4 NORTH AMERICAN SORDARIACEAE 
the purposes mentioned in connection with each case. The illus- 
trations of Poronia, however, are original and are introduced simply 
to emphasize certain relationships which are spoken of in the text. 
In the great majority of cases, the figures were prepared from liv- 
ing material, which fact has both advantages and disadvantages. 
It has the advantage of being more truthful, but the disadvantage 
of being less usable in some cases where many of the characteris- 
tics are lost by desiccation ; for it is in the dry condition that the 
majority of observers see these plants. It would have been highly 
desirable, indeed, to have prepared illustrations in detail of the ma- 
ture ascus of each species, showing not only the arrangement of 
the spores as has been done, but the arrangement of the append- 
ages envelopes and epiplasm as well, but neither time nor artistic 
ability was at hand to accomplish this desired end. In all cases 
the envelopes and appendages are shown distended as they appear 
after remaining in water a short time. 
It is very much to be regretted that type specimens could not 
in all cases be preserved. But owing to the method adopted for 
securing the plants this was simply out of the question. It is true 
that microscopic mounts have been prepared in triplicate in what 
seems to be tbe best method, but such specimens are very 
far from satisfactory and of very doubtful duration. It is hoped 
that the illustrations will in a measure compensate for this de- 
ficiency. 
Whatever shortcomings this paper possesses must be attributed 
either to the author's lack of time orto inability. For no better facili- 
ties could well be offered than those furnished so magnanimously by 
both Columbia University and the New York Botanical Garden, 
which possess types of the majority of the North American species 
of this family, besides being rich in the collections of Messrs. Ellis, 
Peck, Langlois, Ravenel and others. While the responsibility for 
the work and its consequent conclusions rests with the writer, 
the influence of able counsel is acknowledged in no perfunctory 
manner. The mature experience, ready advice, wide acquaintance, 
and genial companionship of Professor L. M. Underwood have 
been sources of encouragement during the progress of the investi- 
gation and have aided and assisted in the completion of the work 
in many ways. 
OPORNE E AAE TEE ET ای مم‎ 
