218 The Fungi of Wiltshire. 



I 



09 



( Perisporiacei. Perithecia free, closed, often surrounded by 

 variously-shaped threads. Asci spring- 

 ing from the base. 



% Onygenci. Receptacle clavseform Asci springing 



I from threads, which traverse its cavity. 



I I Sporidia at length pulverulent. 



In the Elvellacei the hymenium is open from the first, and is of 

 a fleshy, waxy, or gelatinous texture. This soft texture is a great 

 characteristic of the Order, and presents many diflBculties to a 

 beginner, which however disappear when a few of the genera have 

 been determined. The Morels belong here, and they scarcely 

 differ from some of the Tuberacei except in place of growth. 

 Gautieria a hypogceous species growing in the South of Europe, 

 presents a strong resemblance to the Morels. The genus Peziza is 

 one very numerous in species, and although it yields in the beauty 

 of its fruit to the genus Sphoeria, yet it surpasses most other Fungi 

 in that of its form, and clothing, and in the colour of its hymenium. 

 Nothing can surpass Peziza coccinea, or P. aurantia, in colour. 

 Peziza acetabulum yields to no plant in elegance of form. And 

 many of the more minute species excel in the beauty of their 

 clothing. Peziza trechispora lastly equals any other Fungus in 

 its echinulate fruit, and its curious paraphyses. Several other plants 

 of this division afford interesting microscopic objects. Geoglossum 

 and Vibrissea, for instance, in their singular fruit are well worthy 

 examination. Sphoeriacei exceed perhaps all other Fungi in the 

 variety and beauty of their sporidia. 



ORDER XXIII. ELYELLACEI. 



Genus CCXLII., Morchella Dill. Receptacle clavate, or pileate, 

 impervious in the centre, stipitate, covered with the hymenium, 

 which is deeply folded and pitted. 



Morchella esculenta P., Hartham Park. 



Genus CCXLIIL, Gyromytra Fr. Receptacle inflated, bullate, 

 rough with raised gyrose ribs. 



