OBSERVATIONS ON REZIZA. 
131 
except where a peculiarity is strongly marked, to prove of much 
value. Except in such rare instances as the oblique attachment of 
the cup to its support, as in P. micropus and P. dochmia, or the 
oblique or convolute forms of such species as P. cochleata and 
P. onotica. The auriculate form of the cup in P . onotica , P. 
auricula , and P. leporina appear to be as permanent characters 
as the stem of P. macropus. In other species, as in P. alutacea, 
P. adce, &c., some individuals will possess the cochleate form, 
strongly developed, whilst other individuals will scarcely exhibit a 
trace. In a few instances the outward form is always sufficiently 
distinct and uniform for the identification of the species, but these 
instances are few and far between. 
4. Margin. This partakes very much of the indefinite character 
which pertains to the form of the cup, except in such instances as 
those in which the margin has some appendages of a special cha- 
racter. Involution, revolution, laceration have no value, inasmuch 
as they may depend on age, moisture, or accidental circumstances. 
When the margin is distinctly dentate as in P. cupularis , P. or P. 
subrepanda C. and Ph., or furnished with rigid processes as in P. 
Hindsii or P. tricholoma , or closely contracted as in P. geaster and 
P. sepulta, so that it cannot expand without splitting into lobes, 
such features have their value, because they are comparatively 
permanent. Hence that feature which may be important in one 
species is entirely valueless in an other* for lack of definite 
character. 
5. Attachment. Here again nine species may present no feature 
of importance, whilst the tenth may, in its mode of attachment to 
its matrix, furnish an almost distinctive character. Such rooting 
species as P. ammophila, P. radiculata and P. pusio are of this 
nature ; and so also are the species which are attached by a tuft of 
black fibres like horsehair as P. melastoma, P. hirtipes and P. 
japonica. And so, to a less extent are those small species which 
produce an abundant white mycelium, upon which the cups are 
developed, and which remains for a long time as a thin byssoid 
stratum around the cups as in P. omphalodes , P. domestica , P. 
chartarum , and a few others, notably the majority of those included 
by us under the sub -generic name of Pyronema. 
6. Exterior. The external surface of the cup may be naked, or 
downy, or clad with rigid hairs ; or it may be mealy, or warted, 
or rugose. Whatever may be its character, those which are fuga- 
cious are scarce worthy of consideration, certainly should not enter 
into the distinctive features of a species. Crystals, granules, 
fugitive pubescence, are of a doubtful value when they are confined 
to youth and immaturity. The appendages of the exterior are often 
of considerable value when they are permanently developed. Hairs 
# As all our illustrations are drawn from the sections represented in 
“ My cographia,’ ' it is to these alone that our observations are intended to 
apply. 
