CLASSIFICATION OF FUNGI. 41 



The remaining group of allied fungi is distinguished 

 by the predominance of the gelatinous element, and is 

 that of Tremellini, from their soft, flaccid character. 

 " Rotten sticks in our hedges or woods often present 

 bright, tremulous, gelatinous masses of bright orange, 

 purple, or dark brown, which at once attract our notice, 

 while the trunks of the elder and some other trees afford 

 ear-shaped, flaccid masses, which almost escape notice 

 when dry, but with the first shower are exposed to the 

 most careless observer. Sometimes, again, on an old 

 stump, or at the base of a living oak, enormous masses 

 are found, resembling the convolute intestines of some 

 animal, but distinguished by their rich ferruginous or 

 yellowish tints." A familiar specimen of the group is 

 known as Jews-ear. " These six groups form subdivi- 

 sions of one great association of fungi, characterised by 

 their hymenium being more or less exposed, and at the 

 same time bearing naked spores attached to the lips of 

 certain cells called sporophores. The general name of 

 the division is Hymenomycetes, the hymenium being the 

 prominent character." (Berkeley. ) 



The second great division of fungi is characterised 

 by the concealment of the fructifying surface till the 

 containing sac is burst for the dispersion of the spores. 

 It is termed Gasteromycetes. The puff-balls are the 

 best-known example. We merely indicate its subdivi- 

 sions, with popular examples of each : 



a. HypogaeiRed Truffle of Bath. 



b. Phattoidei Common Stinkhorn. 



c. Trichogastres Puff-balls. 



d. Myxogastres Dust-fungus of tan -pits. 



e. Nidulariei Bird's-nest Peziza. 



We next come to a large division of fungi, generally 

 devoid of beauty, and so minute as to appear to the 

 naked eye mere black specks upon leaves, twigs, &c. 

 Its general name is Coniomycetes, from the dust-like 

 nature of the spores. Of four of its divisions we cannot 



