90 



THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 



sideration of such two types should the complex apothecium- 

 producing forms be taken up. 



In investigating the Basidiomycetes the beginner is best 

 aided by starting with Ustilago — not the Hymenomcytes, as 

 having too highly developed a sporophore, and not the Ure- 

 dinales, since their study involves the puzzling succession of 

 spores. After Ustilago, Exobasidimn and Claz'aria may be 

 taken to illustrate the establishment of true basidium-structure 

 and the origin of the fleshy sporophore. Hydnuin and Agari- 

 cus, finally, indicate the appearance of the pileus form of spore- 

 bearing and the development of the characteristic gill- 

 hymenium. The Gasteromycetes might well be left out of an 

 elementry course. 



As we enter the Bryophyta, we need indications of the 

 derivation of amphibious from aquatic habitat. For this 

 Ricciocarpus serves well, but we should be careful to make 

 much of the land-thallus physiology — a subject almost neg- 

 lected save in the matter of reproduction. Notothylas should 

 be intercalated between the type just mentioned and Antho- 

 ceros, because of its intermediate complexity in sporotype struc- 

 ture; the leap from the spherical to the large columnar body 

 being a real difficulty to the student. The Marchantia and 

 Jungermmmia forms may be passed over with little considera- 

 tion, as with the Gasteromycetes. 



For the mosses it should be said that the series cannot be 

 easily presented unless Sphagnum {not a ^'common moss") be 

 taken first — this of course on account of its gametophyte struc- 

 ture as well as that of the sporophyte. A single true moss suf- 

 fices for the Br3^ales, — it should not be the peculiarly complex 

 Polyirichum. 



In the above choice of specimens for first-year work 

 in the field indicated there wall be found an avoidance 

 of the specialized types that are so bristling with difficulties for 



