

PUFF BALLS OF MAURITIUS. 



We have received from C. A. O'Connor some fine specimens from 

 Mauritius which are of particular interest, as the puff ball flora of this 

 island is practically unknown. The first specimen is a Scleroderma 

 (figs. 122 and 123), exactly as Scleroderma aurantium as to peridium 

 and scales but opening in the manner of Scleroderma Geaster. The 

 unopened plants can not be distinguished from Scleroderma aurantium. 



Fig. 122. 



Fig. 123. 



so common in Europe and the United States. But we think this species 

 in these countries never opens in this manner. We shall call the plant 

 Scleroderma patens and consider it a form of Scleroderma aurantium, 

 notwithstanding that it belongs to a different section (Sterbeeckia) in 

 Saccardo from that in which Scleroderma aurantium is placed. The 

 plant differs entirely from Scleroderma Geaster in thinness and scali- 

 ness of its peridium. 



The second collection is Lycoperdon pusillum, typical of the plant 

 of Europe. 



Also two collections of bird-nest fungi of much interest to me as 

 I am now at work on a monograph of the Xidulariacese. 



The first collection is Cyathus Poeppigii, having the same cups and 

 large spores that characterize this species. I think I have received 

 the other species of Cyathus from other tropical correspondents, but 

 as yet I am not sure as to its name. 



275 



