6 Transactions of the Canadian Institute. [Vol. VII. 



whole structure has obviously been much changed by the action of 

 parasitic hyphae, so that we may perhaps, with justice, conclude that it 

 consists of some large fungus, probably of the Polyporus type, which 

 has been destroyed by two parasitic fungi, probably also to be classed 

 with the higher forms. As a result, degeneration of some of the 

 interwoven hyphae seems to have taken place, giving rise to a resinous 

 substance, to whose presence the characteristic saponaceous feeling is 

 due. 



EXPLANATION OF PLATE. 



Fig I. — Section at right angles to strands of hyph«. Treated with potash and mounted 

 in glycerine. Obj. %. 



Fig. 2. — Section parallel to strands of hyphae. Obj. ^. 



Fig. 3. — Section as in Fig. i under i inch obj. (Reduced %). 



Fig. 4. — Group of spores in connection with the large, colourless hyphse. Stained with 

 carbol fuchsin. Oc. 4. Obj. Horn. Imm. ^\. 



Fig. 5. — Brown hyphae with group of spores. Oc. 4. Obj. Zeiss D. 



Fig. 6. — Spores of the above group. Oc. 4. Obj. Zeiss F. 



Fig. 7. — Small piece of "soap" treated with potash (5%). Shaded portions coloured 

 deep red. (Macroscopic). 



Figs. 8 and 9. — Microtome sections showing three systems of hyphae. Iron alum (24 

 hours), and haematoxylin. Oc. 4. Obj. Zeiss D. 



Fig. 10. — A few hyphae, separated by the action of eau dejavelle. Brown hyphae were 

 present, but are omitted from the figure, which shows the fine colourless 

 hyphae running amongst the larger colourless ones. Oc. 4. Obj. Zeiss D. 



Fig. II. — Portion of section, treated with potash, showing the arrangement of the 

 brown overlying hyphae, resembling that of a conducting system. Oc. 4. 

 Obj. Zeiss D. 



Fig. 12. — Portions of separated colourless hyphae, treated with alcoholic potash. 

 Oc. 4. Obj. Zeiss Hom. Imm. ^. 



Figs. 13 and 14. — Staining of resinous fragments by an ethereal solution of sudan iii. 

 Oc. 4. Obj. Zeiss F. 



