120 FUNGI. 
beyond the formation of networks of mycelium, or masses of 
toruloid cells, but, in one or two, distinct sporules were developed 
on the filaments arising from some of the larger septate spores; 
and in a few others, Penicillium and Aspergillus produced their 
characteristic heads of fructification. With regard to the precise 
nature of the spores, and other cells present in various instances, 
little can be said, as, unless their development were to be care- 
fully followed out through all its stages, it is impossible to refer 
them to their correct species or even genera. The greater 
number of them are apparently referable to the old orders of 
fungi, Spheronemet, Melanconet, Torulacei, Dematiei, and Muce- 
dines, while some probably belonged to the Puccinigi and 
Ca@omacei. 
Hence it is demonstrated that a large number of the spores 
of fungi are constantly present in the atmosphere, which is con- 
firmed by the fact that whenever a suitable pabulum is exposed 
it is taken possession of by floating spores, and soon converted 
into a forest of fungoid vegetation. It is admitted that the 
spores of such common moulds as Aspergillus and Penicillium 
are so widely diffused, that it is almost impossible to exclude 
them from closed vessels, or the most carefully guarded prepara- 
tions. Special contrivances for the dispersion of the spores in 
the different groups follow a few general types, and it is only 
rarely that we meet with any method that is confined only toa 
species or genus. Some of the more significant forms of spores 
may be illustrated, with their modes of dissemination. 
Basrpiosporgs is a term which we may employ here to desig- 
nate all spores borne at the tips of such supports as are found 
in the Hymenomycetes and Gasteromycetes, to which the name 
of basidia has been given. In fact, under this section we may 
include all the spores of those two orders, although we may be 
ignorant of the precise mode in which the fruit of most of the 
Myxogastres is developed. Guarding ourselves at the outset 
against any misinterpretation as to the use of this term, which, 
in fact, we employ simply to designate the fruit of Hymenomy- 
cetes, we may have excuse in our desire to limit special terms as 
much as possible. In the Agaricini the sporesare plentiful, and 
