186 FUNGUS-FLOKA 



As in all large natural groups, the genera converge and 

 even overlap at various points, hence in almost every genus 

 there are certain species that oscillate between two or more 

 genera. For the same reason the grouping of the genera 

 into sections is a difficult matter, and the following arrange- 

 ment does not profess to be more than an endeavour to 

 facilitate the recognition of genera and species ; the many- 

 sided relationship between genera and species being reserved 

 for a separate work, experience having shown the impos- 

 sibility of accomplishing such an object in a work primarily 

 devoted to the elucidation of species. 



Sect. I. GLABPATAE. 



Ascophore glabrous, mostly minute ; saprophytes or 

 parasites, growing on plants. 



Sect. II. VESTITAE. 



Ascophore hirsute or pilose, or seated on a well developed 

 subiculum ; saprophytes, growing on plants or on the ground. 



Sect. III. CAItNOSAE. 



Growing on the ground ; usually fleshy ; often large. 

 Externally glabrous or scurfy furfuraceous. Sometimes 

 minutely silky or downy, but never truly pilose. 



