76 FUNGUS-FLORA. 



Forming elongated, blackish, gouty swellings on basal 

 part of stem or root of living plants of Itliinanthus crista-galli. 



A true parasite, attacking the host during the summer 

 and perfecting its fruit during the winter or early spring, 

 according to Mr. Taylor, who first detected it and sent 

 specimens to Dr. Cooke. Dr. Cooke finds stylospores early 

 in the season, fusiform, acute, 3-septate, 70 X 5 p. 



Fam. II. STICTEAE. 



The species are invariably minute and the ascophore 

 always deeply immersed in the matrix, at first urceolate or 

 cup-shaped, afterwards expanding. The excipulum, when 

 present, is very thin and delicate, usually snow-white and 

 minutely mealy, due to the presence of minute particles of 

 oxalate of lime. The excipulum is at first continuous above, 

 and after its rupture frequently becomes reflexed and forms 

 an entire or toothed white margin surrounding the circular, 

 elliptical, or irregularly angular, depressed disc. In some 

 species the excipulum is almost obsolete, and the border of 

 the disc, if present, is formed by the matrix. The disc is 

 waxy in consistence, usually clear-coloured, white, yellow, 

 or a tinge of pink being the predominating colours. 

 Hypothecium always very thin. 



Agreeing with Thacidieae in being immersed in the 

 matrix, but distinguished by being waxy and not coriaceous, 

 and in the clear light colour of every part. 



All the specimens are saprophytes, growing on dead 

 wood, bark, dry leaves, &c. 



ANALYSIS OF THE GENERA. 



A. Spores very long and slender, arranged in a parallel fascicle 

 in the ascus. 



Stictis. Disc circular or elliptical, with a distinct white 

 margin^ 



Nemacyclus. Disc elongated and narrow, bounded by 

 two lips. 



