CORDYCEPS SOBOLIFERA (FIG. 808). FROM S. KAWA- 

 MURA, JAPAN. We reproduce a photograph and interesting notes 

 of the species furnished by Mr. Kawamura. We received nine spec- 

 imens, all immature but one. The immature specimen shows mostly 



Fig. 80S. 



Cordyceps sobolifera. 



a cluster of clubs near the apex of the stem. In the one fertile speci- 

 men all the clubs are abortive except one. This raises the question 

 if it is the same species as Cordyceps sobolifera, 

 originally from the West Indies. Tulasne's ac- 

 count and picture, which are all that is known 

 about the West Indian species, represent a 

 simple club. But it appears from his remarks 

 that the fertile club is borne in the same way as 

 shown in Mr. Kawamura's photograph. The peri- 

 thecia are prominent, but slightly imbedded 

 (Fig. 809, x6). The secondary spores are 2x8 

 linear, exactly as shown in Tulasne's figure (T. 1, 

 fig. 33). W 7 e think the Japanese and West Indian 

 species are the same, but we wish we could get 

 some specimens that grow on the Cicadidae in 

 the W'est Indies. Mr. Kawamura's account is as 

 follows: 



"Three days ago I sent you several speci- 

 mens of Cordyceps sobolifera. This fungus occurs 

 in summer in house grounds under persimmon or 

 some other trees on which Cicadas like to sing. 

 The fungus is not rare, but rather common 

 through this country, as Cicadas outbreak very 

 abundantly in Japan. In summer everywhere we 

 go we find the Cicadas on trees singing noisily, and boys like to 

 catch the male ones (they do not like the female one, for it does not 

 sing at all) with long bamboo rods applied with bird's lime. I have 



575 



Fig. 809. 



