STRUCTURE. 85 
When first formed, the peridia are spherical, they then elongate 
and expand, the mouth being for some time closed by a veil, 
or diaphragm, which ultimately disappears. Within the cups 
lentil-shaped bodies are attached to the base and sides by elastic 
cords. These are the sporangia. Each of these has a com- 
plicated structure; externally there is a filamentous tunic, 
composed of interlaced fibres, sometimes called the peridiole ; 
beneath this is the cortex, of compact homogenous structure, 
then follows a cellular thicker stratum, bearing, towards the 
centre of the sporangia, delicate branched threads, or sporo- 
phores, on which, at their extremities, 
the ovate spores are generated, some- 
times in pairs, but normally, it would 
seem that they are quaternary on spicules, 
the threads being true basidia. The whole 
structure is exceedingly interesting and 
peculiar, and may be studied in detail in 
Tulasne’s memoir on this group. 
SpuzRonEMEL—In this very large and, 
within certain limits, variable order, there 
is but little of interest as regards struc- 
ture, which is not better illustrated else- 
where ; as, for instance, some sort of peri- Og Ue ee ano i 
thecium is always present, but this can phore. d. Spores. 
be better studied in the Spheriacei. The spores are mostly very 
minute, borne on delicate sporophores, which-originate from the 
inner surface of the perithecia, but the majority of so-called 
species are undoubtedly conditions of spheriaceous fungi, either 
spermatogonia or pycnidia, and are of much more interest 
when studied in connection with the higher forms to which they 
belong.* Probably the number of complete and autonomous 
species are very few. 
Metanconrel.—Here, again, are associated together a great 
number of what formerly were considered good species of fungi, 
but which are now known to be but conditions of other forms. 
* Berkeley, M. J., ‘‘ Introduction, Crypt. Bot.”’ p. 330. 
