588 



XXVIII. "On the Fructification of certain Sphseriaceous 

 Fungi." By FREDERICK CURREY, Esq. Communicated 

 by Dr. HOOKER, F.R.S. Received May 14, 1857. 



(Abstract.) 



The author refers to the recent inquiries into the diversities of 

 form existing in the reproductive organs of Fungi, and notices the 

 physiological importance of the results, and the probable future effect 

 upon systematic arrangement. 



Two different classes of Sphseriaceous Fungi are then noticed in 

 detail, in the former of which the different forms of fruit produced 

 are essentially distinct, whilst in the latter the fruit is modified so as 

 to assume a form materially different from the normal form. 



The following are the plants included in the former of these classes, 

 with the principal points noticed in each. 



1 . Sphceria verruceeformis, Ehr. The occurrence of an ascigerous 

 and cytisporous state of fructification within the same circumscribing 

 line, and the nature of the cells constituting that line. 



2. Sphceria favacea, Fr. Points of distinction between it and S. 

 verruceeformis. Curious modifications in the shape of the asci. 



3. Sphceria olivacea, n. s. Aberrant forms of asci, and descrip- 

 tion of the sporidia. 



4. Sphceria tiliaginea, n. s. The existence of spermatia and sty- 

 lospores, and description of the form and modes of growth of those 

 organs. 



5. Sphceria vestita, Fr. The existence of perithecia and naked 

 spores within a conceptacle common to both, and having a common 

 orifice. 



6. Sphceria fragiformi*, Pers. Description of a secondary form 

 of fruit belonging to the Sphceria, hitherto considered to have been 

 a growth parasitical upon it. 



7. Sphceria salicina, Pers., and Coniothecium Amentacearum, 

 Corda. The production of these Fungi (hitherto supposed to be 

 distinct plants) from the same mycelium, and the probability of a 

 similar relation between Sphceria lanciformis, Fr., and Coniothecium 

 betulinum, Corda. 



