CRYPTOGAMIA FUNGI. 



is covered with a clear, vifcid, gelatinous mat- 

 ter, fimilar to that found between the mem» 

 branes of the Volva •, and under this vifcid 

 matter, concealed in reticulated receptacles, 

 are found the feeds, which when magnified 

 appear fph^erical. 



As foon as the Volva burfts, the plant begins to 

 difFufe its intolerable odours, which are fo 

 powerful and widely expanded, that the Fun- 

 gus may be readily difcovered by the Icent 

 only, before it appears to the fight. At this 

 time, the vifcid matter between. the coats of 

 the Volva grows turbid and fufcous ; and when 

 the plant attains its full maturity, the clear 

 vifcid fubftance in the Pikus becomes gradually 

 difcoior'd, putrid, and extremely foetid, and 

 foon afterwards turns blackifh, and, together 

 with the feeds and internal part of the Pikus 

 itfelf, melts away. 



The foetid fmell then begins to remit, the Fungus 

 fades, and continues for a fhort time faplefs 

 and coriaceous, and at laft becomes the food 

 of worms. 



The cadaverous fcent of this Fungus greatly al-r 

 lures the flies, which lighting upon the Pikus, 

 are entrapp'd in the vifcid matter, and perifh. 



We are inform'd by Gkdiub, that the vulgar 

 pefople in Thuringia call the unopen'd Volva by 



th« 



