60 T'ransactions. 
gleba. When the epiphragm ruptures the gleba dries out, portion per- 
sisting as a delicate membrane lining the inner wall of the peridium. At 
maturity this membrane is quite smooth and shining, and is often mis- 
taken for a layer of the wall of the peridium. 
n Cyathus and Crucibulum the peridiola are attached to the inner wall 
of the peridium by fine thread-like filaments, termed “funiculi.” In 
this sheath is a delicate much-convoluted thread, attached by one end 
to the peridiolum, and by the other to the constricted portion. This 
thread, when moist, is capable of extension to a distance of several 
(5-8) centimetres. 
In Crucibulum the funiculus is less complicated in structure, as the 
hollow sheath enclosing the convoluted thread early becomes gelatinized, 
and so at maturity the thread is embedded in the resultant mucilage. 
DEVELOPMENT (Cyathus). 
From hyphae ramifying in the substratum, mycelial strands become 
differentiated ; the terminal portions of these become enlarged, differ- 
entation of the basidiocarp commencing slightly below this region. In the 
region of the future inner wall of the peridium a zone of mes 
gelatinized, the whole inner portion eventually forming the gleba, the 
external portion persisting as the wall of the peridium. Within this area, 
at the periphery, the peridiola become differentiated, each originating 
around a common centre toward which the ends of hyphal filaments con- 
verge, differentiation of peridiola occurring successively from the base of 
the developing peridium towards the apex. Then a layer of hyphae round 
each peridiolum becomes partly gelatinized and forms the pseudoparenchyma 
of the cortex. 
The funiculus originates in somewhat parallel filaments extending from 
the innermost surface of the peridium to the peridiolum. Later appear 
actively growing hyphae which elongate rapidly and form a bundle of 
parallel filaments. Surrounding this certain hyphae gelatinize and form 
the outer sheath of the mature funiculus. 
The peridium enlarges in size and becomes differentiated into three 
definite regions ; differentiation occurs first at the base, new growth taking 
place in an apical peripheral zone, and as gelatinization occurs basally 
upwards the apical portion is the last to become gelatinized, and thus 
away from the apex and the epiphragm becomes exposed; this then 
ruptures and becomes gelatinized, the gleba becomes exposed, and as the 
moisture dries out the peridiola fall to the bottom of the peridium, rem- 
nants of the gelatinous gleba persisting as a thin lining on the inner 
surface of the peridium. 
Thanks are due to Mr..C. G. Lloyd, Cincinnati, for the determination 
of two species; to Professor H. B. Kirk, Messrs. E. H. Atkinson, and 
R. Grimmett, Wellington, Miss H. K. Dalrymple, Dunedin, and Dr. K. M. 
Curtis, Nelson, for contributions of specimens; and to Messrs. E. Bruce 
Le . D. Reid, of the Biological Laboratory, Wellington, for 
the photographs used in this paper. 
