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 he 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, Sphceronemei, Melanconei, Torulacei, Dematiei, and Muce- 

 dines, while some probably belonged to the Pitcciniwi and 

 CoBomacei. 



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 to a 

 species or genus. Some of the more significant forms of spores 

 may be illustrated, with their modes of dissemination. 



Basidiospoees 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 Qasteromycetes, 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 Agarioini the spores are plentiful, and 



