FUNGI. 



on simple or branched filamentous processes (fig. 785, 787 b) called 

 sporophores (a TOOK, a spore, and Qo^a, I bear) or basidia (/3a/f, a 



784 786 



base) ; or are contained in thecas (theca, a sac), cystidia (*tW*?, a blad- 

 der), or asci (dcx.os, a bag), (fig. 785 c), accompanied with bodies 

 called antheridia or paraphyses; in the latter case, the term sporidia is 

 sometimes applied to the spores. The sporophores sometimes end in 

 delicate cells bearing the spores, and called sterigmata (ai^iy^a., a 

 support. In the Agarics or Mushrooms, which are among the best 

 known fungi, there is observed first a roundish protuberance on the 

 mycelium. This swelling is called the volva or wrapper, and it gra- 

 dually enlarges, containing in its interior what appears afterwards as 

 the agaric with its reproductive bodies. When the volva is ruptured, 

 the fully-formed agaric is seen, consisting of an upper rounded portion 

 called the pileus or cap (fig. 783 c c), supported on a stalk or stipes 

 (fig. 783 p). On its under surface is situated the hymenium (vfiv), 

 membrane), or the part where the spores are produced (fig. 783 A), 

 covered at first by a thin membrane called a veil (indusium or velum), 



Figs. 783-787. Figures to illustrate the natural order Fungi. 



Fig. 783. A cluster of plants of Agaricus campestris, Mushroom, in different stages of de- 

 velopment, p. Stipe or stalk, cc c, Pileus, hat or cap. v. Velum or indusium which unites the 

 pileus and stipe, and when ruptured forms the annulus or ring, a a. A, Lamellae or gills radiating 

 from the centre, on the under surface of the pileus, and bearing the hymenium or receptacle of 

 the spores. 



Fig. 784. Hymenium seen from above, the spores, 6, being scattered over it in sets of four 

 (quaternary). 



Fig. 785. A small portion of the Hymenium much magnified and viewed laterally. A, Its 

 tissue composed of cells. 6, Basidia or sporophores bearing the spores ; one of these is figured 

 separately, bearing a large number of spores, o, Cystidia or theca. 



Fig. 786. A small portion of the pileus of Clathrus cancellatus, in the form of a sort of net- 

 work. The Hymenium covers its inner surface, and is seen following the contour of the lacunae, 

 / Z, of the net- work. 



Fig. 787. Hymenium much more highly magnified to show the particular form of the basidia, 

 ft. s, Spores. 



