290 
PLANT STUDIES 
261), and the mushroom-like Boleti (Figs. 262, 263). The 
" ear-fungi " form gelatinous, dark-brown, shell-shaped 
masses, and the " coral fungi " resemble branching corals 
(Fig. 264). The Hydnum forms have spinous processes 
instead of gills (Fig. 
265). The puffballs or- 
ganize globular bodies 
(Fig. 266), within which 
the spores develop, and 
are not liberated until 
ripe; and with them 
belong also the "bird's 
nest fungus," the " earth 
star," the ill-smelling 
" stink-horn," etc. 
OTHER THALLOPHYTES 
WITHOUT CHLOROPHYLL 
192. Slime -moulds. 
These perplexing forms, 
named Myxomycetes, do 
not seem to be related 
to any group of plants, 
and it is a question 
whether they are to be regarded as plants or animals. The 
working body is a mass of naked protoplasm called a plas- 
modium, suggesting the term " slime," and slips along like 
a gigantic amoeba. They are common in forests, upon 
black soil, fallen leaves, and decaying logs, the slimy yel- 
low or orange masses ranging from the size of a pinhead 
to as large as a man's hand. They are saprophytic, and 
are said to engulf food as do the amoebas. So suggestive 
of certain low animals is this body and food habit that 
slime-moulds have also been called Mycetozoa or "fungus- 
animals," 
FIG. 266. Puffballs, in which the basidia and 
spores are inclosed ; edible. After GIBSON. 
