Hy be mat io n of Fungi . 293 



agarics, lie may be fortunate enough to raise Agaricus race- 

 mosus, which is one of the most singular species 

 of fungi ever recorded, presenting him with two 

 distinct forms of fructification on the same root. 



As an instance of the pleasure derived from 

 this source, we may instance the success of Mr. 

 Currey, who is doing so much for fungi, in raising 

 a beautiful Peziza from the little pink fleshed 

 Sclerotium Kiieiffii which occurs not 

 unfrequently in the pith of Scirpus 

 palustris and Juncus conglomeratus 

 when fallen to the ground, and con- 

 stantly saturated with moisture. . . IG '' 6- 

 But this is not the only pleasure " mosus. 

 which the mycologist may antici- 

 pate. He will soon perceive that the attentive 

 cultivation of these Sclerotia will enable him to 

 discriminate satisfactorily many closely allied 

 Peziza Ourreyi species. Sclerotium complanatum, and 8, scutel- 

 on Sclerotium latum, for example, both produce a Pistillaria, and 

 Kneiffii, nat. ^g ^ wo a ^ g rs ^ gight may be considered as iden- 

 tical, but cultivation will doubtless give a nicer 

 discrimination than we have at present respecting them. So 

 again there is a Peziza which springs from a white fleshed 

 Sclerotium, very like Peziza Ourreyi, which, as said above, is 

 due to a pink fleshed kind, and other instances might be adduced. 

 Much information will be found on the subject in Tulasne's new 

 work, Fungorum Garpologia, which contains a mass of informa- 

 tion unequalled in any work with which I am acquainted. One 

 of the most curious instances that he adduces of a fungus 

 appearing in a dormant state under a sclerotioid form, is that 

 of the cobweb-like Corticium arachnoideum, which is common 

 in almost every wood on fallen sticks, forming a very thin white 

 film, spreading over, but not adhering, like so many of its rela- 

 tions, to the matrix, the very last fungus perhaps one would 

 suppose likely to assume such a form. From the sterile threads 

 there arise sometimes in great numbers, sometimes more 

 sparingly, little velvety white heads, which gradually become 

 smooth, acquiring a light red or bay tinge, and, in fact, are so 

 many globose or irregular Sclerotia of various dimensions, from 

 that of a poppy seed to that of a hemp seed, or even more. These 

 are at length of a deep chesnut or somewhat variegated, and 

 consist of an extremely solid mass of cells. They remain 

 either attached to the matrix or fall to the ground, and when 

 the proper season comes round reproduce the web-like fungus. 

 Tulasne remarks further that it will be matter of wonder to 

 many that a delicate byssoid fungus, such as Corticium arack- 



VOL. I. NO. IV. X 



