98 THE AMERICAN NATURALIST.. (VoL. XXXII. 
being observed in the tenth to twelfth zone of cells behind the 
apex. Invariably the crystal cells were left untouched. 
The close similarity of the above to cases recorded by Groom for 
Thismia, and by other authors, was referred to, but the conclusion 
was reached that, while the fungus might for many generations aid 
the host in the elaboration of protein compounds that were absorbed 
by the latter, ultimately, though very gradually, the fungus would prove 
a destructive agent. 
Pror. Geo. F. ATKINSON: Studies on Some Mycelium and Fungi 
Jrom a Coal Mine. On the 14th of September the speaker explored 
abandoned portions of the Algonquin coal mine near Wilkesbarre, 
Pa., for the purpose of studying the mycelial formations on the 
doors in the gangways and on the wood props which are used to 
support weak places in the roof above. Several flashlight photographs 
were made of the remarkable displays of the mycelium, some four 
hundred feet below the surface, and of some of the fruit forms. 
Mature fruit collected has been determined as follows: Polyporus 
versicolor, P. annosus, Coprinus micaceus, Stropharia sp., Hymenochete 
sp., Merulius sp., etc. The paper was illustrated with lantern views. 
Some of the mycelial growths entirely covered areas one to two 
meters square, and were astonishingly luxuriant. 
E. A. Burt: Zs there a Basidiomycetous Stage in the Life History of 
Some Ascomycetes? The author described cases of close association 
of Graphium giganteum (Pk.), also known as Dacryopsis ellisiana 
(Berk.) Massee, with the discomycete Zecanidion leptospermum (Pk.), 
also known as Holwaya tiliacea, E. and E., and believes them to be 
different stages of the same plant. Dacryopsis ellisiana was described 
as a basidiomycete, and its hymenium and basidia figured by Massee 
in Journal of Mycology, 6: 181. The present study is being carried 
on, therefore, to decide whether D. ed/isiana is a basidiomycetous 
stage of the ascomycete already named. If it is such a stage, the 
fact will have great significance in determining the relationship to each 
other of the great classes of fungi, basidiomycetes and ascomycetes. 
Specimens of the Dacryopsis collected in August, October, Novem- 
ber, and December show only conidial condition, and no true basidia 
and basidiospores. The conclusion is reached that, until further 
study demonstrates the presence of basidia, Graphium giganteum 
(Pk.), or Dacryopsis ellisiana (Berk.) Massee, should be regarded as 
a conidial rather than a basidiomycetous stage of the ascomycete 
Lecanidion leptospermum (Pk.). 
