i l / 2 mm., brown, imbedded (when moist) in a mucilaginous substance, 

 and have no funiculi. When dry they are rugulose, but when moist 

 are smooth. Spores broadly elliptical, 5-6 x 6-8, sometimes relatively 

 a little broader, 6-7 x 8. 



HISTORY. This species seems to be widely distributed, but rare. We 

 have it from Europe, United States and Brazil. It grows on rotten wood. 

 It appears to me that whenever one of the old botanists about the begin- 

 ning of the last century found this rare plant, he gave a picture of it and 

 called it something new. We have looked up all these old pictures," and there 

 is nothing to indicate they are not the same plant. 10 We have neither re- 

 ceived from our correspondents in America or Europe, nor have we seen in 

 any of the museums at Paris or London similar specimens of the genus 

 Nidularia that we can distinguish as more than one species. We feel then 

 there is but one widely spread species of this genus, and that it occurs very 

 rarely in Europe, United States, Brazil, and probably other countries. 



SYNONYMS. If the above position proves to be true, and all the evi- 

 dence we have points to it. the following names will form its synonymy. 

 We have studied authentic specimens of those followed with a star, or they are 

 *based on figures w r e have seen, and there is little question as to them in our 

 mind. Cyathus farcta,* Nidularia farcta,* Nidularia radicata, Nidularia farcta 

 var. radicata, Nidularia confluens.* Cyathus corrugattts. Nidularia corrugata, 

 Cyathus globosus,* Nidularia globosa,* Nidularia denudata, Cyathus denudatus, 

 Nidularia pulvinata,* Cyathus pulvinatus,* Nidularia Berkeley!,* Nidularia pisi- 

 formis var Broomei.* Miss White states that Nidularia Alabamensis is a 

 synonym for Nidularia pulvinata, and the "description" certainly would so in- 

 dicate. "Granularia pulvinata" is a juggled name. 11 



RESUME. While we do not assert that all the foregoing are demonstrated 

 to be the same plant, we are unable to learn what real differences exist 

 between them, if any, and it is our opinion that they will all prove to be the 

 same species. In all the specimens we have seen we have noted only the 

 following differences, but whether they are specific or merely due to condi- 

 tions, we are not prepared to state. Any one who finds these rare plants 

 will perform a real service if they will carefully note the following points: 



First, Color and Surface. Two forms are found in our specimens, smooth, 

 whitish plants and pulverulent, brownish specimens. The latter, which is the 

 condition usually found in my specimens from America, is no more evident in 

 the American form than it is in many collections of Europe. I have thought 

 that it may be the natural character of all, and that the smooth, pale collec- 

 tions may be due to age or wet weather conditions. 



Second, Dehiscence. I note two types 

 of dehiscence. Most plants we have seen 

 and most descriptions and plates seem to 

 show that the peridia break irregularly, 

 falling away and leaving sometimes a pile 

 of naked peridioles. Specimens that we 

 have from Dr. Herbst (Fig. 7, enlarged 

 four times) clearly show a circumscissile 

 dehiscence. Sometimes we note indications 

 of both these types in the same collection, 

 but we would be glad to .learn, from those 

 who have an opportunity to observe the 

 plant growing, what arc its natural methods 



Fig i of dehiscence. No final conclusions can be 



reached as to whether one or two species 



are involved until these questions are settled. As to spores and peridioles, all are 

 practically the same. 



Notes 



9, 10, 



