SFXTION 17.1 



rilALLOniYTES 



173 



cells Iciigthcu and brauch, growing by tlic absorption (hrougli their whole 

 surface of the decaying, or orgauizable, or living matter which they feed 

 upon. Ill a Mushroom (Agaricus), a knobby mass is at length formed, 

 which develops into a stout stalk {Stipe)., bearing the cap {F ileus) -. the 

 under side of the cap is covered by the Hymeniam, in this genus consisting 

 of radiating plates, the gills or LamelUe ; and these bear the powdery spores 

 in immense numbers. Under the microscope, the gills are found to be 

 studded with projecting cells, each of which, at the top, produces four 

 stalked spores. These form the powder which collects on a sheet of paper 

 upon which a mature Mushroom is allowed to rest for a day or two. (Fig. 

 581-586.) 



517. The esculent Morel, also Spha^ria (Fig. 585, 5SG), and many other 

 Fungi bear their spores in sacs (asci) exactly in the manner of Lichens 

 (515) 



518. Of the Moulds, one of the commoner is the Bread-Mould (Fig. 

 587). In fruiting it sends up a slender stalk, which bears a globular sac ; 



Fig. 581. Agaricns campestris, tlie common edible Mushroom. 682. Section 

 of cap and stalk. 583. Minute portion of a section of a gill, showing some spore- 

 bearing cells, much niagnitied. fiSt. Oik- of these, with its four spores, more 

 magnified. 



Fig. 585. Sjiha^ria rosella. 58fi. Two of the asci and contained double spore.s, 

 ouite like those of a Lichen, inuc]) niaguilied. 



