44 SURVEY OF THE REPRODUCTIVE PROCESS 



the sexual elements, in which respect it contrasts with a 

 process of multiplication occurring in some other cases in 

 the protomorphic stage viz., the binary division and sub- 

 division of the contents of the spore into so many reproduc- 

 tive cells, that the original spore becomes itself a sort of 

 secondary theca. All these derivative cells may germinate, 

 and in some cases they do so simultaneously, sending out 

 their niycelial filaments through the outer or common wall, 

 so as to give the composite spore somewhat the appearance 

 of an insect with its legs extended on each side of its body.* 

 As might be expected, an isolated fragment of such a com- 

 pound spore still retains the power of germinating. 



In illustration of these statements the development of 

 the ergot-fungus may be referred to, as explained by 

 Tulasne and others, though some points still remain to be 

 cleared up, for the completion of its history, and the har- 

 monizing of the accounts of different observers. The fungus 

 originates as a niycelial growth in the ovary of the rye or 

 other grass which it attacks, and soon matures its conidia 

 or naked spores, on the ends of filaments. These have 

 been observed by Tulasne to germinate and become elon- 

 gated into new filaments, which appear to be concerned in 

 the formation of the dense nbro-cellular stroma of the 

 proper ergot-growth (sclerotium). This gradually acquires 

 the form and dimensions which have led to the grain 

 affected receiving the name of " spurred rye." The ergot- 

 growth, when shed and exposed to moisture, gives origin to 

 a small club-shaped fungus, to which the name of Clamceps\ 

 has been given, and which is identical with a species known 

 to botanists as Sphceria purpurea. This developes on the 

 surface of its globular heads numerous small cavities or 

 conceptacles, with thecae in their interior, which bear spores 



* Currey in Quar. Jour. Micr. Sc., IV., 200 ; also April, 1857, p. 122. 

 f Cordyceps or Cordyliceps of Fries. 



