472 BRITISH FUNGI 



flakes, the inner layer persistent, tough, with a small opening at 

 the apex ; spore-mass powdery at maturity ; capillitium consisting 

 of loose, irregularly branched threads. 



Distinguished from Lycoperdon by the smooth cortex, which 

 breaks away in patches. When mature the plants break away from 

 their support and are blown about by the wind ; the inner layer of 

 the peridium is parchment-like in consistency, and persists for 

 months. 



B. plumhea. — Peridium globose or depressed globose, about i in. 

 across ; cortex thin, whitish, breaking away, inner layer persistent, 

 tough, thin, lead-colour, dehiscing by a small apical opening ; mass 

 of spores umber-brown ; capillitium dense ; spores globose. 



Dry grassy and heathy places. \Mien young the fungus is white. 

 Gregarious. 



var. ovalisporum. — Differs from the type form in ha\-ing some- 

 what larger, elliptical spores. 



B. nigrescens. — Peridium globose, 1-2 in. across ; cortex thin, 

 fragile, whitish, soon breaking away, inner layer tough, persistent, 

 shining, blackish umber, dehiscing by an irregular apical aperture ; 

 mass of spores umber with a decided purple tinge ; capillitium 

 plentiful. 



Closely related to B. plumbca ; distinguished by its larger size 

 and by the spore-mass having a decided purple tinge. \Mrite when 

 young. 



Dry pastures and heathy places. 



Lycoperdon 



Peridium consisting of two distinct layers, the outer (= cortex) 

 spiny or warted, often disappearing, the inner persistent, opening 

 by a small determinate mouth, with or without a spongy, sterile 

 base ; capillitium consisting of irregularly branched threads. 



The species included in the genus Lycoperdon are known as " puff- 

 balls." Differs from Calvatia in having a well-defined opening at 

 the apex of the peridium for the escape of the spores. Bovista 

 differs in both layers of the peridium being smooth ; the outer or 

 cortex breaks away in flakes, leaving the inner parchment-like 

 layer intact. 



L. echinatum. — Peridium obovate or subglobose, 1-2 in. high, 

 bristling with crowded, long, pyramidal, purple-brown spines be- 

 tween which are minute brown warts ; sterile basal stratum well 

 developed, pale ochraceous, passing downwards into long, root-like, 

 white strands ; mass of spores purple-umber ; capillitium dense. 



The spines are often curved and split at the base ; after falling 

 away a smooth scar is left on the surface of the peridium, sur- 

 rounded by a ring of small warts. 



On the ground in woods, among leaves, etc. 



