SYNONYMS. 
Bovista Montana. We have examined authentic specimens of this plant 
which was described as having a thinner peridium and more slender threads than 
Bovista pila, and are unable to distinguish any difference. 
We have also seen authentic Bovista tabacina (Lanopila tabacina in Sac. 
Syl.) and it is a bronzed form, or rather a bronzed condition. Specimens that 
have wintered in the open take on a bronzed color like the throat of a turkey 
gobbler and are frequent both in Ellis’s and our own collection. 
Occasionally we meet with specimens not globose but obovate in shape as 
figured plate 2, figs. 4 and 5. Such specimens we think are what Massee has 
called Bovista obovata. De Toni (in Sac. Svlloge) has compiled Ellis's “Mycenas- 
trum Oregonense” as Scleroderma Oregonense. 
205—BOVISTA NIGRESCENS. 
(Plate 3.) 
Usually globose, from four to six cm. in diameter. Old speci¬ 
mens from which the cortex has disappeared are black or dark brown, 
smooth and shining. Cortex a thin, smooth, white layer which peels 
away entirely. Peridium dehiscing by a large torn aperture. Spore- 
mass umber brown with a purple tinge. Threads branched, with 
slender tapering branches. Spores globose, smooth, 5-6 me. with a 
short pedicel 5-6 me. 
Bovista nigrescens is the large species of Europe. It is said to 
grow in “dry pastures and heathy places.” The general appearance 
is the same as B. pila of this country, but it can be distinguished at 
once by its spores. It does not grow in our country notwithstanding 
the numerous records. 
Specimens in our Collection. 
England, Clias. Crossland (a fine lot). France , N. Patouillard. Tirol, Rev. 
G. Bresadola. Belgium, C. Van Bambeke. 
SYNONYMS. 
The plant lias been called in various writings Eycoperdon nigrescens, Glo- 
baria nigrescens, Eycoperdon globosum, Eycoperdon Bovista. The latter name is 
applied by Sowerby to his illustration t. 331, which is evidently this plant. Sow- 
erby however, confuses in his text Bovista plumbea, Bovista nigrescens and Cal- 
vatia Bovista under the Einnaean name for the last species. 
206—BOVISTA MINOR. 
(Plate 3.1 
Sub-globose, about \ y 2 cm. in diameter. Cortex thick, attached 
to the soil by universal mycelium, and falling away at maturity, ex¬ 
cepting a small portion at the base. Inner peridium thin, subflaccid, 
opening by a small aperture. Spore mass brown. Capillitum threads 
branched, with long slender branches. Spores 4 me. globose, smooth, 
with long (15 me.) pedicels. 
This plant is peculiar in its habits. Buried in the ground, the 
cortex peels off adhering to the soil as the plant comes to the surface. 
A portion of the cortex remains at the very base and in general ap¬ 
pearance it resembles a Catastoma. Hollos claims that it is the same 
as Bovista tomentosa, but it seems to me to differ widely as to 
habits. Its capillitium threads are quite different. Its spores are 
smaller and have longer pedicels. 
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