1903-1904] Notes on Fiaigi from West Kilbride. yy 



lY.— NOTES ON FUNGI FROM WEST KILBBIDE, 

 AYRSHIRE. 



By Mr D. A. BOYD, Corresponding Member. 



(Bead Jan. 27, 1904.) 



I. The Jew's-Ear (Hirneola mtricula-judce, Berk.). 



This fungus is included in the very extensive group known 

 as the Hymenomycetes, which embraces a large number 

 of genera and species. These often differ greatly in size, 

 shape, and general appearance ; but all agree in one im- 

 portant character — viz., the spores are attached to well de- 

 fined basidia, and these spore-bearing basidia are produced 

 on a surface termed the hymenium, which, at maturity, is 

 always openly exposed, without any covering whatever. The 

 hymenium may be distributed over the surface of vertical 

 plates or gills, as in the mushrooms and toadstools ; or of 

 tubes, as in the various species of Boletus ; or of pores, as 

 in the Polypori ; or of spines, as in Hydnum, But in various 

 other genera, such as Corticium, Stereum, and Hirneola, the 

 spore-bearing surface is free from gills, pores, &c., and seems 

 perfectly smooth when viewed superficially. When examined 

 microscopically, however, it is seen to be rough through the 

 presence of innumerable spore-bearing basidia, too minute to 

 be detected by the unaided vision. 



Hirneola, the genus under notice, is included in the 

 Tremellini, a section remarkable for the gelatinous nature 

 of the fungi embraced therein. Hirneola auricula - judee, 

 commonly known as the Jew's-Ear, occurs on dead branches 

 of Elder in many parts of the country. When in a moist 

 state, it has a decidedly ear-like feeling when pressed be- 

 tween the fingers. Specimens can be easily preserved by 

 drying very gradually. They then assume a somewhat firm 

 and horny texture. They may be restored to a soft and 

 flexible condition by placing them over-night between folds of 

 moistened linen or other cloth. 



