452 BRITISH FUNCI 



Femsjonsia 



Cup-shaped or saucer-shaped, distended with a gelatinous central 

 portion, tapering below into a rooting, stem-like base. 



Differs from Guepinia in the cap not being attached obliquely 

 to the stem. 



F. luteoalha. — At first cup-shaped, then plane, finally con\'ex and 

 wrinkled, yellow ; stem downy and whitish with just a tinge of 

 yellow, rooting, about | in. diam. 



On branches of various trees. 



Order Gasteromycetes 



The species of this large order, like those of the Hymenomycetes, 

 are world-wide in their distribution. As opposed to the Hymeno- 

 mycetes, a dominant feature of the present group is that the 

 hymenium or spore-bearing portion of the fungus remains com- 

 pletely enclosed in a continuous wall or peridium, or within a 

 universal veil or volva until the spores are fully formed, when, 

 except in the underground species, the peridium or volva is rup- 

 tured in some manner, and the spore-producing portion of the 

 fungus is enabled to liberate its spores into the air. In many 

 species the fungus remains entirely imderground until the spores 

 are quite mature, when the spore-bearing portion is lifted above 

 ground on a long stem for the purpose of accomplishing spore 

 diffusion. This rule holds good in the Phalloidacea; or stink- 

 horns, Battarrea, and several exotic genera. 



In the Hymenomycetes spore diffusion is mainly effected through 

 the agency of wind ; but in the Gasteromycetes there are three 

 distinct and well-marked modes of spore diffusion. In the most 

 primitive and least differentiated family, the Hymenogastrea; or 

 false truffles, the species are permanently subterranean, and, 

 broadly speaking, present the appearance of small potatoes or 

 bulbs. The entire spore-bearing portion or hymenium is sur- 

 rounded by a comparatively stout wall or cortex, which presents 

 no arrangements for the escape of the spores, and even if they did 

 escape they could not spread to any material extent in the soil. 

 All such subterranean fungi possess a very strong smell, varying in 

 different species from musk to asafoetida. The object of this scent, 

 which is only developed when the spores are mature, is to indicate 

 to animals, more especially rodents, their whereabouts. When dis- 

 covered, they are promptly eaten, and the spores, after passing 

 through the alimentary canal uninjured, are dispersed far and wide. 



A second method of spore diffusion, effected by wind, is met with 

 in those species that are developed above ground, as the puffballs — 

 Lycopcrdon, earth-stars — Geaster, etc. In all such species there is a 

 specialized opening or mouth in the wall of the peridium, through 

 which the spores can escape into the air. There are also present. 



