Seaver : Color variation in some fungi 313 



Peck and the other half which was dried immediately retained the 

 orange-color of Hypomyces lactifluorum (Schw.) Tul. thus proving 

 the identity of the two species. Dried specimens of each were 

 mounted in the herbarium of the writer and kept for future refer- 

 ence. 



Colors are not equally changeable in all cases, neither are the 

 conditions which bring about these changes the same for different 



species. In Hyp 



is normally of 



a bright lemon-yellow color, the dried specimens have been 

 exposed to the light for several months and no change in color 

 detected, while specimens of Hypomyces apiadata Cooke & Peck 

 are entirely bleached when treated in the same manner. However, 

 Hypocrea citrina (Pers.) Fries, if exposed to conditions of excessive 

 moisture, loses its bright color and takes on a dull yellow, ap- 

 proaching a brown. 



The conclusions of the present paper are that the evidence, 

 which is adequate in most cases, suggests the reduction of the 



owing species which are based primarily on color to the list of 



foil 



Nectria Russellii B. & C, Neciria offuscata 

 ?scens Cooke, and Nectria Meliae Earle, being 



purp 



Hypocrea chlorosp 



of Hypocrea gelatinosa (Tode) Fries ; and Hypomyces purpureas 

 Peek a condition of Hypomyces lactifluorum (Schw.) Tul. in process 

 of decay. Further, that the description of new species in the 

 Present order based on color alone, until the color variation of the 

 various species or the order can be determined, leads to nothing but 

 confusion. Only a few of the more striking cases of color variation 

 have been mentioned here and those with the hope of impressing 

 u pon co-workers the necessity of more careful field study rather 

 than a haphazard description of new species based on characters 

 u 'hich may prove constant but which in many cases are most 

 changeable. 



A monograph of the North American Hypocreales is in course 

 of preparation by the writer and material is desired from any part 

 °f North Ame 



J n preparing this paper I am indebted to the New York 

 B otanical Garden for unrestricted use of library and herbarium, 



nca. 



