232 Fulton. — On the Dispersion of Fungi 
the remarkable reticulated veil around the stem, produced 
by the excessive development of a small and unimportant mem- 
branous layer that exists in Phallus , serves materially to reveal 
its presence. In Aseroe and some species of Lysurus we have 
the assumption of the flower-like stellate form (foreshadowed 
in Aserophallus and Staurophallus\ and it is in this group 
also that the most brilliant colours occur, the majority (83*3 
per cent.) being vivid scarlet or red. Few flowers can com- 
pete in conspicuousness with Aseroe Junghuhnii , Schlecht., 
which forms a red star with 16 or 18 rays, and nearly a 
foot in diameter. The stellate form, which is assumed by 
so many flowers both much and little specialised, is the 
form (as I have shown by experiment, and planimeter 
measurements) which gives the maximum conspicuousness 
at moderate distances with the least expenditure of material. 
It is obvious that the lattice form also furnishes an effective 
and economically conspicuous receptacle. 
The facts above given in reference to the form, colour, and 
odour of the receptacle and hymenium in the Phalloidei point 
to adaptation for the purpose of attracting insects, and there 
is direct testimony that insects do visit several of the species 
besides Phallus impudicus. 
Cibot, describing Lysjirus Mohisin, makes the following ob- 
servations 1 which imply the visits of insects to the hymenial 
slime. ‘ Incrementum intra duodecim fere horarum spatium 
absoluit, perfectusque statim flaccescere incipit, curuatur, in se 
recumbit et putridinem sentit ; attamen hoc illi rarius accidit, 
quandoquidem Insecta varia eiusdem substantiae auidissima 
vix terra emergentem fungum plerumque obsident et ante 
perfectum vegetationis stadium fere totum absumunt.’ Curtis, 
in referring to Phallus iosmus , says 2 , ‘ Flies of all descriptions 
were much attached to this fungus, and, as well as bees (! ?) 
and beetles, seemed very fond of the shining matter which 
dropped from the pileus ’ ; and the particular fly he describes 
as living upon it, and which he figures under the name of 
1 Op. cit., p. 373. 
2 Loc. cit. 
