1917-18.] 
Phy corny cetous F ungi. 
137 
III. Tuberous Swellings of Irregular Shape. 
More or less irregular swellings of a rounded or pear-shaped form are 
not uncommon. Renault figures them (see Meschinelli, tab. v, fig. 14 : tab. 
vi, fig. 1), and an example from an English specimen is shown in text- 
tier. 4. This was found in the cortex of a small root of Lyginodendron 
o 
Oldhamium ( Kaloxylon Hookeri) (Dulesgate, Lancashire: Lower Coal 
Measures). The irregularity of the form of these swellings precludes their 
connection with the function of reproduction. Amongst the diversity of 
forms some are spherical. Renault claims that the latter are separated 
from the adjacent hyphee by transverse septa, and are regarded by him as 
chlamydospores. It is impossible to come to a decision from the figures 
published by Renault, but it is evident that he did not regard the spherical 
as being essentially different from the irregularly-shaped swellings which 
are found in the same figure. It would be a great advantage if a fresh 
examination could be made of Renault’s specimens of this fungus. In the 
English specimens the swellings were obviously involution forms such as 
are common among modern fungi. 
Identity of Organism with Pal.eomyces gracilis (Renault). 
This is based on the following facts : — 
1. Both occur in Carboniferous rocks. 
2. Both occur typically in the cortical cells of Lepidodendroid plants. 
3. The vegetative hyphse in both are of equal thickness. 
4. The tuberous irregular swellings characteristic of Palceomyces 
gracilis are also found in the English fossil. 
