THE NIDULAR1ACE 



519 



thick, sprinkled with a grayish meal. Spores elliptical, colorless, 12-14x10^. 

 I have frequently seen the- ground in gardens and stubble-fields covered with 

 these beautiful little plants. The quite firm, thick, and flaring cup will easily 

 distinguish the species. The eggs Or peridioles are black and quite large, appearing 

 white because covered with a thin white membrane. Found in late summer and 

 fall. The plants in Figure 442 were photographed by Prof. G. D. Smith. 



Cyothus stercorals. 



Figure 443. Cyathus stercoreus. 



Stercoreus is from stercus, dung. This species, as the name suggests, is 

 found on manure or manured grounds. Mr. Lloyd gives the following description : 

 "The cups are even inside, and with shaggy hairs outside. When old they be- 

 come smoother, and are sometimes mistaken for Cyathus vernicosus. However 

 when once learned, the plants can be readily distinguished by the cups. Cyathus 

 stercoreus varies considerably, however, as to shape and size of cups, according to 

 habitat. If growing on a cake of manure, they are shorter and more cylindrical ; 

 if in loose manured ground, especially in grass, they are more slender and 

 inclined to a stalk at the base." The peridioles or eggs are blacker than other 

 species. They are found in late summer and fall. 



