134 FLOWERLESS PLANTS 



well seen in the case of the Common Puff Ball 

 [Lycopevdon gemmatum), where, at first, the 

 enclosing skin of the fungus is completely 

 unbroken. When the spores are mature, a 

 definite opening occurs at the top of the Puff 

 Ball, and allows the tiny specks to escape in a 

 cloud. Now and again we may have the good 

 fortune to come across specimens of the Giant 

 Puff Ball [Calvatia gigantea). This fungus is 

 sometimes as much as a foot in diameter, and 

 when in a mature state releases a huge number 

 of spores. Another remarkable species belong- 

 ing to the sub-order is the Stinkhom {Ithy- 

 phallus imptidicus). This singular fungus arises 

 from an egg-like process, and when mature 

 presents a most remarkable appearance. The 

 question of spore dispersal in the case of the 

 Stinkhorn is touched upon on a later page. 

 Included amongst the Gasteromycetes are the 

 rare and beautiful Earth Stars, as well as the 

 strange underground fungi which are gathered 

 together under the term of " False Truffles." 



It has already been mentioned that a large 

 number of the species of fungus belonging to 

 the order Ascomycetes are very small, and only 

 a limited number are likely to come under the 



