THE SPORE AND ITS DISSEMINATION. 123 
tions to the general rule: this also is the case in at least one 
species of Hymencgaster. As the spores approach maturity, it 
may be observed in such genera as Sfemonitis, Arcyria, Diachea, 
Dietydium, Cribraria, Trichia, &c., that they are accompanied by 
a sort of reticulated skeleton of threads, which re- 
main permanent, and served in earlier stages, doubt- 
less, as supports for the spores; being, in fact, the 
skeleton of the hymenium. It has been suggested 
that the spiral character of the threads in Trichia 
calls to mind the elaters in the Hepatice, and like 
them may, by elasticity, aid in the dispersion of the 
spores. There is nothing known, however, which 
will warrant this view. When the spores are 
mature, the peridium ruptures either by an external 
orifice, as in Geaster, Lycoperdon, &c., or by an 
irregular opening, and the light, minute, delicate 
Spores are disseminated by the slightest breath of 
air. Specimens of Geaster and Bovista are easily 
separated from the spot on which they grew; when 
rolling from place to place, the spores are deposited pig 4g — pia. 
over a large surface. In the Phalloidei the spores chea elegans. 
are involved in a slimy mucus which would prevent their diffu- 
sion in such amanner. This gelatinous substance has neverthe- 
less a peculiar attraction for insects, and it is not altogether 
romantic to believe that in sucking up the fetid slime, they 
also imbibe the spores and transfer them from place to place, 
so that even amongst fungi insects aid in the dissemination of 
species. Whether or not the Myxogastres should be included 
here is matter of opinion, since the mode in which the spores 
are developed is but little known; analogy with the Trichogastres 
in other points alone leading to the conclusion that they may 
produce basidiospores. The slender, elastic stems which sup- 
port the peridia in many species are undoubted aids to the 
dissemination of the spores.* 
Under the name of Stytosporrs may be classed those spores 
which in some orders of Coniomycetes are produced at the apex 
* See ‘Corda Icones,” tab. 2. 
