30 FUNGUS-FLORA. 



sequence from the most spiny forms to those that are per- 

 fectly smooth, and it is impossible to draw the line between 

 the two genera. The same remark applies to the supposed 

 distinctions presented by the capillitium and the absence 

 or presence of a sterile basal stratum. 



As defined above, the genus Lycoperdon is distinguished by 

 the spinose, warted, or smooth and deciduous outer layer 

 of the peridium, copious capillitium, and absence of a dis- 

 tinctly defined opening for the escape of the spores. The 

 various species are popularly known as puff-balls. 



A. Sterile basal stratum present. 

 * Spores rough. 



Lycoperdon echinatum. Peis. 



Obovate or f-ubglobose, bristling with crowded, long, 

 pyramidal purple-brown spines ; between which are minute 

 brown warts ; dehiscing by a small irregular opening ; sterile 

 basal stratum well developed, pale ochraceous, passing 

 downwards into long root-like white strands; mass of 

 spores purple-umber; capillitium dense, threads irregularly 

 branched ; spores spherical, coarsely warted, 5-6 p.. 



Lycoperdon echinatum, Pers., Symb. Myc., p. 36 ; Mass-, 

 Mon. Gast., p. 67, f. 32. 



On the ground in woods, amongst leaves. Generally 

 solitary, 1-2 in. high, 1-1 ^ in. across, the spines are often 

 curved and split at the base; after falling away, smooth 

 scars are left on the wall of the peridium, each surrounded 

 by a ring of minute warts, giving to the surface a tesselated 

 appearance. 



Lycoperdon Hoylei. Berk. 



Subglobose, densely covered with stout, straight or curved 

 pyramidal, purple - brown, deciduous spines ; between the 

 spines are minute persistent brown warts ; sterile base very 

 compact, bright olive, passing into white, cord-like rooting 

 strands ; mass of spores purplo amber, with olive tinge ; 

 capillitium dense, threads olive, sparsely branched ; spores 

 globose, minutely warted, 5 /*. 



Lycoperdon Hoylei, B. & Br., Ann. Nat. Hist., n. 1037; Mass., 

 Mon. Gast., p. 68, f. 68. 



