349 
Notes on Polyporus squamosus, Huds. 
block of wood remained in a constant position in a dimly lighted 
room ; the larger group of sporophores faced the window, while the 
smaller one was on the opposite and darker side of the block. 
Throughout the course of the observations the single sporophore 
which was on the side of the wood remote from the light remained 
in a rudimentary condition. This is to be accounted for presumably 
by the diversion of the stream of nutritive material derived by the 
sterile mycelium in the wood, to the other group of sporophores 
which were further advanced in development. It is not likely that 
diminished light on that side caused a cessation of further growth, 
because Buller has shewn 1 that as long as feeble light is allowed to 
impinge upon the sporophore for a short time when young, the 
fructification will then develop normally although kept in complete 
darkness. 
The dimensions of two of the sporophores of the larger group 
of fructifications were taken daily by measuring the two longest 
axes of each at right angles to one another. The third sporophore 
of this group grew for a short time and then its development ceased, 
doubtless on account of the available food material being used by 
the larger pilei. The temperature of the room in which the obser¬ 
vations were made varied between 7-8 n C and 17-3°C. The following 
table indicates the amount of linear growth which occurred in the 
two pilei—called A and B, during the period of observation. On 
May 23rd and 24th respectively the pilei ceased to increase in area. 
Pileus A. 
May 10th 
May 23rd 
Length of 
Axis I. 
5*8 cm. 
18*3 cm. 
Length of 
Axis II. 
8-1 cm. 
27-5 cm. 
Growth during 13 days 
12'5 cm. 
... 
19'4 cm. 
Pileus B. 
Length of 
Length of 
Axis I. 
Axis II. 
May 10th 
3‘6 cm. 
... 
4-7 cm. 
May 24th 
13-1 cm. 
... 
18-7 cm. 
Growth during 14 days 
9’5 cm. 
• • • 
14’0 cm. 
These figures indicate the rapidity with which the fructification 
of this fungus grows. The daily measurements are being examined, 
and it is hoped that they will throw some light on the manner in 
which growth takes place in the sporophore of Polyporus squamosus. 
1 Buller, A. H. R, Loc, cit., p. 59. 
