236 THE NORTHERN MICROSCOPIST. 
colour, and grow upon cow-dung. They may be found in almost 
every pasture where cows feed. The fruit of the Ascobolus, when 
well mounted, forms one of the most beautiful of microscopic 
objects. The spores are in countless number of pod-like cases 
called asci, and are very transparent. They should be mounted 
in jelly or fluid. After many trials, I have been compelled to give 
up Canada balsam as a medium for these objects. 
Besides the above so easily found there are numerous other species 
which require carefully looking for: some are black, some green, 
and others of various shades. A many of them are very small. 
By far the larger number of the species are to be found upon the 
dung of animals—the cow, horse, rabbit, sheep, and others furnish 
numerous species. Some have been found upon leather and old 
rags, but I must not occupy the space necessary for a fuller account 
of these interesting fungi. I will only add that they may be found 
anywhere in the proper season. Some of the species may be met 
with all the year round. At the present time cow-dung is the 
favourite nidus upon which several species grow in great abund- 
ance. 
Some of the Myxogastres (a most interesting family, and a great 
puzzle to the science student) come to the front about this time, 
while others of them are over, and will not appear again until 
spring. Physarum album is a very interesting member of the 
family. Damp shady places, especially woods, should be explored 
in search of it. It may be found on various substances. My 
most pleasing specimen I found on leaves of ground ivy in October 
of last year. Other species may be found on dead branches of 
trees lying on the ground or on rotten wood. 
Various species of Arcyria (they also belong to the Myxogastres) 
may now be met with on rotten wood or on moss in damp places. 
They are exceedingly beautiful microscopic objects, and are com- 
paratively common. The Arcyria punicea, the common name of 
which is “Splendid Arcyrea,” does truly merit that name. It is of 
a rich red colour, about the size of a large pin’s head, and clusters 
of the fungus are usually found together. There are other members 
of the family that will be met with by the diligent student, but I 
name this one specially, as it is of all of them the most easil 
found in consequence of its bright colour. 
The Trichia (also Myxogastres) are now to be met with. They 
also are found on rotten wood. One of them, Zvichia rubiformis, 
is readily seen by its bright red colour, and is here known com- 
monly as “ Reddish Trichia.” There are numerous species of the 
Trichia, almost all on rotten wood. During the month, and indeed 
during the winter, the forest, where dead sticks are scattered about, 
and dead stumps, in various conditions of rottenness may be met 
with, forms a rich hunting ground for the student. Not only are 
