28 



FUNGI. 



the atmosphere. All parts of these reddish, individuals seemed 

 more or less infected with this disintegration, the basidia divided 

 by transverse diaphragms into several cylindrical or oblong 

 pieces, which, finally become free. Transitional conditions were 

 also observed in mixed individuals. This sterile condition is 

 called by Tulasne " gemmiparous," and he believes that it has 

 ere now given origin to one or more spurious species, and misled 

 mycologists as to the real structure of perfect and fruitful 

 Dacrymyces. 



Phalloidei. — In this order the hymenium is at first enclosed 

 within a sort of peridium or universal volva, maintaining a 

 somewhat globose or egg-shape. This envelope consists of an 

 outer and inner coat of somewhat similar texture, and an inter- 

 mediate gelatinous layer, often of considerable thickness. When 

 a section is made of the fungus, whilst still enclosed in the 

 volva, the hymenium is found to present numerous cavities, in 

 which basidia are developed, each surmounted by spicules (four 

 to six) bearing oval or oblong spores.* It is 

 very difficult to observe the structure of the hy- 

 menium in this order, on account of its deliques- 

 cent nature. As the hymenium approaches ma- 

 turity, the volva is ruptured, and the plant rapidly 

 enlarges. In Phallus, a long erect cellular stem 

 bears the cap, over which the hymenium is 

 spread, and this expands enormously after escap- 

 ing the restraint of the volva. Soon after expo- 

 sure, the hymenium deliquesces into a dark mucilage, coloured 

 by the minute spores, which drips from the pileus, often diffus- 

 ing a most loathsome odour for a considerable distance. In 

 Clathrus, the receptacle forms a kind of network. In Aseroe, 

 the pileus is beautifully stellate. In many the attractive forms 

 would .be considered objects of beauty, were it not for their 

 deliquescence, and often foetid odour.f 



Fio. 8. — Basidia 

 and spores of Phal- 

 lus. 



* Berkeley, M. J., " On the Fructification of Lycoperdon, Phallus, &c," in 

 "Ann. Nat. Hist." 1840, vol. iv. p. 158, pi. 5. Berkeley, M. J., "Introduc- 

 tion Crypt. Bot." p. 346. 



+ Tulasne, L. R. and C, "Fungi Hypogrei." Paris. Berkeley and Broome, 



