loyo tRYPTOGAMlA FtfNGi. 



Little black parafitic PufF-ball. Anglh. 

 . Upon rotten ftumps of trees, in woods and fhad/ 

 places. XI. — V, 



Thefe are of the fize of fmall pins heads, perfeftly 

 fphserical and feflile, of a coal-black color, 

 growing in great numbers together, contiguous 

 to and often in layers upon one another. 



Each has a coat confiiling of two rinds, including 

 in the centre a white pulpy liquor; but this 

 liquor was not difcoverable in every individual, 

 for in many that were not open we difcern'd 

 heither pulp nor powder, but only a cavity, irt 

 which, by the aid of a microfcope, we per- 

 ceived a few hairs crofling one another, fo as to 

 form irregular net-work. How or Vv^hether the 

 pulp dries away, or into what it is converted* 

 we confefs ourfelves ignorant. 



The orifice of fuch fph^erules as were open was 

 at their top, of a circular figure, the margin 

 in tire. 



We had ftrong fufpicions that thefe fphsrules 

 might be of animal nature, but from v/hat 

 obfervations and experiments we have hitherto 

 made, we are induced to think them rather of 

 the vegetable kind. 



They are nearly related to the Spharia of Haller, 

 Hifi. Helve t. n. 2180. Michel, gen. tab. 54., 

 ord. 7,']. fig. 4. — -And alfo nailer's Helvet. hijl* 

 w. 2181. Mchel.tab. ^^. Ord, 2. fig. i. 



MUCOR, 



