60 FUNGI. 
appears or is absorbed in a mucilaginous matter, which occupies 
its place, in the midst of which is a small nucleus, which is the 
rudiment of the first spore; other spores are formed consecutively, 
and then the substance separates into as many sections as there 
are sporidia. From this period each sporidium seems to have a 
separate existence. All have a nucleus, which is scarcely visible, 
often slightly granular, but which is quite distinct from the 
oleaginous sporidioles so frequent amongst the Discomycetes, 
and which are sometimes called by the same name. The spori- 
dia are at first a little smaller than when mature, and are sur- 
rounded by mucilage. After this period the sporidia lose their 
nebulous granulations, whilst still preserving their nucleus ; their 
outlines are distinct, and, amongst the true Ascobolei, commence 
acquiring a rosy colour, the first intimation of maturity. This 
colour manifests itself rapidly, accumulating exclusively upon 
the epispore, which becomes of a deep rose, then violet, and 
finally violet blue, so deep as sometimes to appear quite black. 
There are some modifications in this coloration, since, in some 
species, it passes from a vinous red to grey, then to black, or 
from rose-violet to brown. 
The epispore acquires a waxy consistence by this pigmenta- 
tion, so that it may be detached in granules. It is to this parti- 
cular consistency of the epispore that the cracks so frequent in 
the coloured sporidia of Ascobolus are due, through contraction 
of the epispore. As they approach maturity, the sporidia accu- 
mulate towards the apex of the asci, and finally escape in the 
manner already indicated. 
In all essential particulars there is a great similarity in the 
structure of the other Discomycetes, especially in their reproduc- 
tive system. In most of them coloured sporidia are rare. In 
some the receptacle is pileate, clavate, or inflated, whilst in 
Stictis it is very much reduced, and in the lowest form of all, 
Ascomyces, it is entirely absent. In the Phacidiacei, the struc- 
ture is very similar to that of the Hlvellacei, whilst the Hyste- 
riacei, with greater affinities with the latter, still tend towards 
the Pyrenomycetes by the more horny nature of the receptacle, 
and the greater tendency of the hymenium to remain closed, at 
