September 



157 



wainscot, and when some panels are removed there 

 we see visible evidence of dry rot. Large patches of 

 a grey velvety substance are spreading everywhere, 

 covered with drops of water which gives the specific 

 name of lacrymans (weeping) to this most destructive 

 fungus. 



In the third order of fungi we find beneath 

 the pileus spiny projections or teeth. If we 

 happen to light upon Hydnuin 

 repanduin, a species not un- 

 common in woods and damp 

 shady places, we can observe in 

 it a good specimen of this 

 structure. Then again we notice 

 the curious Clavarias, mauve- 

 coloured, white, yellow and bluish 

 grey, which spring up on our lawns 

 at this season. They dry very 

 readily, and form interesting sub- 

 jects for a collection. 



Pezizas are also worth searching 

 for. I found a brilliant orange-coloured one on our 

 common to-day, and could not resist bringing it in, so 

 as to watch it giving out its spores when breathed 

 upon. They are shot out like little jets of smoke, 

 and it is amusing to see the fungus thus energetically 

 sowing itself far and wide. 



Any of my readers who may desire further 

 information on this subject will find in Dr. M. C. 

 Cooke's British Fungi an excellent guide into this 

 field of special study to which the specimens of 

 to-day have drawn our attention. 



CLAVARIA. 



