68 FUNGI. 
sporophores. When specimens are very old and decaying, the 
interior may become pulverulent or deliquescent. The structure 
of subterranean fungi attracted the attention of Messrs. Tulasne, 
and led to the production of a splendid monograph on the 
subject.* Another order belonging to. this sub-family is the 
Phailoidei, in which the volva or peridium is ruptured whilst 
the plant is still immature, and the hymenium when mature 
becomes deliquescent. Not only are some members. of this 
order most singular in appearance, but they possess an odour 
so foetid as to be unapproached in this property by any other 
vegetable production.t In this order, the inner stratum of the 
investing volva is gelatinous. When still young, and previous 
to the rupture of the volva, the hymenium presents sinuous 
cavities in which the spores are produced on spicules, after the 
manner of Hymenomycetes.{ Nidulariacei is a somewhat aber- 
rant order, presenting a peculiar structure. The peridium con- 
sists of two or three coats, and bursts at the apex, either 
irregularly or in a stellate manner, or by the separation of 
a little lid. Within the cavity are contained one or more 
secondary receptacles, which are either free or attached by 
elastic threads to the common receptacle. Ultimately the 
secondary receptacles are hollow, and spores are produced 
in the interior, borne on spicules.§ The appearance in some 
genera as of a little bird’s-nest containing eggs has furnished 
the name to the order. 
The second sub-family contains the coniospermous puff-balls, 
and includes two orders, in which the most readily distinguish- 
able feature is the cellular condition of the entire plant, in its 
earlier stages, in the Zrichogastres, and the gelatinous condition 
of the early state of the Myxogastres. Both are ultimately 
resolved internally into a dusty mass of threads and spores. 
* Tulasne, L. R, and C., ‘* Fungi Hypogei,” Paris, 1851; ‘‘ Observations sur 
le Genre Elaphomyces,” in “‘ Ann, des Sci. Nat.” 1841, xvi. 5. 
+ Stapelie in this respect approach most closely to the Phalloidet, 
t Berkeley, in ‘‘ Ann. Nat. Hist.” vol. iv. p. 155, 
§ Tulasne, L. R. and C., ‘‘ Recherches sur ]’Organisation et le Mode de Fruc- 
tification des Nidulariées,” ** Ann. des Sci. Nat.” (1844), i. p. 41. 
