FUNGT. — GASTEROMYCETES. 139 



connects above with the inner peridium, while it sends at the same time a layer of 

 yielding consistence in between the stalk and the inner membrane of the gleba (/) ; 

 its base is continuous with the outer firm peridium. This is the condition of the 

 fructification when the spores reach maturity ; to disseminate them the stalk {st) 

 elongates greatly, the peridium bursts at the apex, the gleba separates from the inner 

 peridium which tears away at x, while the membrane t has parted below ; in this way 

 the gleba is lifted up on the summit of the stalk high above the peridium, the stalk 

 reaching a height of from six to twelve inches ; the elongation of the stalk is caused by 

 the enlargement of its compartments, which is such as to give it in its final condition the 

 appearance of a sponge with large pores ; it increases also proportionately in thickness. 

 The hyphae of the gleba now deliquesce, and the mass of spores falls in drops of a thick 

 tough mucilage, and ultimately nothing remains of the gleba but the membrane / with 

 its comb-like walls, which hangs down like a frill from the apex of the stalk and is 

 called the pileus. The details of these processes are subject to many variations in the 

 different species of the Phalloideae : Corda, 1. c, and De Bary, 1. c, should be consulted 

 with respect to them. 



