LISTER : THE STUDY OF MYCETOZOA IN BRITAIN. 22/ 
D. melanospermum (Pers.) Macbr.—This widely distributed 
species is common in many districts, especially where there 
are coniferous woods ; it has only once been recorded from 
Essex. On the occasion of the annual fungus foray of the 
Club in October 1905, a fine growth was found within a thick 
bush of heather in the forest near Theydon. 
D. nigripes Fries.—Very abundant on dead leaves, especially 
holly leaves, from autumn to winter. The var. eximium with 
orange brown stalks and columellae has once been found in 
Wanstead Park. The var. xanthopus is not uncommon on 
dead leaves, heather, etc., in August and September. 
D. squamulosum (Alb. and Schw.) Fries.—Very common 
from late summer to spring on dead leaves, especially holly ; 
occurring also on old horse-dung in pastures. 
D. anellus Morgan.—This species occurs, often in great 
abundance, in autumn on heaps of dead sycamore leaves in 
Wanstead Park. The small brown or dull grey concave sporangia 
and slender plasmodiocarps are inconspicuous objects on 
the sodden leaves. 
Colloderma oculatum (Lippert) G. Lister.—Although only 
recorded as British since 1910, this species appears to be abund¬ 
ant in the forest from early autumn, and on through the winter,, 
when the seasons are mild. By careful observation of trees 
and logs where it has developed, Mr. Ross has recorded it in 
the Chingford district for every month from August to April. 
The sporangia found in March and April were probably survivors 
from February. The minute sporangia occur among moss, 
lichens and hepatics on living tree-trunks, often four or five feet 
above the ground, also on prostrate logs and on moss ( Campylopus 
pyriformis) on peaty soil. In Britain, Colloderma has been 
recorded from N. Devon, Somerset, Worcestershire, Shrop¬ 
shire, Yorkshire, Aberdeen and Elgin ; in Europe, from Swit¬ 
zerland, Austria, and Portugal; it has also been found in New 
England, Japan and New South Wales. Experience proves that 
the sporangia are entirely devoid of calcareous deposits. The 
genus cannot, therefore, be included in the Calcarincce, but 
should be placed next the Stemonitacece in an order by itself, 
Coliodermacecz, characterized by the young sporangia being 
enclosed in a gelatinous envelope. 
Stemonitis fusca Roth.—Common on dead wood ; appearing 
