the Spores of Coprinus sterquilinus , Fr. 
141 
Summary. 
1. The spores of Coprinus sterquilinus , Fr., will not germinate without 
Bacteria. 
2. These Bacteria are short rods, measuring o-8 \k in breadth and 
t *2 \jl in length. 
3. The Bacteria are most abundant towards the centre of the mycelium, 
and at those points where branching occurs. 
4. Development of the Bacteria is better in cultures where spores 
are present and are germinating. 
5. The presence of certain longer bacilli prohibits development of the 
mycelium. 
6 . Germination is most vigorous at 30° C., and does not occur at 
all below 20° C. 
7. Fusions between neighbouring hyphae of different mycelia frequently 
occur. 
Conclusion. 
It seems from the above results that these Bacteria are necessary 
for the germination of the spores of Coprinus sterquilinus, Fr., but in exactly 
what way they are of benefit to the spores is still matter for conjecture. 
Certainly they aid the spores in some way, and the question arises as to 
whether the spores are of any benefit to the Bacteria. From the way 
in which they cover the mycelial tubes this would seem to be the 
case. Nadson ( 18 , p. 38), fully recognizing the importance of pure cultures, 
yet thinks that in some cases development is better where certain micro¬ 
organisms are also present. This theory is quite tenable if applied to the 
case of C. sterquilinus , since many Bacteria pass through the animal with 
the spores, so that their presence in artificial cultures may more closely 
approximate the conditions to those in nature. 
The writer wishes to take this opportunity of expressing her thanks to 
Dr. O. V. Darbishire, under whose helpful direction and advice this work 
has been carried on. 
The University, 
Bristol. 
Literature. 
1. Blackman, V. H., and Fraser, H. C. I. : On Sexuality and Development of Ascocarp in 
Humaria granulata. Proc. Roy. Soc., London, Ser. B, vol. lxxvii, 1906, p. 355. 
2 . Brefeld, O. : Untersuch. ausdem Gesamtgeb. d. Mykol., Bd. iii, 1891, pp. 14-19. 
3 . —-- : Loc. cit., Bd. ix, 1891, pp. 113-18. 
4 . -: Loc. cit., Bd. x, 1891, pp. 337-9. 
