324 Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters. 
There is no evidence, according to Atkinson, to substantiate the 
view that ooblastema filaments are phylogenetically related to the 
ascogenous hyphae of the Ascomycetes. Pore formation is not 
connected with the presence of a trichogyne or antheridium as it 
is formed in Ascobolus, Lachnea creta and Polystigma ruhrum 
forms in which one or both of these organs are absent. In the 
fusion of ooblastema filaments with auxiliary cells the diploid 
nucleus of the former never fuses with the haploid nucleus of the 
auxiliary cell but they actually repel each other. 
Atkinson doubts whether the nuclear fusion in the ascus may 
be regarded as purely vegetative and believes it has greater signifi¬ 
cance. He cites Dangeard (1897) and W. H. Brown (1909) on 
Pyronema to substantiate his views that the sex organs do not al¬ 
ways function. In Lachnea scutellata Brown (1911), the antheri¬ 
dium is absent, as also in Ascophonas carneus, and Ascobolus im- 
mersus. Ramlow (1914) and W. H. Brown (1910) maintain that 
no nuclear fusion occurs in the ascogonium of Leotia and Paul 
(1911-12) working on Laboulbenia holds the same view. The 
archicarp is absent in some forms and vegetative cells form 
ascogenous hyphae as in Gnomonia erythrostoma Brooks (1910) 
and Helvella elastica MucCubbin (1910). In Polystigma rubrum 
the archicarp, according to Blackman and Welsford (1912), does 
not function. In Collema pulposum observed by Bachman (1913), 
according to Atkinson, there is no evidence that the nucleus of the 
spermatia migrate to the ascogonium, although disintegration fol¬ 
lows. The archicarp of Gnomonia erythrostoma Brooks (1910) 
has also ceased to function. If we accept the views of Clausen 
(1912) these results have no significance as only one fusion occurs 
and the sex organs are no longer necessary. 
It is not difficult to bring up negations but the articles quoted 
by Atkinson to support one statement refute his claims in another. 
His argument that the trichogyne is of no fundamental importance 
from a phylogenetic standpoint and that the sex organs of many 
Ascomycetes are functionless or atrophied makes one doubt the 
wisdom of placing so much faith in the immutability of certain 
organs of the Phycomycetes as he apparently has. Progression and 
degeneration may go on together, and to discard one view or fact 
because it does not harmonize with preconceived notions does not 
solve the matter. More evidence is required before a genralization 
can be made. 
