274 BOTANICAL GAZETTE [OCTOBER — 
under his direction in the Cryptogamic Laboratory of Harvard 
University. While fully substantiating the conclusion reached 
in the case of Anthurus borealis with regard to the origin of the 
chamber- and pseudoparenchymatous tissues of the receptaculum 
from different systems of primary tissues, nevertheless the range 
of stages was not great enough for a complete account of the 
development of the receptaculum. During the summer of 1895, 
a more abundant supply of young stages of C. columnatus was 
collected for me through the kindness of Professor P. H. Rolfs, 
of the Agricultural College, Lake City, Fla. With this the 
investigation has since been completed. 
The methods of staining, etc., are given in detail in my 
former papers. 
MATURE STAGE, INTRODUCING THE TERMS TO BE EMPLOYED. 
The fructification of Clathrus columnatus has a receptaculum 
consisting of from two to five vertically ascending columns, 
which are quite separate where they arise from the volva, but 
join together at their apices, Usually there are only four such 
columns. These are joined together in pairs, the two opposite 
pairs being then connected together by a short and broad af 
of the same nature as the columns. In the earlier stages the 
receptaculum is compressed into a small space in the interior of 
the fructification and enclosed by a fleshy bag called the V sae 
In such early stages the fructifications of this, and other members 
of the Phalloidex, are called ‘‘eggs’”’ on account of their general : 
appearance. . 
By the time the spores mature, the egg attains a dia 
from 3 to 5™. The receptaculum then elongates and ie 
out through the apex of the volva, thus raising the spore? " 
height of from 5 to 8™ above the surface of the ground for ge 
favorable dispersal. After elongation of the receptaculum, 1 
Spore-mass, or gleba, as it is called, may be seen as 4 5P"™ 
mass in the upper part of the main central cavity of the dag 
taculum, hanging from the under side of the arch and : : 
proximate portions of the columns. . 
meter of © 
bursts | 
