CLASSIFICATION 477 



Myriostoma 



Agreeing with Geaster in every particular, except that there are 

 several mouths or openings in the wall of the endoperidium for the 

 escape of the spores. 



The endoperidium resembles the top of a pepper-pot with its 

 many openings. 



M. coliformis (PL XXXV, fig. i). — Exoperidium splitting into 

 several sharp-pointed portions, 3-4 in. across when expanded ; 

 endoperidium globoso-depressed, attached to the exoperichum by 

 several distinct stalks, openings or mouths, several ; spore-mass 

 umber. 



In sandy places. Very rare. 



TULOSTOMA 



Peridium consisting of two layers, the outer one soon disappear- 

 ing, dehiscing by a small apical opening or mouth ; spore-mass 

 powdery, columella absent, capillitium present ; stem slender, 

 elongated. 



Resembles a minute Ly coper don, with a long, slender stem. 

 Differs by the presence of a loose collar surrounding the apex of 

 the stem. 



T. mammosnm (PL XXXVI, ^g. 4). — Peridium subglotose, 

 smooth, with a small umbo at the apex which breaks up and forms 

 the mouth ; spore-mass dingy cinnamon, |-| in. across, whitish, 

 then dingy ochre ; stem 1-3 in. high, slender, squamulose, colour 

 of the peridium. 



On old walls amongst moss, dry banks, etc. Rare. 



Battarrea 



Universal volva with a central gelatinous stratum ; j^eridium 

 concavo-convex, convex side uppermost, capillitium present, at 

 maturity supported on a long, slender, rigid stem. 



B. phalloides (PL XXXVI, fig. 6). — Peridium splitting in a circum- 

 scissile manner ; spore-mass powdery, yellowish brown ; stem 10-14 

 in. long and up to | in. thick, hollow, tapering downwards, exter- 

 nally broken up into coarse fibres and surrounded by the loose 

 volva at the base. 



The " egg " condition is deeply buried in the ground. 



Sandy places and at the base of hollow trees. Very rare and con- 

 fined to the East of England. 



Phalloideace.e 

 The most highly evolved and differentiated of any family of 

 fungi. As previously stated, two prominent lines of e\-olutiou Jia\-e 

 always been kept in \-iew : the protection of the sjiore-I caring 



