The Myxomycetes of Eastern Iowa. 137 



Capillitium flat, branching again and again. Spores clustered, 

 reticulate except on the contact portion, about .009. 



The only species of the genus; not common here, although 

 reported so in other parts of the country and the world. To 

 be distinguished from Enteridiiim rozeanuin by the capilli- 

 tium, less easily by external characters. The spores seem 

 to me very similar. In Enteridiwn the spores have been 

 described as warted. In both cases they are certainly deli- 

 tely and beautifully reticulate. 



On rotten wood of various sorts. September. The speci- 

 men figured (natural size) is unusually large. 



VII. STEMONITACEiE. 



Sporangia at maturity distinct. Peridium delicate, without 

 lime and generally completely deciduous. Capillitium of 

 solid threads which spring branching from a columella or 

 (rarely) from the tip of the intruding stipe. No lime. Spore- 

 mass and capillitium violet-black. 



KEY TO GENERA. 



Peridium somewhat persistent, Lamproderma. 



Peridium fugitive disappearing wholly before the maturing of 

 the spores — 



1. Sporangia gregarious, tips of capillitium not 



united to form a net, Comatricha. 



2. Sporangia crowded, ultimate branches of capil- 



litium united, Stemoxitis. 



LAMPRODERMA, Rostafinshi. 



Sporangia spherical or ellipsoidal, stipitate. Peridium mem- 

 branous, persistent, generally with a metallic lustre. Stipe 

 lengthened to form the columella which is hardly half as 

 high as the sporangium, and is cylindrical or clavate in form. 

 Capillitium springing from the columella, the threads dichot- 



