152 



INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF FUNGI 



of irregular depressions, in which the mass of spores is lodged. 

 The stem, consisting of a cylinder whose walls at this stage 

 look firm and solid, is composed of a multitude of small com- 

 pressed cells filled with jelly. 



" The volva is at first concealed beneath the surface of the 

 soil, but towards maturity it breaks through the ground, and 

 the exposed part gradually becomes conical, and finally 

 ruptures, the stem rapidly lengthening and elevating the 

 gleba in the air. The gelatinous contents of the flattened 

 cavities disappear, and they become dilated, the previously 

 compact stem increasing threefold or fourfold in magnitude, 

 and becoming open and spongy, the cavities being distended 

 with air. The elevation of the gleba takes place with great 

 rapidity, and may be completed in half an hour or from two 

 to three hours, attaining a height of from six to ten inches. 

 The utility of this sudden elevation by a mechanical process, 

 instead of the slower process of simple growth, will hereafter 

 be evident (Fig. 63). 



" At the time of emergence, and for a brief interval after, 

 the.hymenial surface is firm and solid, greenish / 

 gray in colour, and emits a faint, mawkish, but 

 sweetish and honey-like odour, which is attractive, 

 to house-flies. Very soon, and before the elonga-l 

 tion of the stem is completed, it begins to darken,,' 

 the odour becomes fetid, and the consistency I 

 changes so that it gets rather sticky and tenacious. / 

 A little later it is dark green, almost black, the 

 odour is strong and repulsively fetid, and in con- 

 sistence slimy or almost fluid. These changes 

 begin at the apex and proceed downwards; they 

 seem to depend largely upon the influence of 

 light, for if one side be protected from its action 

 the change in consistency and colour is retarded 

 on that side. When examined microscopically the 

 fetid fluid is seen to contain "myriads of spores 

 (each 3 fi. long). These changes occur during 

 the hot months of the year, from the early part of July till 

 the end of September, at a time when insect life abounds. 



" As soon as the strong, dung-like odour is developed, the 



Fig.63.-Wii/ 

 phallus im 

 pudicus. 



