for the Microscope. 57 



their length. These threads are most interesting as micro- 

 scopic objects. 



400. YELLOW TRICHIA (Trichia chrysospermd). Like 

 the last, growing on rotten stumps in globose, golden-yellow 

 heads. The threads are very different from those of the 

 Red Trichia, being without spines. 



This list by no means exhausts even the genera of 

 Fungi which are of interest to the microscopist. The 

 two thousand British species contain many other ex- 

 ceedingly beautiful forms, for which we must refer the 

 student to some special work devoted solely thereto. 



401. FERN CAPSULES, or thecse, as more properly- 

 called, are found clustered together in brown tufts on the 

 under side of the fronds. They usually approximate to 

 the form delineated, of a pear-shaped body on a short 

 stalk, surrounded by an elastic ring which is either oblique 

 or vertical. (PI. VI., fig. 7.) 



402. OSMUND CAPSULES ( Osmnnda regalis). The thecse 

 or spore capsules of this and some other ferns divide 

 laterally and liberate their spores. They are not provided 

 with an elastic ring, as in the majority of ferns. 



403. HOODED INDUSIUM (Cystoftcris fragilis). The 

 thecffi of ferns are often covered or surrounded by a mem- 

 braneous indusium, which in this species has the form of 

 a hood. In certain ferns the indusium is altogether want- 

 ing, and in most genera the form varies. These objects 

 should be sought and examined before the spores are fully 

 matured. (PI. VI., fig. 8.) 



404. PELTATE INDUSIUM (Polystichum angular^). The 

 covering of the spore-cases in this species, and its allies, 

 is rounded and attached at the centre. In some species 

 the margin is furnished with glands. 



405. SPERMATOZOIDS (Pteris aquilina). These active 

 little bodies are produced in cells, which are developed 

 upon the prothallus, or filmy green membrane which 

 results from the germination of the spores of the common 

 bracken. Of course the spores must be caused to germinate 

 to obtain them. (PL VI., fig. 6.) 



406. BRISTLE FERN CAPSULE (Trichomanes radi- 



