232 ON THE COMPOSITION OF LYCOPERDON GIGAN TEUM. 
the case of R. curvata so early as 1847. This process goes on pre- 
cisely as in Gomphonema, only the plasm-sac, according to Thwaites, 
does not emerge at the side, but from an opening at thé end of the cell. 
Smith found the same species and 2. marina in copulation. In the 
case of the form last-named, Liiders has added the remark that the 
auxospores before they have attained the length of the older cells are 
ve 
invested with a silicious coating, which exhibits broad 
transverse strie. This investment is at first cylindrical, but becomes 
bent in the firstling-cells, which issue from it. 
ON THE COMPOSITION OF LYCOPERDON GIGANTEUM. 
By A. H. Cuvrcn, M.A. 
Previous to analysing the Lycoperdon it was dried in a current 
of warm air. During this process it underwent a curious change. 
it was submitted s 
into a black charred mass. The final burning was completed in a 
large platinum tray in a muffle. 
he ash thus prepared had the following composition :— 
In 100 parts. 
Phosphorus pentoxide (P05) 610 » 
Potash (KO) 5°95 py eg, 35°48 
Soda (Na,O) 6°95 
dame (CeO). oto. ee oo DOT 
Merrie oxide (Fo.0) 9 5 o0 = 1-08 
Sliea (80, Ss i 66 
Other substances andloss . . . . vig 
Thus it will be seen that the mineral or ash constituents of this 
Fungus consist mainly of potassium phosphate. We know that both 
the elements potassium and phosphorus are present in very small 
* Gardeners’ Chronicle, 1871, page 1256. 
