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regard a fungus as consisting of mycelium and fruit, then it may be permitted to 
speak of stipe, stroma, or receptacle as expansions of the mycelium, and, accepting 
Ascomyces as the type, paraphyses might be regarded as metamorphosed or 
atrophied asci. There would be somewhat of poetical license in such a course, but 
if understood as only to be accepted in an esthetic sense there would perhaps not 
be so much ground for complaint. If, on the contrary, it should be contended 
that paraphyses are merely the raw material from whence fruitful asci are pro- 
duced, or that they are nascent asci which peculiarly favourable circumstances 
might stimulate into fertility, then we cannot accept the theory until stronger 
evidence can be educed in its support. We have already expressed an opinion of 
the functions of paraphyses, hence it is unnecessary to prolong a discussion of what 
they are not. Although there is nothing sensational or startling in the acceptance 
of a theory that certain organs found performing certain functions, were intended 
to perform those functions ; and that performing those essential functions satis- 
factorily is a reason why we should not seek to charge them with others; it is 
nevertheless our opinion that it is much better to hold to such a simple theory 
until strong evidence is adduced to render reconsideration necessary. 
THE REPRODUCTIVE PROCESS IN BOLETUS SUBTOMENTOSUS. 
By W. G. Suir, Esa. 
Up to the present time I believe nothing has been published in reference to 
the reproductive process in Boletus, or even any observations printed on the 
germination of the spores in this genus. In a mature Boletus nothing is more 
easy than to see millions of ripe spores ; but nothing it would appear is more 
impossible than to see a single spore in the act of germination. Botanists as a rule 
have continued to look for the germination of the spores immediately after their 
fall from the hymenium. 
Although there may be no true analogy between a spore and a seed, yet 
there is sufficient natural similitude to make one remember that whilst some seeds 
are capable of germination immediately after they reach maturity and will in fact 
- only germinate at that particular period ; other seeds require a certain amount of 
rest before they will start into renewed life. As far as my experience goes the 
same habit holds good in the fungus tribe—the spores of certain species germinate 
very readily, whilst others (as those belonging to the genus Boletus) require a rest 
of from four to six or even eight weeks before they are able to throw out their first 
new cells. I have only seen the spores of Boletus germinate under one condition, 
and that condition is attained when the spores have been allowed to rest for at 
least a month in the wet and putrid remains of the parent fungus from which they 
originally sprang. 
Every field student of fungi must have observed the wet loathsome masses 
of black treacley putrescence into which Boleti fall in decay. These masses are 
offensive to the touch, the sight, and the smell ; but notwithstanding these con- 
fessedly objectionable features, a putrid Boletus will well repay close study. 
