422 BASIDIOMYCETES. 



spore. The basidia originate from basidial layers or from complex 

 hymenia, produced either inside some special structure, or on 

 the surface of special sporophores, or on some definite part 

 of these. 



The group may be sub-divided into the Dacryomycetes, Hymeno- 

 mycdcs, and Gasteromycetes (including Phalloideae). Of these only 

 the Hymenoinycetes contain species parasitic on plants, the others 

 include harmless saprophytes, which live in the soil, some of 

 them, however, taking part in the formation of mycorhiza. 



THE HYMENOMYCETES. 



The unicellular basidia give off from their apices four (any 

 number from 2 to 6 may occur) sterigmata, from each of 

 which a single basidiospore is abjointed. The basidia arise 

 from free exposed hymenia, which generally occupy the whole 

 or part of large compound sporophores. The greatest develop- 

 ment of the sporophore is attained in the umbrellas of the- 

 Agaricineae, and the large discs of the Polyporeae. It is only 

 amongst the lowest genera, like Exobasidium, that the basidial 

 layers are produced directly on the organs of the host, and the 

 basidia arise directly from the hyphae. 



Reproductive cells, other than basidiospores, are rare. In a 

 few cases amongst the Polyporcae, Brefeld and others have 

 observed conidia and chlamydospores (Oidia, etc.) ; while some 

 few Agaricineae have the latter form of spore, but never conidia. 



The mycelium is of a very varied nature. It frequently 

 inhabits wood, and in many different ways brings about 

 destruction of ligniiied tissues. Other modifications are seen 

 in the forms of mycelium known as rhizomorphs, rhizoctonia, 

 mycorhiza, and other closely felted masses of various shapes, 

 which will be considered in detail as occasion requires. The 

 formation of clamp-connections is also a special feature of the 

 mycelium of the Hymenomycetes. In many cases the mycelium 

 retains its vitality and perennates for several years. 



The genus Exobasidium consists of parasites which produce 

 malformation of their host ; many of the Polyporcae and 

 Agaricineae are deadly enemies of forest and fruit-garden, 

 while as wound-parasites many of them are specially dangerous. 

 The general means of combating them consist in cutting out 



