The Myxomycetes of Eastern Iowa. 109 



in ascending line, the zoologists with reason derive the copi- 

 ousl}-^ and highly developed section of the shell-forming Rhizo- 

 poda, * * * And since there are sufficient grounds for 

 placing the rhizopods outside the vegetable and in the animal 

 kingdom, and this is undoubtedly the true position for the 

 amcebai, which are their earlier and simpler forms, the Myce- 

 tozoa, which may be directly derived from the same stem are 

 at least brought very near to the domain of zoology." 



Notwithstanding all the controversy in regard to the matter, 

 the study of the Slime -moulds still rests chiefly with the 

 botanists. The latest and simplest scheme of classification 

 for the ThalHphytes is that offered by Goebel as follows: 



r I. xMyxomycetes. 

 I TI. Diatomacese. 



III. Schizophyta — includes the Schizomy- 

 Thallophyta: -\ cetes and Cyanophycecr-. 



IV. A.lg£e, excluding Diatoms and Cyan- 

 ophycccP. 



V. Fungi, exclusive of Myxomycetes and 

 Sch izo mycctcs. . 



This arrangement commits us to no theory and enables us 

 to study together those forms which by common consent are 

 naturally associated. 



About 400 species of Slime-moulds have been described. 

 Saccardo enumerates 443, inclusive of those denominated 

 doubtful or less perfectly known. These 443 species are 

 distributed among 47 genera of which 15 are represented by 

 but a single species each, (monotypic). In the United States 

 there have been recognized about 150-200 species. Doubtless 

 subsequent investigation will reduce the number rather than 

 increase it. Of the species described, some are almost world- 

 wide in their distribution, others are limited to comparatively 

 narrow boundaries. The greater number occur in the tem- 

 perate regions of the earth, although many are reported from 



