28 FUNGI. 
the atmosphere. All parts of these reddish individuals seemed 
more or less infected with this disintegration, the basidia divided 
by transverse diaphragms into several cylindrical or oblong 
pieces, which finally become free. Transitional conditions were 
also observed in mixed individuals. This sterile condition is 
called by Tulasne “‘ gemmiparous,” and he believes that it has 
cre now given origin to one or more spurious species, and misled 
mycologists as to the real structure of perfect and fruitful 
Dacrymyces. 
Puattower—lIn this order the hymenium is at first enclosed 
within a sort of peridium or universal volva, maintaining a 
somewhat globose or egg-shape. This envelope consists of an 
outer and inner coat of somewhat similar texture, and an inter- 
mediate gelatinous layer, often of considerable thickness. When 
a section is made of the fungus, whilst still enclosed in the 
volva, the hymenium is found to present numerous cavities, in 
which basidia are developed, each surmounted by spicules (four 
to six) bearing oval or oblong spores.* It is 
very difficult to observe the structure of the hy- 
menium in this order, on account of its deliques- 
cent nature. As the hymenium approaches ma- 
turity, the volva is ruptured, and the plant rapidly 
enlarges. In Phallus, along erect cellular stem 
bears the cap, over which the hymenium is 
badeeut ee spread, and this expands enormously after escap- 
lus. ing the restraint of the volva. Soon after expo- 
sure, the hymenium deliquesces into a dark mucilage, coloured 
by the minute spores, which drips from the pileus, often diffus- 
ing a most loathsome odour for a considerable distance. In 
Clathrus, the receptacle forms a kind of network. In Aserie, 
the pileus is beautifully stellate. In many the attractive forms 
would be considered objects of beauty, were it not for their 
deliquescence, and often foetid odour.} * 
we Se 
* Berkeley, M. J., ‘‘On the Fructification of Lycoperdon, Phallus, &e.,” in 
“Ann. Nat. Hist.” 1840, vol. iv. p. 158, pl. 5. Berkeley, M. J., ‘‘ Introduc- 
tion Crypt. Bot.” p. 346. 
"+ Tulasne, L. R. and C., ‘‘ Fungi Hypogei.” Paris. Berkeley and Broome, 
