236 Mas see. — A Monograph of the Geoglosseae. 
unequal knowledge respecting the floras of different countries, 
and this imperfection is especially pronounced with regard to 
Fungi, which are, as a rule, altogether neglected by collectors, 
and even by botanists having no special interest in the group. 
In the Geoglosseae however, fortunately, the general mor- 
phology and comparative differentiation of the species supports 
the numerical evidence bearing on the origin and gradual 
dissemination of the family. The Geoglosseae represent 
a primitive type of the Discomycetes, which as an order is 
comparatively modern compared with the remainder of the 
Pezizeae. 
Geopyxis. 
Pezizeae. 
Gorgoniceps. 
Vibrissea. 
/ Hemiglossum ? 
--Mitrula/ Spathularia. 
He ole eta./ 
Geoglossum. 
Ascomycetes, the Hysteriaceae, Sphaeriaceae, Tuberaceae, &c.; 
and the entire evidence points to Northern Europe as being 
the cradle of this interesting family. An analysis of the 
distribution of Geoglossum , the most primitive genus included 
in the family, will serve as a model, the remaining large 
genera following along similar lines. The following points 
stand out very clearly: — (1) The primitive and oldest genera 
have the most closely allied species, and even these are 
connected by forms and varieties. (2) Varieties and forms 
become more abundant the further the species extend from 
the original home of the genus. 
Geoglossum contains seven species, six of which occur in 
