TRE FUNGI OF INDIA. 1275 



usually 8 in number, are included in a sack, called ascus (Fig. 2). 



Fig. 2.— Section of the hymenium of an Ascomyces, 

 showing the asci with 8 bicellular spores. 



A . — B ASIDIOMYCETES , 



Omitting for a moment the Uredinales (Etists, Smuts), we 

 divide the Basidiomycetes into two very natural orders ; the 

 Hymenomycetes and Gastromycetes. 



In the Hymenomycetes (y. g., the common Mushroom) the 

 basidia with the spores are exposed and free from the beginning, 

 or at least from a very early state. In the Gastromycetes the 

 basidia are developed in cavities within the tissue of the plant 

 (Puff-Balis for instance). 



Hand in hand with this internal anatomical structure, the 

 various families show distinct outer morphological characters. In 

 order to distinguish them it is, therefore, not necessary, to make a 

 minute microscopical examination. 



I. — Hymenomycetes. 



1. Agaricaceae. — Agarics, the common Mushroom. (Plate I, 

 A, B, C).* 



* Figures A, B, D of PI- 1, A of PI. Ill, from Rick. Contributio ad Monogr. 

 Agar, et Polyp. Broteria, 1907. 



Fig. C of PI- I. Theissen, Marasmii austro-brasilienses, Broteria, 1909. 

 ,, of PI. II. „ Polyporacete austro-brasilienses, Denkschr. Acad. 



Wien, 1911. 

 „ B of PI. III. Lloyd, Hexagona. 

 „ A, D of PI. V and A of PL VI. Lloyd, Phalloids. 



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