the same fine velutinate surface to the exoperidium. The mouth is not so 

 strongly definite, Jwrt tm a dark endopendium Ihe contrast would not be so 

 marked as on a light endoperidium. 



History. The plant was named by Leveille (Ann. Sci. Nat. 3-5-161), 

 and the only known example of his naming is now in the herbarium of Pro- 

 fessor Patouillard. We have received beautiful specimens from Rev. Rick, 

 Brazil (see Plate 101, Fig. 5)- 



GEASTER SCLERODERMA (Plate 101). This is a form of the black form 

 with the velutinate surface so strongly developed it was well described as U-ing 

 warty. It is only known from some young specimens (see Plate 101, Fig. 6). 

 and as it is well known that the cortex of all young specimens (Lycoperdon- and 

 others) is strong in contrast to that of more mature plants, it is probable that 

 mature specimens of Geaster Scleroderma would not be so strongly marked. 



RESUME. All the above-mentioned plants are. in our opinion, forms 

 of virtually the same species. You can call it what you please, but we prefer to 

 call it Geaster velutinus, which carries the leading idea common to them all." 

 The plant is widespread, especially in the tropics, and has received other mines, 

 viz: Geaster Lloydii. Geaster dubius, Geaster Dybowski. Geaster tonkensis. In 

 addition, epigean Geasters in an unopened state, were not recognized as such 

 by the early plant namers, and the following are all based on unopened, epigean 

 Geasters, in my opinion all probably this same species : Lycoperdon tephro- 

 sporum, Lycoperdon Golungense, Lycoperdon tomentosum, Bovista velutinus, 

 Cycloderma Ohiensis. Disciseda velutinus. The date dictionary man has, there- 

 fore, quite a job ahead of him. 



RESUME OF THE GEASTERS. 



The literature of the Geasters is embarrassed with one hundred and twenty- 

 seven names, all of them (except Geaster corollinum. which is pure jugiilery) 

 having been described as new species. I have seen and studied all the specimens 

 in the principal museums of Europe and America, which embraces almost all the 

 "type" specimens. In addition I have received from correspondents several 

 times as many specimens as can be found in all the museums combined. 

 I refer to forty-six names, all the specimens I have seen, and I won!.! con- 

 sider seventeen of these better designated as forms or varieties. While, of course,.] 

 no man's opinion is final in these matters, and each man is entitled to his OWM 

 opinion. I have been as liberal in considering species as possible, and have notg 

 refused to maintain any name, when I can note any point of difference :,-li>it- 

 ever, on which to base it. 



<( In the ''species" of Geasters as in the "species" of all fungi the chief question 

 is, "What is the difference?" In the end the new species work avails nothing 

 unless it is based on some marked point of difference. Geasters, like all fungi, 

 are in the main plants of wide distribution. Hence, a large portion of the work 

 which is of a local nature is not of permanent value. But if the "type" -peci- 

 mens are preserved where they can be seen and studied it does no particular 

 harm. It is easy to retain the good and put aside the bad. Of the Gea-ters. 

 that we know, and we have seen most of them (excepting those of SpeiM//ini 

 which nobody knows) the following forty-six names are all that we feel shoul 

 be preserved. Seventeen of these (marked with a star) present Mich -liirht 

 differences that they are better called varieties or forms 



1 I presume a date dictionary expert migrht solve the question in another way 



