S pecial M orphology ana Classification. 283 
nomycetes are formed in the interior of small flask-shaped or roundish 
receptacles, which are here termed ferithecia. Their alternation of 
generations has already been described. 
To this class belongs Claviceps pur- 
purea, the ‘sclerotium’ of which is 
officinal under the names ergot and pd 
‘Secale cornutum’ (Fig. 375, p. 228). i Kt 
The Diéscomycetes are distinguished ! oat 
from the Pyrenomycetes mainly by the Ke 
hymenium being superficial. In the Dy 
Clavariee, which are branched in a (7 eal 
fruticose manner, it covers the surface 
of the branches ; ,in the Helvelleze and 
Morchelleze, on the contrary, the outer 
surface of the folded pileus; while in 
Peziza it clothes the inner surface of 
the cup, which is sometimes stalked 
and sometimes sessile. The morel, 
Morchella esculenta (Fig. 408), is a 
well-known edible Fungus.! 
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SUF GES 
AGC 
Za» Vy 
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IZ) 
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Fit 
HAA 
HEH HLL 
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1 
" 
There are a number of Fungi, as, 
for instance, some moulds, which it is 
not at present possible to classify under 
this system. They are probably only 
forms of other Fungi, the relationship 
of which to other forms has yet to be 
certainly determined. 
THE -MYXOMYCETES. 
The Myxomycetes are distinguished 
from all other plants by the fact of 
their cells being without a cell-wall during their vegetative period, 
and not combined into a tissue. It is only when their protoplasm 
Fic. 408. — The morel, Morchella 
esculenta (natural size). 
1 [De Bary has published a series of elaborate investigations of the 
Ascomycetes, leading to the conclusion, that, in at least one group, the 
Pyrenomycetes, the ascospores are the result of a true process of impreg- 
nation, vzz. the contact of the apex of a male organ, which he termed 
the pollinodium, with a fema'e organ, the carpogonium or ascogoniune. 
The most recent researches, however, of Cornu and Van Tieghem 
throw the greatest doubt on the accuracy of De Bary’s conclusions, 
and, indeed, on the existence of any form of sexual reproduction in the 
higher Fungi. —ED. | 
