192 



OUTLINES OF PLANT LIFE. 



271. Simple spore cases. — Spores are also formed loose 

 in the interior of cells. Each spore-containing cell is 



Fig. 144. 



Fig. 144.— a fructification of Clavaria 

 aurea. The spore beds cover the upper 



part of the branches. Natural size.— y^^ ^^, 



After Kerner. 



Fig. 145. — A fructification of a mushroom, Amanita ^kalloides. fi, the cap or pileus; 

 7', the veil, originally connected with edge of cap, covering the gills which radiate 

 from the stipe, st, to the edge of cap ; svo, the volva. The surface of the gills is 

 covered with the spore beds. Most mushrooms showing a distinct volva are poison- 

 ous. Natural size.— After Kerner. 



called a simple spore case (fig. 146). In the lower plants, 

 the spore case may be merely one of the general body-cells, 

 or it may be specialized in form as well as in function. It 

 may be spherical, sac-like, or linear. The number of spores 

 formed within a simple spore case may be two or more, up 

 to several hundred. Simple spore cases may be formed 

 singly or they may be grouped. 



872. Compound spore cases, — In the higher plants, in- 



