FUNGI. 309 
structures, or at least intermediate links between 
the animal and vegetable kingdoms. 
The simplest fungi consist of a few primordial 
cells, either separate or conjoined, or of cellular, 
branched filaments or threads, performing the 
functions of nutrition and reproduction. Between 
these and the mushroom, which may be regarded 
as exhibiting the highest development of fungoid 
life, there are numerous intermediate forms more 
or less complex. Some resemble minute mussels 
Fic. 27.—TREMELLA MESENTERICA. 
with their edges upwards ; some are shell-shaped, 
and others shrubby and branched like coral. 
Some form large round balls, splitting into star- 
like expanding rays; others are crowned with 
mitres or peaked caps. Some are cup-shaped, 
trumpet-shaped, bell-shaped. Some, such as the 
leaden-coloured Cruczbulum vulgare (Fig. 28), so 
frequent on rotten wood and in potato-fields, form 
a nest in which to rear their young. One forms 
