DESICCATION OF FRUIT-BODIES 



107 



stiff and white, and the gills shrivelled up (Fig. 40, A, B, and C). 

 After the fruit-bodies had been kept in the dried state for twenty- 

 four hours, free water was allowed to come into contact with the 

 upper surfaces of the pilei and with the stipes. It was readily 

 absorbed. The fruit-bodies became swollen, and completely resumed 

 their normal appearance in the course of a few hours (D and F). 

 At the end of this time they were actively shedding spores. Thick 

 spore - deposits collected 

 beneath the pilei on black 

 paper (E), and the dis- 

 charge of spores from the 

 sterigmata was watched 

 by means of microsco- 

 pic sections. Convincing 

 proof was thus obtained 

 that the fruit-bodies of 

 Marasmius oreades, after 

 complete desiccation, are 

 capable of reviving on 

 access to moisture and of 

 resuming their normal 

 activities. The retention 

 of vitality in the dried-up 

 condition, however, is only 

 temporary. It was found 

 by subsequent experi- 

 ment that fruit - bodies 

 which had been kept stiff 

 and hard were still capable of recovery after six weeks but not 

 after three months. 



Fruit-bodies of Marasmius peronatus and of Collybia dryophila 

 were allowed to dry on a laboratory table. They were then tested at 

 intervals for revival. The tests showed that recovery was possible 

 when the desiccated condition had lasted for only a few days, but not 

 when it was continued for a month. 



On hot days in summer and early autumn, one not infrequently 

 sees shrivelled-up fruit-bodies of Marasmius oreades in " fairy rings " 



FIG. 39. Marasmius oreades. To the left a fruit- 

 body shrivelled up during drought. To the right 

 a fruit-body which after becoming shrivelled up 

 was revived under moist conditions and is again 

 shedding spores. Natural size. 



