14^ Natural History Bulletin. 



crowded; in the other all are massed together in quite eethali- 

 oid fashion, forming chalky masses of considerable size (two 

 or three centimeters) where the sporangia are regular in 

 shape and size by reason of mutual pressure. The plasmo- 

 •dium develops in forests and orchards, among decaying 

 leaves. July — September. Not common. 



47. Chondrioderma TESTACEUM, 5(:/^rai^e/'. Plate VII, Figs. 



4, 4« and 4^. 



Sporangia spherical or hemispherical depressed, about i mm. 

 broad. Outer peridium flesh-colored, at length white; the 

 inner, very delicate, violet. Capillitium abundant, graceful, 

 without thickenings. Spores dusky -black, very delicately 

 warted, .008-.010. 



Differs at sight from the preceding although found at the 

 same season and in similar situations. Forms referred to this 

 species are variable in form, save that all specimens show 

 somewhat of flattening, or depression. The inner peridium 

 tends to be wrinkled or rugulose. Colonies form along the 

 veins and margins of dead leaves (oak) generally in a single 

 series; very handsome. The freshly formed peridia have a 

 roseate tint that lends an added charm. Decorah. Mr. 

 Hoi way. 



48. Chondrioderma calcareum, Link. 



Sporangia sessile, circular, ovate, oblong or variously curv- 

 ed, convex, depressed. Outer peridium pale, hyaline when 

 wet; white, shell-like, opaque, when dry, very fragile; at 

 length breaking irregularly; inner peridium ashen, somewhat 

 persistent. Capillitium scant. Spores black, compacted. 



Recognized by its peculiar form and habit, The sporangia 

 are flat, whatever their shape in contour, sometimes resemble 

 flat plasmodiocarps. The outer peridium fits the inner closely 

 and is very transient, so that in an entire colony the collector 

 may find scarce a sign that such envelope ever had existence. 



