. E, a spore-deposit from 

 the pileus D (A revived). Natural size. 



During dry weather in early autumn I have several times gathered 

 shrivelled-up specimens of Collybia dryophila growing among leaves 

 in woods. Upon being wetted, the pilei soon became fully expanded 

 again, and spore-liberation was then actively resumed. It is evident 

 that the fruit-bodies of Collybia dryophila retain their vitality after 

 desiccation in just the same manner as those of Marasntitis oirarfcu. 



As a result of experiments upon a considerable number of typical 

 species, the names of which will shortly be given in a Table, it seems 



