THE SPORE AND ITS DISSEMINATION. 123 



tions to the general rule : this also is the case in at least one 

 species of Hymencgaster. As the spores approach maturity, it 

 may be observed in such genera as Stemonitis, Arcyria, Diacliea, 

 Diclydium, Cribraria, Trichia, &c., that they are accompanied by 

 a sort of reticulated skeleton of threads, which re- 

 main permanent, and served in earlier stages, doubt- 

 less, as supports for the spores ; being, in fact, the 

 skeleton of the hymenium. It has been suggested 

 that the spiral character of the threads in Trichia 

 calls to mind the elaters in the Hepaticce, and like 

 them may, by elasticity, aid in the dispersion of the 

 spores. There is nothing known, however, which 

 will warrant this view. When the spores are 

 mature, the peridium ruptures either by an external 

 orifice, as in Geaster, Lycoperdon, &c., or by an 

 irregular opening, and the light, minute, delicate , 

 spores are disseminated by the slightest breath of 

 air. Specimens of Geaster and Bovista are easily 

 separated from the spot on which they grew ; when 

 rolling from place to place, the spores are deposited FlG 48 _^ a . 

 over a large surface. In the Phalloidei the spores chea eiegans. 

 are involved in a slimy mucus which would prevent their diffu- 

 sion in such a manner. This gelatinous substance has neverthe- 

 less a peculiar attraction for insects, and it is not altogether 

 romantic to believe that in sucking up the fetid slime, they 

 also imbibe the spores and transfer them from place to place, 

 so that even amongst fungi insects aid in the dissemination of 

 species. Whether or not the Myxogastres should be included 

 here is matter of opinion, since the mode in which the spores 

 are developed is but little known ; analogy with the TricJiogastres 

 in other points alone leading to the conclusion that they may 

 produce basidiospores. The slender, elastic stems which sup- 

 port the peridia in many species are undoubted aids to the 

 dissemination of the spores.* 



Under the name of STYLOSPORES may be classed those spores 

 which in some orders of Coniomycetes are produced at the apex 

 * See "Corda Icones," tab. 2. 



