2G6 
Mycologia 
strands are really anastomosing partitions, connecting with the 
peridium externally and with the bars of the receptaculum within. 
The gelatinous layer is therefore divided up into many irregular 
longitudinal chambers. A similar arrangement of partitions in 
the volva jelly is described by Fischer (1901) in Simbhini peri- 
phragmoides, and by Long (1907) in this species. 
So far as is shown by the rather advanced stages at our dis- 
posal, Simhlum sphaerocephalum agrees precisely in structure 
with other Clathraceae as described by Fischer (1890-1910). 
The stalk of the receptaculum is traversed by a central strand, 
{S) of gelatinous hyphae, which is continuous with the gelatinous 
filling of the chambers of the stalk (figs, i, 3). The pseudo- 
parenchymatous tissue is composed of small spherical cells, 
arranged in a network of anastomosing plates which form the 
walls of the chambers (figs. 3, 7, 8). These walls are much 
folded in the egg stages. Though the chambers seem to be all 
connected with one another and with the central cavity of the 
stalk, they do not connect definitely with the tissues surrounding 
the stalk. Elongation of the stalk is manifestly due to a great 
increase in size of the pseudoparenchyma cells, as shown by 
figures 7 and 8. Though these are not taken from the same 
plant, their evidence seems conclusive. Coupled with this enlarge- 
ment is a general expansion of the stalk in all directions, a 
straightening of the folds of the chamber walls, and liquefying 
of everything except the pseudoparenchyma. 
In the head region, the bars of the receptaculum {Rp) are 
found on the surface of the gleba, in full view when the volva- 
jelly is removed. From each bar a plate of permanent hyphal 
tissue {PI) extends to the peridium. Since the receptaculum is 
net-like, these plates enclose prismatic spaces {G) which corre- 
spond in position and number to the meshes of the network. It 
is in these spaces that the volva-jelly is contained. In our speci- 
mens (and also in S', periphragmoides, according to Fischer, 
1901) these spaces bend downward parallel to the stalk, and end 
near the base of the “egg.” Doubtless they originate when the 
“egg” is very young, and before the stalk is formed (Cf. text 
fig. I, G). As growth proceeds, the volva extends by enlarge- 
ment of its upper parts (above text fig. i), and the stalk is 
