Weir: Altitudinal Range of Forest Fungi 7 



Schizophyllum commune, after having been kept dry and exposed 

 to the air for two years and eight months, are able to retain 

 their vitality when subsequently they have been dried in vacuo 

 by the phosphorus pentoxide and charcoal-bulb liquid air method 

 and subjected to the temperature of liquid air ( — 190 0 C.) for 

 three weeks." This shows the wonderful powers of resistance 

 against drought and cold by this species. The same author 

 demonstrated that a number of the sporophores of the common 

 wood-destroying fungi have the ability to withstand very low 

 temperatures. It is interesting to note in the list at the end of 

 this article that the xerophilous species are well represented in 

 high altitudes. 



With regard to the form and general development of the aerial 

 parts of the larger fungi in high mountains, there are many 

 analogies with the higher plants. Some species have developed 

 special structures in order the better to withstand the drying 

 winds of high elevations. Polyporus leucospongia Cke. is a 

 notable example of this. It has been observed that the spongy 

 layer of the sporophore retains moisture for a considerable period 

 following a rain. This aids in keeping the sporophore moist 

 and furthers its development. Perennial polypores under alpine 

 conditions are usually distinguished from the same species in the 

 lowlands by their small size, different color, inclination to the 

 resupinate form, and a hard context. The sporophores of Fomes 

 pini at high elevations are small and either appear just under 

 branches or in a poria-like form in the clefts of the bark. Fungi 

 in well protected sites as compared to those in the arid wind- 

 swept areas are larger and there is a greater variety and number 

 of species. Up to an elevation of about 4000 feet (1219 m.) 

 there is practically no difference in the position or location on 

 their substrata of the wood-destroying fungi. Sporophores occur 

 quite promiscuously on fallen trunks or high up on standing 

 trees. At 4000 to 5000 feet elevation the sporophores of Echino- 

 dontium tinctorium and Fomes pini may occur as high up on 

 their hosts as in the lowlands depending upon the height, size, 

 and age of the trees. With increasing elevation the sporophores 



fruit bodies of certain Hymenomycetes. Trans, of the Royal Soc. of Canada. 

 Third series. 6: pp. 73-75. 1912. 



