222 The American Naturalist. |March, 



from endorsing such an idea. The reviewer says further that Brefeld 

 admits, theoretically, the existence of such fungi, but does not admit their 

 actual existence because he does not think that two reproductive bodies 

 of such complex development are able to be produced aimi 

 This idea Ferry regards as explaining the imperfect development 

 of the Polyporus in Bommer's plant, and he adds, with a profundity 

 equal to that of the author himself, that there are no existing characters 

 which permit the plain separation of conidial bearing basidia (conidio- 

 phores) from typical basidia. , 



As to the author's observations, if accurately made they are of course 

 deserving of consideration. We have not the space nor is it our pur- 

 pose to discuss them here. Were it not for the fact that the normal 

 form of Polyporus mylittce is frequently found growing on M„ 1 (ft,,, an I 

 is regarded by several observers as being genetically connected with it, 

 we might possibly disregard the supposed sterile hymeniumand accept 

 tuber, though several of the author's observations are at 

 variance with the characters of any known tuber. I am inclined for 

 the present, however, to accept Tulasne's opinion and regard Mylitta 

 as a sclerotium or a conidial stage of the Polyporus. As to the asci 

 they may be illusions or may belong to some parasitic fungus. This is 

 mere conjecture, however. These fungi are interesting forms and it is 

 hoped that their study may be continued until the author's observations 

 are confirmed or rejected. Accurate observations are always welcomed 

 by botanists, but gratuitous and unfounded conclusions and generaliza- 

 tions should find no place in botanical literature.— C. L. Shear. 



Polyporaceae, Hydnacese, Helvellacese. — The undersigned 

 desires species of the above groups from all parts of North America for 

 the purpose of accumulating materials from which to monograph these 

 families. In sending specimens, good representatives are desired, not 

 mere fragments or abortive specimens. Where possible, indicate the 

 host on which the fungus grows if a lignatile species, and especially 

 in the case of fleshy or semi-fleshy forms, it is desirable to note the char- 

 acters in a fresh condition. Even the most common species are desired 

 in order to determine geographic distribution. When it is remembered 

 that not a single species of any of these groups has been reported from 

 more than half of our states and territories, it will be seen how great 

 the necessity of cooperation on the part of local botanists and botanical 

 collectors in order that this preliminary monograph may be as fairly 

 representative of our flora as possible. 



Before sending large packages, a preliminary correspondence will be 

 desirable in. order that the package can be sent the cheapest way. So 



