tion is distinct from the stem, taking somewhat the nature of a dis- 

 tinct pileus, but in other species it is not clearly marked from the stem. 

 The species of Mutinus are all very similar and are distinguished by 

 their general form. All are red, or sometimes have white forms. 



MUTINUS CANINUS (Fig. 23). This, which is the only spe- 

 cies of Mutinus that grows in Europe, has a short, distinct, spore-bear- 

 ing portion, which is sharply distinct from the stem. I do not know 

 whether it is a constant character, but I have seen alcoholic specimens 

 where the receptacle was abruptly contracted and of a smaller diam- 

 eter than the stem. The structure of the receptacle is always differ- 

 ent, being of small, thick-walled cells, while those of the stem are 

 large and thin-walled. 7 Mutinus caninus is not rare and is widely 

 spread in Europe. In the United States it is much rarer, and while 

 I think it is well authenticated, it occurs principally in the Eastern 

 States. The stem of Mutinus caninus is usually red, though white- 

 stemmed forms have been figured on several occasions. 



MUTINUS ELEGANS (Fig. 24.) In this species there is no 

 distinction between the stem and the spore-bearing portion. It is all 

 one uniform, cellular structure, with no sharp line of demarcation. 

 The form is generally tapering from a thickened base to an acute 

 apex. Mutinus elegans is the most common Mutinus that we have 

 in the United States. It grows in the woods around old logs or soil 

 rich in humus. It is not rare. The color is red or orange. 



MUTINUS RAVENELII (Fig. 25). This species has the same 

 cellular structure as the preceding and has been held to be the same 

 plant. I am satisfied it is distinct in form (usual) and habitat. The 

 shape is club-form, thickened above, and tapering below. The habitat 

 is old fields devoid of woods humus. It is a rare plant in the United 

 States. The color is red. 



MUTINUS BAMBUSINUS (Fig. 26) . Receptacle distinct 

 from the stipe, formed of small cells. Color of both stipe and recep- 

 tacle is red. This, which seems to be the common species of the 

 tropics, is very similar to Mutinus caninus of Europe. However, it 

 has a much longer spore-bearing portion and the color is brighter 

 red. It was originally from Java, but occurs in the Celebes, Brazil, 

 and no doubt in many tropical countries. It has been noted, adventi- 

 tious, in the hot-houses at Kew. 



MUTINUS FLEISCHER! (Fig. 27). The most obese species 

 of Mutinus known. It has a thick stem and a very short, contracted 

 spore-bearing portion. Its structure is that of Mutinus caninus, of 

 Europe, but it is a much more obese plant. It is known only from 

 Java and is a rare plant there. The color is red. 



7 This has always been my observation, and my understanding of the essential char- 

 acter oi Mutinus caninus. I have recently seen at Berlin alcoholic specimens of eggs and 

 sections of eggs of Mutinus caninus from Europe, where I can not note any difference in 

 the cells of the stem and gleba-bearing portion. 



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