NOTES ON AUSTRALIAN FUNGI. 213 



cate whilst the sixth lobe is quadrifurcate ; the other two 

 specimens being in the volva stage. A solitary specimen 

 from Woollahra has eight bifurcate lobes. The Dural 

 specimen is exceptionally large, measuring five inches 

 across from the tips of the rays, and four inches high, whilst 

 the volva is two inches in diameter. In addition to the 

 above localities, specimens have been recorded from Mul- 

 lumbimby, Brunswick River by Kesteven (62), Richmond by 

 Musson (106), Norfolk Island by Mueller (105) and Grant 

 (53), and from New South Wales without specific locality 

 by Turner (117). 



The following interesting particulars, together with a 

 coloured sketch showing eight bifid rays, with specimens 

 from Killara collected by Mr. W. Benson, are of special 

 interest : — 



"A year or so ago I sent you a fungus which simulated a star- 

 fish. I now send you one (or rather sketch of one) which is equally 

 like a sea anemone, though I fear that, as before, I may be one 

 hundred years too late to call it a novelty. It seems to be another 

 Aseroe. It was found yesterday, in a drenched paddock at Killara, 

 near another curious patch of fungi, resembling cauliflower coral. 

 Covering a hollow, porous-looking, pink tube, about two inches 

 high, is a thick mass of liver-coloured fungus matter which shapes 

 itself into eight petal bases, and from each base spring a pair of 

 tentacles, vermilion for about one quarter of an inch and then for 

 another inch up to their tips bright orange, just like the tentacles 

 of a sea anemone. The central mass, which may be one and a 

 quarter inches across, having the throat of the tube in its midst, 

 is rather tough in texture, 'nubbly' as regards surface, and very 

 suggestive of 'protuberant proud flesh' round an abscess. Odour, 

 putrescent. Down the tube for about half an inch, the inner 

 surface is covered with little projecting points like miniature 

 tubercles; these may be up to one-sixteenth of an inch long at the 

 throat where they are largest. The section and rough sketch at 

 foot may make my description clearer." 



