234 Fulton, — On the Dispersion of Fungi 
insects for the uncertain action of the wind, just as in the case 
of the cross-fertilisation of flowers, where the former agency 
has so largely replaced the latter. It is easy to understand the 
utility of this substitution, for if one consider a certain area, as 
a field or wood, and the proportionately small surface occupied 
by putrescent matter, it is evident that of the spores blown 
about at random by the wind the number deposited on such 
substances will be very small compared with the number lost. 
If the relative areas be as one to a thousand, on an average 
999 spores will be sacrificed for every one deposited ; for the 
agency is, so to speak, rigidly neutral and impartial. In the 
case of the insects, however, the proportional loss would be 
very much less, for, guided by their senses, they would tend to 
pass directly from one seat of putrid matter to another. 
Now, since the sole reason of an aerial receptacle in fungi is for 
the formation and dispersion of the spores, it follows that the 
Phalloidei must be regarded as exceptionally highly organised ; 
and I will sum up their chief characters that point to this as 
follows : — 
(1) The formation and maturation of the spores within a 
closed volva, usually subterranean and protected largely from 
injury. 
(2) The sudden emergence and expansion of the receptacle, 
not by the comparatively slow process of cellular growth, but 
by a mechanical springlike apparatus acting quickly. 
(3) The freely exposed hymenium undergoing rapid mimetic 
changes, whereby putrid matters are simulated in colour, con- 
sistency, and usually odour. 
(4) The development of a striking form, and of such colours 
as will make the receptacle most conspicuous, and the produc- 
tion of accessory parts for the same purpose. 
(5) The rapidity of the whole cycle of phenomena by which 
the risk of accidental destruction, by animals, etc., is lessened, 
and the effective dispersion of the spores secured. 
I may finally add a word as to the importance of these ob- 
servations that flies and other insects transport living spores of 
