648 



FUNGI. 



is left on the stipes (fig. 894 a a). The hymenium, or the part on 

 which the organs of reproduction are placed, consists in the agaric 

 of cellular plates, lameUse, or gills, radiating from the centre (fig. 

 894 A). In other genera of Fungi (fig. 897) it consists of tubes or solid 



Fig. 896. 



Fig. 897. 



Fig. 898. 



columns, or fleshy or gelatinous matter. Sometimes the hymenium 

 is on the upper surface of the fungus. — Cellular plants, often growing 

 on decaying organic matter, generally very fugacious, and presenting 

 various colours. They are found in all parts of the world. 



The following are the divisions usually recognised, as defined by 

 Berkeley : — 



1. Hymenomycetes (iiiip, a memlirane, and iiiKijs, a fungus) : Hymenium naked, 



spores in sets of four (fig. 895 6), and borne on distinct sporopliora'5 (figs. 

 894, 896), as seen in Mushrooms. 



2. Gasteromyoetes (yaar'^p, a.belly) : Hymenium enclosed in a membrane (peri- 



dium), spores as in section 1 (iigs. 897, 898) ; as seen in Pufi'-balls. 



3. Coniomycetes (kSvis, powder) : Plocci of the fruit obsolete or mere peduncles, 



Figs. 894-898. Figures to illustrate the natural order Fungi. Fig. 894. A cluster of 



plants of Agaricus campestris. Mushroom in different stages of development, p, Stipe or 

 stallc ccc, Pileus, hat or cap. -t), Velum or indusium, which unites the pileus and stipe, 

 and when ruptured forms the aunulus or ring, a a.- h, Lamella or gills radiating from the 

 centre on ,the under surface of the pileus, and bearing the hymenium or receptacle of the 

 spores. Fig. 895. Hymenium seen from above, the spores, h, being scattered over it in 

 .sets of four (quaternary). Fig. 896. A small portion of the Hymenium much magnified 



and viewed laterally, h. Its tissue composed of cells, b, Basidia or sporophores bearing 

 the spores ; one of these is figured separately, bearing a large number of spores, c, Cystidia 

 or thecas. Fig. 897. A small portion of the pileus of Clathrus canoellatus, in the form of 

 a sort of network. The Hymenium covers its inner surface, and is seen following the con- 

 tour of the lacunse, II, oC the network. Fig. 898. Hymenium much more highly magnified 

 to show the particular form of the basidia, b. s, Spores. 



