GASTEROMYCETES 



379 



stem is six to nine inches long, and passes quite through 

 the gleba, and is attached to the apex of the peridium. 

 The latter, when the spores are mature, breaks away at 

 its base and expands, allowing the spores, as it were, to 

 fall out. The fact that this species is common on 



FIG. 117. Lycoperdon gemma turn . Nat. size. (After Lloyd.) 



deserted ant-hills suggests the idea that when the ants 

 are in residence, they utilise this fungus for the formation 

 of a fungus-garden, and feed on a conidial form, as is 

 practised by ants and termites in other countries, and 

 with other kinds of fungi. 



Widely distributed in all countries. 



