MONOGRAPH OF THE LABOULBE^^IACE^. . 203 
Amorpliomyces they are continuous (Plate V, fig. 29), in all others they arc divided 
into two cells by a septum or pseudoscptum. In the great majority of cases the two 
spore segments are of unequal size ; tluit which is terminal in relation to the axis of 
growth being, as a rule, much the longest : although in a few cnscs, as in Zodiomyccs 
and Ceratomyces (Plates XXIY to XXVI), tlie reverse is true ; while in still other 
instances the septum may be more nearly median, as in Compsomyccs (Plate XI, fig. 
15). The spore contents usually consists of more or less homogeneous granular pro- 
toplasm, except in the genus Amorphomyces, the spores of which when living contain 
numerous, often large, oil globules. In all cases a large spherical nucleus may be, ns 
a rule, readily demonstrated in either segment (Plate I, fig. 13). A gelatinous enve- 
lly thickened about its ba^e, 
^erinLT for the latter as well as 
lope, more or less well developed and characteristic! 
always surrounds the spore ; serving as a protective cc 
facilitating its adherence to the host insect when it comes in contact with its surfMCC. 
In the majority of cases this envelope, though often adherent about tlie tip of the spore, 
is continuous around it; but in Ceralom>jces furcatns and C. couimius (Plate XX V, figs. 4 
and 10) the separation between the spore segments involves the envelope also, which 
is marked by a corresponding constriction. 
The spores are produced in the asci in fours or eights (Plate XXI \', fig. 9, Plate 
XT, fig. 17), in the first instance usually disposed more or less definitely in i)airs, one 
of which is slightly higher than the other; and the members of a given spore pair arc 
discharged together through the pore of the perithecium, the ascus wall having been 
previously absorbed. The juxtaposition of two individuals at the point of contact 
with the host, a condition essential for the perpetuation of the diuecious species, is 
thus insured in a majority of cases (Plate III, fig. 5). The spores are formed in the 
ascus, and therefore lie in the cavity of the perithecium after the wall of the latter 
has been absorbed, with tlie basal half uppermost; and the base is therefore directed 
towards the substratum on which it is discharged. Having become attached to a 
proper host, the swollen portion about the base, by its peculiar form, assists the spore 
for germination; the upper extremity, if at first 
position necessarj 
freeing itself and projecting fi 
sub 
o 
A conspicuous exception to the conditions just described is found in the genus Mos- 
chomyces. the minute spores of which are irregularly distichous in the e.ght-spored 
ascus, and become free in a mass within the distal portion of the perili.ecmn., whence 
they are discharged, not in pairs but in s.nall masse., each mass probably g.vmg ruse 
to the so-called individual, which may thus in reality be compound (Plate XI, figs. 16 
and 18). 
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