ےس لبي SRE e we‏ ۱۹ هه در 
SPORE DISSEMINATION 25 
a large degree by the method by which the spores are scattered. 
This feature can be best understood by a tabular arrangement of 
the genera depending upon this function. The scheme which fol- 
lows, although showing in brief the salient features of the subject, 
requires the elucidation of the subsequent description for its com- 
plete appreciation. It must be borne in mind that the scheme is 
not perfect—there are apparent exceptions which will be discussed 
later; but these are of such a nature as to prove rather than dis- 
prove the importance to be attached to this feature of the classi- 
fication of the group. Should one then attempt to classify the 
group on the characteristics afforded by this function an arrange- 
ment something like the following would result : 
A. Asci without a functional internal membrane ; asci stretching at maturity. 
I. Asci opening by an apical pore 
. Ascus containing a ER apical structure which colors blue with 
gm Lypocopr 
2. Asci not containing such a structure. Sordaria. 
II. Asci opening by the breaking off of a non-elastic thimble-shaped portion of 
Pleurage. 
B. Asci containing an internal membrane; asci non-elastic at 
I. Membrane opening by an apical Sporormia and Sporormiella. 
II. Membrane opening by the Be off of a lid or thimble- like portion of the 
apex which is often clearly marked out by a constriction. Delitschia, 
An inspection of the above outline will indicate a clear distinc- 
tion between the genera recognized here with reference to this im- 
portant function, and their characters will become more apparent 
as we proceed. 
In the discussion which follows it will be advantageous to take 
up the groups in a slightly different order than they appear 
above. For certain reasons which will become apparent later, it 
will be more convenient to discuss first the genus Pleurage. 
There occur in this genus several species which are especially 
favorable objects for our present purpose because the walls of 
their perithecia are so thin and delicate that, with transmitted 
light, the asci and spores can be distinctly seen without rup- 
turing the perithecium. P. curvula, P. minuta, P. tetraspora, 
and D curvicolla are the most favorable; while P. vestita, P. de- 
cipiens, P. sygospora, P. Kansensis, and P. longicaudata,may be 
employed but with less satisfaction. 
