SYNOPSIS 



OF 



BRITISH BASIDIOMYCETES 



INTRODUCTION 



THE British Basidiomycetes include nearly all the larger British 

 Fungi. They comprise all the Mushroom-like Fungi, practically all 

 the larger woody corky and gelatinous fungi of trees stumps and 

 fallen branches (Hymenomycetes), the Phalli, Puff-balls and their allies, 

 and a small number of Truffle-like subterranean species (Gastero- 

 mycetes). The term Basidiomycetes is used in the sense in which 



Fig. i. Section through Mushroom, showing 



exposed hymenium (H). 



One-half natural size. 



Fig. 2. Section through Puff-ball, showing 

 hymenium (H) closed in. 

 One-quarter natural size. 



it was employed by De Bary, and not with the larger meaning 

 assigned to it by Brefeld, which includes the Rust-fungi or 

 UredinecE. 



In the Hymenomycetes the spore-bearing surface or hymenium is 

 exposed during development, as in the Mushroom (fig. i) ; in the 

 Gasteromycetes the hymenium is closed or hidden within the substance 

 of the fungus until maturity, as in the Puff-ball (fig. 2). 



