MYXOGASTERS. 61 

many curious phenomena, and take place in various ways with the 
different species. The peridium when mature opens, (1) by an irre- 
gular orifice (Zycogala) ; (2) by a rupture with noise (Physarum) ; 
(3) by an operculum or lid, which soon falls off (Craterium) ; (4) 
by the fall of the upper half, the base remaining in the form of a 
cup (Arcyria); (5) when it falls entirely, or at the slightest touch 
splits into minute fragments (.S¢emonztis). While the peridium is 
growing the fluid contents are also being transformed, and the 
spores with the capillitia or elaters (which are their sporophores) 
make their appearance. The capillitia or flocci are tubulous cel- 
lules, very attenuated, diaphanous, simple, ramose, reticulated or 
anastomosed, and by their expansion the spores are dispersed. 
The elaters, analagous to those of the Hepatics, are tubulous 
filaments forming elegant spiral threads destined to disperse the 
spores. ° 
The existence of another organ in its axis is often manifest in 
the peridium, the Columella or Stylidium. This organ is the con- 
tinuation of the stipe penetrating more or less into the conceptacle 
and sometimes traversing the whole of its length. It is often 
found in the rudimentary state, and serves to attach the capillitia 
to the peridium. 
The spores which are spherical or oval take very varied forms. 
They are simple, glabrous, papillose, or tuberculose, and furnished 
with a true hilum or spot where it is borne by the capillitia and 
nourished. The epispore is coloured and ocellate ; it sends out 
cilia after the manner of zoospores, and is capable of motion like 
an Amoeba. The cilia soon disappear, and thé germ grows ina 
mucous irregular mass or Plasmodium, a kind of pseudo-mycelium, 
which I prefer still to call mycelium, to simplify mycological lan- 
guage. 
The Myxogasters are most abundant in the humid seasons of the 
year (Spring and Autumn) and of all other fungi are most influenced 
by the weather. ‘They occur on living plants, such as mosses, &c., 
and upon decayed wood and straw. ‘These fungi differ widely 
from other species, in the rapidity with which they reach the 
mature state. ‘Their growth is so rapid that they appear to obtain 
the elements of their existence from the surrounding air, rather 
than from the nidus on which they are sometimes found, as the 
mycelium does not penetrate and they adhere but feebly. 
The transformation of the Myxogasters, says Montagne, is a 
process as marvellous at it is incomprehensible; it is often performed 
in a few hours, so that the observer may easily watch all its phases. 
This charming little family, the different species of which may 
be so easily preserved, and which obtains so small a share of atten- 
tion, is second only to the mosses in the ease and pleasure attending 
its study. The delicacy of its forms does not escape the unassisted 

