274 REPRODUCTION IN ALG.E, LICHENS, AND FUNGI. 



contains is mature. In this swelling, a number of pores or 

 minute apertures may be distinguished ; and if the substance be 

 cut across, it will be found that, beneath each of these pores, 

 there lies a cell larger than the rest, and partly separated from it. 

 This cell, when the fructification is ripe, passes out through the 

 pore, and soon after bursts, setting free the minute particles it 

 contains ; and these, like the granules of the Red Snow or of 

 the Confervse, develope themselves into new cells ; by the multi- 

 plication of which, a new plant similar to the parent is gradually 

 reproduced. Now this cell, thrown off from the rest of the 

 structure, and containing reproductive particles, which it after- 

 wards sets free, corresponds with what in the higher Cryptogamia 

 are called spores. These spores take the place of seeds, in this 

 division of the Vegetable kingdom. "We shall hereafter (. 431, 

 440, &c.) trace the differences in their structure. 



427. The processes of Reproduction in the Lichens and 

 Fungi, appear to be as simple as those just described. Cells are 

 seen in certain parts of the structure, which differ from those 

 composing its own tissue, and which are destined to be cast forth 

 from it, when the reproductive particles it contains are mature. 

 The immense number of these reproductive cells or spores, which 

 are contained in the different plants of the Fungus tribe, has 

 been already noticed (. 50) ; and the various organs which con- 

 tain them, will be hereafter described. One of the highest forms 

 of this group, is the common Mushroom ; in which there is a 

 very distinct separation of the fructifying, from the nutritive 

 system. The spores are contained in a number of little tubes, 

 which are arranged side by side in the membrane forming the 

 cap of the Mushroom, and in the thin plates (commonly known 

 as the gills), which spread from the centre on the under side of 

 this ; whilst between this part and the roots, is a distinct stem. 

 The whole energy of the Fungi seems directed towards the pro- 

 pagation of their race ; and the duration of life in individuals is 

 usually very transient. In Lichens, on the other hand, each indi- 

 vidual frequently exists for many years, and its powers of pro- 

 pagation are much inferior. Indeed some Lichens do not form 

 any distinct spores ; but multiply themselves by little bud- like 



