BADHAMIA UTRICULARIS Berk.
Plasmodium spreading on glass, stained with picrocarmine, magnified 15 times.

Part of the same, showing nuclei, magnified 400 times.

A MONOGRAPH

OF THE

MYCETOZOA

BEING

A DESCEIPTIYE CATALOGUE

OF THE SPECIES IN THE
HERBARIUM OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM.

ILLUSTKATED WITH SEVENTY-EIGHT PLATES
AND FIFTY-ONE WOODCUTS.

BY

ARTHUR LISTER, P.L.S.

LONDON :
PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES.

SOLD BY

LONGMANS & CO., 39 PATERNOSTER ROW ;

B. QUARITCH, 15 PICCADILLY ; DULAU & CO., 37 SOHO SQUARE, W. ;
KEGAN PAUL, TRENCH, TRUBNER, <fc CO., 57 LUDGATE HILL;

AND AT THE

BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY), CROMWELL ROAD, S.W

1894.

rrinted by Hazel], Watson, & Viney, Ld., London and Aylesbury.

PREFATORY NOTE.

~^HE collection of specimens of Mycetozoa in the

Herbarium of the British Museum has been greatly

increased in recent years. The additions include the laro'e

u

collection of the late C. E. Broorne, bequeathed by him
to the Museum, and that of H. W. Ravenel, purchased from
his widow.

It was necessary to make a critical examination of the
whole of the materials in the Herbarium. Mr. Arthur
Lister, who has devoted much attention to these organisms,
was fortunately able to undertake this work ; and he agreed
at the same time to prepare a monograph of the whole
class based on this examination.

This volume, the result of his labours, contains descrip-
tions not only from the specimens in the Museum, but
also from types in various public and private Herbaria, and
from his own rich collection." Mr. Lister has generously
presented a large series of specimens to the Museum, so
that the Herbarium now contains types of all the species
described by him in this monograph.

The volume is fully illustrated with plates mechanically
reproduced from faithful water-colour drawings by the
author and by his accomplished daughter, to whom in the
Introduction Mr. Lister acknowledges his obligations.

WILLIAM CARRUTHERS.

November, 1894.

CONTENTS.

PAGE

INTRODUCTION ......... 1

SYNOPSIS OF THE ORDERS AND LIST OF THE GENERA . . 21
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE GENERA AND SPECIES . . .25

INDEX 213

LIST OF PLATES 221

INTKODUCTION.

FRIES gave the name of Myxoyastres, in 1833, to the group of
organisms described in this Monograph, placing it among the
Gasteromycetous Fungi. In 1836 Wallroth substituted the term
Myxomycetes (Schleimpilze) for the older name, and this came to
be the generally accepted designation. Later investigations showed
that the spores, instead of producing a mycelium, as in the case of
fungi, gave birth to swarm-cells^ which coalesce to form a plasmo-
diuin. In consequence of this discovery, which indicated a relation-
ship with the lower forms of animal life, de Bary in 1858 introduced
the name Mycetozoa. Under this head he still retained the term
Myxomycetes for the section so named by Wallroth, but linked with
them the Acrasiece of Van Tieghem, a small group inhabiting the
excrement of animals ; in these the spores are said to produce
sw T arm-cells, as in the Myxomycetes, w T hich multiply by division
but do not coalesce to form, a plasmodiurn. At a certain period,
when the fruits are about to be formed, they become attached
in branching strings which concentrate to a point, where they
are massed together in aggregations of more or less definite
shape ; the swarm -cells, however, do not lose their individuality.
In Dictyostelium, a genus of the Acrasiece, a stalk is formed by
the arrangement of a number of swarm-cells in vertical rows in
the centre of the heap ; the surrounding amreboid bodies creep
up this stalk and form a globose cluster at the extremity ; here
each amoeboid swarm-cell acquires a spore-wall, and they become
a naked aggregation of spores not enclosed by a definite sporangium-
wall. Rostannski followed de Bary in the view that the formation
of a plasmodiurn. indicates a wide separation in the natural
position of the Myxomycetes from the fungi, but he suppressed
that Dame entirely, adopting de Bary's class name Mycetozoa in
its place ; at the same time, he admitted into his Monograph
Dictyostelium, a genus of the Acrasiece. The reason for his including
this genus may be the fact pointed out by de Bary, that Brefeld
in first describing the dense aggregations of swarm-cells into the
stalked spore-masses of Dictyostelium, refers to them as being
" plasmodia ; that is, products of the coalescence of swarm-
cells ; " and it was not until after the publication of Rostafinski's

1

2 INTRODUCTION.

Monograph that Van Tieghem in 1880 and Bivfeld in 1884 corrected
this view. Accepting the Mycetozoa as established by Rostafinski,
but excluding Dictyostelium on the ground of its not forming a
true plasniodiuin, we have a clearly defined group of organisms
separated from all others by the following combination of
characters. A spore provided with a firm wall produces on
germination an amoeboid swarm-cell which soon acquires a
flagellum. The swarm-cells multiply by division and subsequently
coalesce to form a plasmodium which exhibits a rhythmic
streaming. The plasmodium gives rise to fruits which consist
of supporting structures and spores ; in the JEndosporece these
have the form of sporangia, each having a wall within which
the free spores are developed. A capillitium or system of threads
forming a scaffolding among the spores is present in most genera.
In the Exosporece the fruits consist of sporophores bearing numer-
ous spores on their surface.

The Spore and Swarm-cell. - r h& spores of the Endosporece are
mostly spherical, but occasionally they are ellipsoid. Their size
is uniform in each species, or with so little variation that their
measurement affords a valuable character for specific determination.
This is not without exception ; for instance, in the abundant
species Leocarpus fragilis the spores are commonly 11 to 12 /a,
diameter, but in occasional gatherings they average 16 to 20 /x.
In other genera which present ample material for comparison,
similar variation is sometimes met with. The spore- wall
is variously coloured in the different species. It is described
by Zopf as showing the chemical reaction of cellulose, and
consisting of a simple firm membrane ; * but the spores of several
species of Didymium and Frichia, when crushed in an acetic
solution of gentian-violet, show the existence of two layers, the
inner more delicate and appearing less deeply stained than the
outer. In Physarum, Arcyria, and genera with thin-walled
spores, the double layer has not been traced. It is either
smooth or marked with sculpture. The contents of the spore
consists of faintly granular protoplasm with a single central
nucleus. In abnormal developments, monstrous spores, often of
irregular shape and containing several nuclei, are of frequent
occurrence.

The length of time that elapses before the germination of the
spore after it has been placed in water varies with the species,
and often in different gatherings of the same species. In the
darker spores of Stemonitis fusca it does not begin for nine or
twelve hours, while in the pale-spored variety it has been
observed to occur in twenty-eight minutes. In Reticularict
Lycoperdon it usually takes place in less than an hour in fresh
gatherings ; spores from a specimen which had been stored for
nearly three years began to germinate in four hours, and in
twenty hours nearly every spore had done so. Didymium diffbrme

* Schenk, "Hantlbuch dor Botanik," Bd. iii. 2, 1881 ; "Die Pilztliiere,"
p. 53.

INTRODUCTION.

produced abundant swarm-cells in twenty-eight hours, after three
years and nine months from the date of collection, and in a few
days all the spores appeared to have germinated, and plasmodia
were formed in a moist chamber. Sporangia were developed
eleven days after the sowing of the spores. The spore-wall is
ruptured by the swelling of the contents, which slowly emerges
through the opening, and in about ten minutes lies as a nearly
pellucid globule by the side of the empty membrane; after
remaining quiescent for a few minutes amoeboid movements begin
to take place, and shortly afterwards the flagellum is produced.
This is at first a somewhat tentative process, and the flagellum
is frequently withdrawn ; but in about a quarter of an hour it
acquires its full length of about 15 /x, and by its lashing strokes
the swarm-ce]l swims off with a dancing movement. At this
stage it is pyriform in shape, the interior body-substance is
granular and contains a con-
tractile vacuole, and often one
or more vacuoles in addition
which do not usually show con-
traction. At the narrow end
is placed the nucleus, which
can easily be recognised by its
lighter and more homogeneous
appearance and central nucle-
olus. The nucleus does not
alter its position, though con-
stant movement is observed
among the constituents of the
granular part. The whole is
enclosed by a layer of hyalo-
plasm devoid of granular par-
ticles, and of extreme tenuity
over most of the surface, but
thicker at the anterior end,
where it is produced into the
flagellum immediately in front
of the nucleus, and also at the
posterior end, where it often
extends in a brush of two to eight more or less slender pseudopodia.
In addition to the dancing motion, which is maintained as long as
they are free in the water, the swarm-cells when they come to rest
exhibit movements of an amreboid character, and spread with an
irregular outline ; or they assume a linear form and creep over a
level surface with a snail-like motion, the flagellum being extended
in advance. In this position the movement of the interior
substance is seen to advantage. In the large swarm-cells of
Amaurochcete atra it may almost be described as streaming, the
granules passing from one end to the other in constant flow ;
the hyaloplasmic extension at the posterior end continually
changes its form and often detaches portions which cannot

FIG. 1. DIDVMIUSI DIFFOKME Duby.

a. Spore.

b. Swarm-cell escaping from the spore-case.

c. Newly batched swarm-cell containing a

nucleus and three vacuoles.

d. Flagellated swarm-cell.

e. Swarm-cell, with two vacuoles containing

bacteria, and produced at the posterior
end into pseudopodia, to one of which a
bacterium is attached.

/. Amoeboid swarm-cell.

Magnified 720 times.

INTRODUCTION.

be distinguished from the rest of the hyaline element, and
appear to contain refuse matter. After a time the creeping
movement is again exchanged for the dancing. In all cultivations
of germinating spores, a number of the swarm-cells, after a short
period of activity, withdraw the flagellum and become encysted
in a globular form, as the microcysts of Cienkowski. After being
dried and re- wetted, the contents bursts the membranous cyst-wall,
which remains as an empty hyaline sac, and emerges to resume
the swarm-cell form. If bacteria are introduced into a cultivation
of swarm-cells on the stage of the microscope, they are seen to
be laid hold of by the pseudopodia and drawn into the body of
the swarm-cells, where they are enclosed in a digestive vacuole.
Several bacteria are brought in turn to the same chamber, or fresh
captures are conveyed into one or more additional vacuoles. The
protrusion of pseudopodia usually ceases after such ingestion, and

that part of the swarm-cell
takes a rounded form. In
the course of an hour or two
the bacteria are assimilated,
and the digestive vacuoles dis-
appear. Unicellular algae and
inorganic matter are sometimes
taken in, which after a time are
again discharged. Both ingress
and egress are observed to
take place only at the posterior
end.* De Bary stated that

swarm- cells derive their sup-
port only from nutrient matter
in solution, t and it may be
that they are to some extent

FIG. 2. AMAUROCH.ETE ATEA Rost.

nourished in this

manner;

a to/. Successive stages in bipartition of

swarm-cell, accompanied by the division of the but Considering the large nUHl-

nucleus by karyokinesis. Magnified 1200 times, -i i i

Drawn from stained preparations in Canada Der ot Species belonging to

balsam - different genera which have

been observed to prey actively

on bacteria, it cannot be doubted that these form an important
part of then- food.

Bipartition of the swarm-cells is observed to begin in a few
hours after they leave the spore-membrane, and we may conclude
with de Bary that the process is frequently repeated, for it may
be seen constantly taking place for three or four consecutive days
in cultivations, during which time the numbers increase very
largely. The bipartition is preceded by the withdrawal of the
flagellum and the swarm-cell taking a spherical form. The
nucleus then divides by karyokinesis. The earliest stage which
I have observed is that of the nuclear-spindle with an equatorial

Lister, " On the Ingestion of Food Material by the Swarm-Cells of
Jfycetozoa." Linn. Sue. Jonrti. Sot., 1889, vol. xxv., p. 435.

r De Bary, " Comp. Morph. and Biol. Fungi, Mycet..'' etc., p. 452.

INTRODUCTION.

plate and an indication of spindle-fibres converging at the poles ;
at a later stage the swarni-cell becomes ellipsoid and a constriction
appears in the middle. As bipartition proceeds the nuclear plate
divides and the two halves separate, the connecting achromatic
fibres being often discernible. The daughter-nuclei at length
retreat to the opposite poles of the swarm-cell, which in about a
quarter of an hour from the beginning of the process of con-
striction is completely divided. A flagellum is in a short time
produced by each daughter -cell, which then assumes the original
form of the parent. After dividing in the manner described,
through a period of uncertain duration, they withdraw the
flagellum and creep with slow amoeboid movement. When two
of them come in contact with each other they may coalesce ;
others congregate at this point and form a centre to which great
numbers converge, and though they may remain distinct for
some time, ultimately unite and mingle into one moving mass,
the plasmodium of Cienkowski.
There is no doubt that the
young plasmodia exercise a
distinct attracting influence
on the swarm-cells in their
neighbourhood. Many amoe-
boid swarm-cells, after re-
maining some time near the
plasmodium, contract and form
into microcysts, in which state
they are enclosed by the plas-
modium and become sur-

rounded with vacuoles, where
they are gradually digested.
Although the fusing swarm-
cells thus lose their individu-

ality, their nuclei, SO far as swarm-cells, some of which have turned ii
i-i T i microcysts (//i) : one microcyst is being digest

has been obser\ecl, remain in a v / cuol ^ ^ An empty spore-shell is Ixo

FlG. 3. DlDYMIUM DIFFORME Dubj.

Young plasmodium, with attendant amoeboid

ned into
digested
is shown

distinct. For example, eight at *.

,. , Magnified 470 times.

swarm-cells may be counted
uniting and forming a plas-
modium, and their eight nuclei can be afterwards distinguished ;
but when this number is exceeded the movements of the plas-
modium and the inconspicuous nature of the nuclei present
difficulties in the way of their recognition. Whatever reason
there may be from general considerations to regard this fusion
of individuals as akin to conjugation, no fusion of nuclei, which
appears to be an essential part of the process, has yet been
observed.

In the Exosporece represented by the single genus Ceratiomyxa,
the spore is ellipsoid, and consists of granular protoplasm, in
which four nucleus-like bodies can often be observed. This is
enclosed by a membranous and colourless spore- wall. On placing
the perfectly matured spores in pure water, the membranous

INTRODUCTION.

wall is seen almost immediately to slip free from the protoplasmic
contents, often with a sudden jerk, and by this action may be
removed to some distance from the now naked spore, while it
retains its original form as an empty transparent sac.*

The naked spore remains from six to nine hours without any
apparent alteration ; at the end of this time a slow amoeboid
change of outline is observed, sometimes accompanied by the
projection of numerous pointed pseudopodia, and a constriction
begins to appear in the middle portion. As this continues, a
second constriction can be noticed in each half . The first division
may now become complete, but usually the whole of the spore

contents remains united
until a further constric-
tion takes place in each
quarter, and in about
an hour from the time
when the first movement
was observed the origi-
nal ellipsoid body is
divided into eight spher-
ical portions. These
occasionally become free
at this stage, but as a
rule they continue at-
tached to one another by
narrow bridges ; a few
minutes later each pro-
trudes a flagellum, and
assumes the pyriform
figure of a swarm-cell ;
then by the united lash-
ing movement of their
flagella the cluster of
eight swarm-cells swims
away. They may remain
connected for an hour
or more ] 3U t eventually

. -. J

ctog. Successive stages in the division of the caked become dctachecl, aild

T'otaSf li eight swarm-ceils. resemble in all respects

Magnified 1200 times. the swarm-cells of the

Endosporece.

The Plasmodiiim. The phenomena which are met with in the
swarm-cell may be seen in the plasmodium on an extended scale.
Like the amoeboid phase of the former, it is endowed with power
of locomotion, and advances over the substratum with a creeping
movement. The interior substance consists of granular proto-

* I have not observed the emergence of the spore-contents in an amoeboid
form through an operfng of the spore-wall as described by Famintzin and
Woronin, " Ueber C^'atium hydnoides, Mem. Acad. Petersbourg, " xx. 3,
1873.

F;G. 4. CERATIOMYXA MUCIDA Schroet.

. Spore.

6. Spore-contents escaping from the spore-wall.

INTRODUCTION. 7

plasm, containing numerous nuclei and vacuoles. The latter
vary in size, and are often seen to contract and discharge their
contents, which is either watery or contains refuse matter. The
movements in the interior of the swarm-cell are extended into a
system of circulation in the plasmodium, which spreads in a net-
work of veins with a few principal channels. Through these the
granular substance streams in a rapid torrent which gradual!}'
comes to a pause in the space of a minute and a half to two
minutes ; it then immediately reverses its course, maintaining a
rhythmic flow, backwards and forwards at nearly equal intervals,
but always of a somewhat longer duration in the direction in
which the plasmodium is creeping. This movement is continued
through the smaller veins which branch with increasing intricacy
till lost in the broad stratum ending at the tumid margin of the
advancing wave. The whole is invested by a layer of hyaloplasm
devoid of granular particles, but merging imperceptibly into the
inner stratum. The hyaloplasm exhibits amoaboid movements,
projecting and withdrawing pseudopodia, and is unequal in thick-
ness over difl'erent parts ; it is generally abundant at the advanc-
ing margin, and a large residuum of substance free from granules
and charged with refuse matter is left behind, marking the
track where a plasmodium has passed. The hyaloplasm appears
to be a more firm condition of the protoplasm assumed when
exposed on the surface ; how far it may have reference to the
rhythmic streaming of the plasmodium, or what causes that
movement, has not been ascertained.

The description given above applies to plasmodia which creep
over dead leaves or the surface of logs or woody fungi. Those
which inhabit the interior of rotten wood usually emerge only at
the time of fruiting, and then appear as cushion-like masses or
as scattered globules. The plasmodia of the Calcarece contain
granules of calcium carbonate (designated "lime"), in addition
to the protoplasmic particles. The granules vary in abundance
in different species, being small and inconspicuous under the
microscope in some, while in the opaque \vhite plasmodium of
Chondrioderma Michelii they appear like crowded glass beads
2 p or more in diameter, and greatly impede the streaming move-
ment. The colour varies in different plasmodia ; it is for the
most part white, yellow, or pink, in some it is purple or green,
but is generally constant in each species. An exception occurs
in Trichia ftdkix, which usually rises from rotten wood in rosy
pink globules, but frequently the plasmodium is watery white;
the two colours are not met with together in the same growth,
but the sporangia from each are identical in all charapters.
Dianema depression has, as a rule, a white plasmodium, but
occasionally it is pink.

De Bary states that " union never takes place between plas-
modia of different species,"* and my own experience is in accoid

* De Bary. 7s.. p.

8

INTRODUCTION.

with this statement ; the cases of hybridism referred to by Mr.
Massee in his Monograph* appear to require confirmation.

The food of plasmodia is often easy to determine. Those which
live among dead leaves spread with veins which are brown from
the incorporation of decayed vegetable matter, and when the refuse
is discharged they become white or yellow, according to the species,
shortly before they form into sporangia. The plasmodium of
Badhamia panicea thrives on the inner bark of felled elms, and
is difficult to discern on the red-brown substratum owing to the
broken fragments of bark with which it is densely charged ; it
becomes pure white by the rejection of enclosed matter before
fruiting. Occasionally the question of food is somewhat obscure ;
for example, the plasmodium of Amaurochcete atra rises in cushions
from half an inch to two inches in diameter, from the hard

and apparently sound wood of
Scotch firs; that of Stemonitis
splenclens may also be found
emerging from the sawn sur-
face of fir stumps, which show
no sign of decay, and covering
an area of six to seven square
inches. Whatever solid matter
these plasmodia may have in-
gested has been parted with
before leaving the wood, but
it appears more probable that
their food was absorbed in a
state of solution. The yellow
plasmodium of Badhamia

FIG. 5. BADHAMIA UTRICULAEIS Berk. utriculciriS is the only One

Division of nuclei by karyokinesis in the we are acquainted With which
streaming plasrnocuum. PI i- p i

From a preparation stained in safranin, and leedS Oil living tllllgl and IS

mounted in Canada balsam. rartnlYIp nf bpino- nnH-ivnfprl

Magnified 1200 times. .ctpau ing

without limit on Stereum

hirsutum and allied species ; it can be observed under the micro-
scope to dissolve fungus hyphre as the hyaline border of a wave
of plasmodium advances over them.f The growth of this species
is often very rapid ; a plasmodium measuring about a square inch
in area on a large pileus of Auricularia mesenterica has been seen
to increase during twenty hours so a* to cover more than six
square inches ; the vigorous flow extended over the meshes between
the veins and produced an unbroken surface.

The multiplication of nuclei which takes place in such a
growth as this, where we may assume, from numerous observa-
tions, that they have increased at least sixfold, requires further
investigation. That they sometimes divide by karyokinesis is

* Mass., J/OM., p. 15.

f Lister, " Plasmodium of Badhamia," etc.. Annals of Botany, vol. ii..
1888, p. 13.

INTRODUCTION.

proved by the case described by me in Journ. Linn. Soc.,
vol. xxix., p. 541. In that instance a plasmodium of B. utri-
cularis growing on Auricularia 'mesenterica partly spread in a
network of veins over two large coverslips ; the films were killed
with Flemuiing's fluid, stained with safranin, and mounted in
Canada balsam. In these two preparations the nuclei are seen
to be dividing by karyokinesis ; the stages represented are the
nuclear spindle, and where the nuclear plate has divided and the
two halves are connected by achromatic fibres. Part of the same
plasmodium spread over another coverslip, and was killed and
stained with the others. The nuclei in this preparation have
the appearance most commonly met with, containing a central
nucleolus, and without any indication of karyokinetic division.
The main body of the plasmodium continued to creep over the
Auricularia for several days after these observations had been
made.

This experiment affords clear
evidence that under certain
conditions the nuclei of the
actively streaming plasmodium
divide by karyokinesis, but
what these conditions are re-
mains at present unexplained.
The process no doubt is a
rapid one, occupying about
half an hour ; but the f ollow-
observations confirm the

ng

conclusion arrived at from
many previous experiments,
that it is not the only way
by which the nuclei

FIG. 6. BADHAMIA UTRICCLARIS Berk.

Group of nuclei from actively feeding
increase Pl asm dium that covered two pilei of
Auricularia in fourteen hours, showing the

in number. A further growth irregular size of the nuclei and large nucleoli.

of the plasmodium

VP
le

ferred to as increasing sixfold in

Stained in picro-carniine and mounted
i Canada balsam.
Magnified 1200 times.

twenty hours, spread over two

pilei of Auricularia in the course of fourteen hours ; during this
period a portion of the plasmodium was taken every quarter of
an hour, and smeared on a thin coverslip and stained. Each of
the fifty-five mountings shows the nuclei in the usual vast
abundance, implying that their numbers had increased, part
2iassu, with the growth of the plasmodium, and in none of them
is there any appearance of karyokinetic division. From* previous
observations of the length of time occupied by the karyokinetic
process we are satisfied that it could not have escaped detection if
it had occurred during those fourteen hours. The multiplication
of nuclei which we are bound to assume had taken place must
therefore have been produced by some other means. They
vary in size from 2 '5 to 5 /z, and the great majority contain
a single sharply defined and deeply stained nucleolus, which is
seen to be connected with the nuclear- wall by delicate threads.

10 INTRODUCTION.

In a few instances a large nucleus encloses two nucleoli, and
occasionally there are appearances which strongly suggest that
simple division of a nucleus is taking place. Some days later,
when the plasmodium had ceased to feed, and was collecting
together to form into sporangia, stain ings showed the nuclei more
equal in size, measuring 4 to 5 /x in diameter. This experiment
may be taken to add materially to the negative evidence, to say
no more, that under some conditions the increase in the number
of the nuclei is produced by simple division.

The plasmodium of the exosporous C eratiomyxa issues from the
interior of rotten wood to form cushion-like heaps which rapidly
extend into columnar or branching sporophores. As the stream-
ing movement common to both divisions of the Mycetozoa is not
described by Famintzin and Woronin in their valuable paper on
Ceratiomyxa before alluded to, the following observations may be
given. Hounded cushions of plasmodium were placed on a cover-
slip, supported at the margins by wet blotting-paper, and were
thus enclosed in a moist chamber. The plasmodium spread in a
film over the glass, and here eventually an abundant growth of
spores was produced. At the earliest stage that could be ob-
served under the microscope the plasmodium was seen to be
sharply differentiated into two elements a hyaline part which
ultimately forms the principal constituent of the gelatinous
column, and the granular protoplasm containing numerous small
nuclei. In the film on the cover-glass the granular substance
spread in a network of veins through the hyaline portion. Through
these veins the protoplasm streamed in rhythmic flow, first in one
direction and then in the other, at the same intervals of time as
in the Endospovece.

The Sclerotium. Superficial plasmodia may pass into the resting
stage or sclerotium, and this change may be induced by exposure
to dry air. In some cases, however, it occurs when water and
apparently food material are present, and the cause for the change
is then difficult to discover. When the plasmodium of Badhamin
utricularis is dried, the streaming movement gradually ceases,
and the granular particles collect in clusters, surrounded by a
border of hyaloplasm ; the refuse matter is thrown out, and a
membranous cyst-wall forms round each cluster of granules,
which also includes 10 to 20 nuclei; the cysts become agglomer-
ated into thick masses of irregular shape, drying to a horny
consistence.* The changes of outline seen in the maturing
sclerotia cannot be merely the effect of shrinking from drying,
and as under the microscope we frequently observe the cysts
along the margin of a forming sclerotium creep among each other
with amoaboid movement, it is probable that this movement takes
place throughout the mass. The sclerotium of this species can
be revived after preservation in a dry state for three years, by

* Lister, " On Flasmodium of Badhamia and Brefeldia," Ann. Sot., vol. ii.,
1888, p. 13.

INTRODUCTION. 1 1

being placed in water ; that which has been lately formed resumes
the streaming condition in a few hours ; when of greater age it
requires to be kept wet for some days before the movement
begins ; the cyst-walls are then absorbed, and their contents
coalesce. It frequently happens that parts of old sclerotia are
incapable of resuscitation, but they afford a pabulum for the
newly awakened plasmodiurn, through whose veins the cysts may
be seen to be carried along and broken up. The sclerotium of
Didymium effusum is sprinkled over with a deposit of crystals
of lime, and after being revived the cyst-walls are not dissolved,
as in Badhamia, but remain as empty hyaline sacs when the
contents has crept out. The formation of sclerotia in plasrnodia
inhabiting the interior of rotten wood is less easy to follow,
but it is probably of frequent occurrence. A plasmodium of
Stemonitis fusca, cultivated from spores in a moist chamber,
passed into the resting state a few days after it had formed,
spreading in a single layer of crowded cysts on the surface of the
glass. This sclerotinm was dried and re-wetted, when it revived,
and the cyst-walls were dissolved ; the cultivation was conducted
with pure water, with no attempt to supply nourishment, and the
plasmodium returned to the encysted condition in about twenty-
four hours ; it was again dried and again revived, but afterwards
it reassumed the sclerotium state, from which it could not be
reawakened.

The Sporangium and Sporopliore. The formation of the
sporangium in the Endosporece has been minutely described by
de Bary,* and only a brief notice of the general characters will
be sufficient here. The plasmodium concentrates at certain
points and developes into sporangia of the various forms which
will be found described in the account of each species; they
are either simple, though often densely clustered, or they are
combined into an cethalium, a cushion-like structure consisting
of numerous convoluted or imperfectly-defined sporangia. The
simple forms are either symmetrical, with or without a stalk,
or they are unsymmetrical, spreading on the substratum with
an irregular outline, when they are called plasmodiocarps. In
most cases the shape of the sporangium is nearly constant,
while in others it is subject to much variation. Two abundant
species, Physarum nutans and Didymium effusum, may be men-
tioned as examples of variable habit ; in each of them we often
find vein-like plasmodiocarps and symmetrical sporangia both
stalked and sessile, resulting from the same plasmodium. It is
true of the shape of the sporangium, as it is of the size of the
spores and the form and colour of the capillitium, that though
a valuable guide, it cannot be taken as supplying a rigid specific
character, and the want of a sufficient series of specimens showing
how widely a species may vary, has led to the multiplication of
names without adequate grounds.

* De Barv, I.e., p. 424.

12

INTRODUCTION.

In examining the rising sporangia of Physarum nutans in
a moist chamber under the microscope, the projecting masses of
plasm odium are seen to pulsate, distending and shrinking as the
rhythmic flow advances or retreats, but gradually gaining with the
advancing movement. The basal part of each contracts and forms
a stalk consisting of a tube of tougher hyaline substance through
which the protoplasm continues to pass until the surrounding veins
have emptied their contents into the spherical sporangium. The
coarse refuse matter which has not been discharged along the track
of the plasmodium, where it often takes the form of a hypothallus
connecting the sporangia, is deposited in the centre of the stalk.
When the young sporangium has attained its full dimensions,

the wall thickens, and a
part of the lime granules
which abounded in the
plasmodium is incorpo-
rated in the wall-sub-
stance ; the remaining
part is collected into the
lime - knots or vesicular
swellings of the hyaline
threads of the capilli-
tium ; these threads
branch and anastomose,
forming a network which
spreads through the
spore - plasm from the
base of the sporangium
to its wall. The forma-
tion of spores takes place
after the capillitium has
been developed in all
the genera which are

FlG. 7. COMATRICHA OBTUSATA PreUSS.

From a stained preparation of a young sporangium,
showing the pi asm odium separated into rounded masses
about groups of nuclei, which are dividing by karyo-

kinesis ; the nuclear division has reached the "spindle , , ,

stage" ; the spindles are seen in profile in all cases but Characterised by its
one in which the equatorial plate is seen from one of
the poles of the spindle.

Magnified 1200 times.

CPYIPP

e '

Tn

the

lime-granules

which

can be seen in the
plasmodium are dissolved in the sporangium, and the salt in
solution passes through the soft sporangium -wall and forms
into crystals on the outer surface. The various kinds of
capillitium represented in the different genera and species are
described in the text. The formation of spores in the Endo-
sporece is preceded by the division of the nuclei in the spore-
plasm by karyokinesis. The process was first recorded by
Strasburger as occurring in Trichia fallax.* Recent observa-
tions show that this mode of nuclear division takes place in the
sporangium only once, and occurs almost simultaneously in all
the nuclei rather more than an hour before the spores begin to be

* Botanische Zeitung, May 1884.

INTRODUCTION.

13

formed. The chromatin constituents of the nucleus first show a
coarser arrangement, which is followed by the " spindle stage,"
exhibiting an equatorial plate with achromatic fibres converging
at the poles. In Badhamia, Physaruin, Crat&rium, Diclymium,
/Ster/ionitis, La-mproderma, and Comatricha the plasma at this
period breaks up into lobed masses containing six to ten nuclei ;
the equatorial plate of each nuclear spindle now divides horizontally,
and as the two halves draw apart the lobed masses of plasma
undergo a further division, until the time when the daughter-
nuclei have widely separated. Though still connected by achro-
matic fibres, each pair is enclosed in a portion of plasma of the
capacity of two spores; these portions become constricted into
the ultimate spores, each containing a single nucleus : in a short
time the spore wall is acquired, and the active stage of the
organism comes to a close. In the genera just mentioned, spore-
formation occurs in warm weather about twenty hours after
the sporangia have taken
form. In Trichia the in-
terval is much longer, ex-
tending from two to four
days according to the tem-
perature. In this genus and
also in Arcyria, Lycogala,
and Reticularia Lycoperdon,
the spore-plasm is not seen
to separate in lobed masses
at the time when the
nuclear spindle is formed,
but the karyokinetic pro-
cess is completed and the
daughter - nuclei are de-

finitelv mrtprl from nrip Frotu a stained preparation of a young spor-

ie V P a )ne anghim, showing the plasmodium separated into

another before the plasma masses of two spores' capacity round the nuclei,

in 11 i which have almost divided by karyokinesis.

breaks up and encloses each Magnified 1200 times.
nucleus in a young spore.*

The sporophores of Ceratiomyxa are columnar, or confluent and
interlacing. In. their early stage the protoplasmic matter spreads
throughout the superficial part of the columns, and also in
numerous veins traversing the watery gelatinous interior sub-
stance. These veins are ultimately withdrawn to the outer layer,
which divides into polyhedral portions of equal size, giving an
areolated structure to the even periphery ; each portion contains
a single nucleus 2 -5 /x, in diameter. The whole sporophore is
invested by a thin hyaline layer. The material of this investing
layer and the interior gelatinous substance take a bright red
colour in preparations stained in picrocarmine, which contrasts
with the yellow tint of the protoplasmic matter. The contents of

* Nuclear division is observed by taking stainings, at short intervals, of
the contents of groups of sporangia which have risen together at one time ;
further details are given in Linn. Soc. Journ., vol. xxix., p. 529.

FlG. S. COJIATRICHA OBTUSATA Pl'CUSS.

14 INTRODUCTION.

each areola now rises in a shortly cylindrical projection from the
surface of the sporophore, carrying with it a hyaline investment,
which becomes constricted at the base of the cylindrical process.
This constriction is continued until an elongated membranous
stalk is formed, bearing at its apex a globule containing the
protoplasmic matter with its nucleus. The contents of the globule
develops in the course of a few hours into the ellipsoid spore ; this
is enclosed in a membranous wall, and is easily detached from the
stalk. The gelatinous sporophore dries to a membrane of the
frailest structure, and disappears with the first shower of rain.
The process by which the eight swarm-cells derive their nuclei
from the single nucleus of the areolar space of the sporophore
has not been followed; but, judging from analogy, we conclude
that a succession of divisions took place from the original nucleus.
It appears uncertain how far the changes met with in the sporo-
phores of Ceratiomyxa have an exact parallel in what is seen in
the development of the sporangia of the Endosporece. Taking the
sporophore as representing the sporangium, we have in both cases
a structure developing from the plasmodium and consisting of
supporting elements and spore-plasm. In all the Endosporece, so
far a.s has been observed, the nuclei divide by karyokinesis shortly
before the spores are formed, and this division is accompanied in
many instances, as before mentioned, by the lobing of spore-plasm
into masses of two spores' capacity round the dividing nucleus. If
the stalked bodies formed on the surface of the sporophore corre-
spond with the spores of tihell/ndosporece, we should expect a previous
karyokinetic division of nuclei to have taken place ; a process
which has hitherto, however, escaped detection in stained pre-
parations. We should then view the division of the spore -contents
of Ceratiomyxa into eight swarm-cells, as corresponding with a series
of multiplications of a swarm-cell of the Endosporece with arrested
cell-division. But the whole process requires further careful
investigation, and, with the facts already in our possession, there
are two other hypotheses which may be suggested as possible.
The areolse of the sporophore may represent the masses of two
spores' capacity present round the dividing nucleus in many of the
Endosporece ; but in this case the masses become encysted and
stalked, nuclear division is deferred until the cysts are fully
formed, and it is not until these have been placed in water that
the cyst-wall is thrown off and the contents divided into eight
naked spores. A third and widely different view takes what have
commonly been regarded as equivalent to spores in C&ratiomyxa
as representing stalked sporangia, arising in great numbers and
regularity from the surface of the gelatinous body, which corre-
sponds to a branched and complex hypothallus. Each sporangium,
which at first contains a single nucleus, on being placed in water
throws off its sporangium-wall and divides into eight naked spores.
Should either of the two latter views prove to be the true one,
the definition of the Mycetozoa would require to be modified, for
the rhythmic streaming of its plasmodium and the character of its

INTRODUCTION. 1 5

swarin-cells show that C&ratiomyxa belongs in essential points to
the Mycetozoa, but with modifications in the intermediate stages
of development.

As has been stated before, many species of the Nycetozoa are
associated with numerous varieties, using the word species as a
name given for the convenience of classification to a form
possessing definite and permanent characters which distinctly
separate it from any other ; and the word variety to such as are
linked with the type by a close series of connecting forms, and
although more or less stable, do not possess such distinctive
characters as would render it expedient or helpful to mark them
with specific rank.

The geographical distribution of most of the species is very
wide, and the main characters are remarkably constant in
specimens gathered in all parts of the world.

Specimens of Heinitrichia clavata, II. Serpula, Dictydium umbi-
licatum, and Trichia fall ax, obtained from Europe, India, and
North and South America, are identical to the most minute micro-
scopic detail ; and numerous other equally stable forms might be
cited. On the other hand, the American and tropical species of the
genus Cribraria are more elegant in form than individuals of the
same species here and on the Continent, and most of them show a
tendency, in the great regularity of their structure, towards the
type of C. intricate^ a striking and well-marked species which is
abundant in those regions, but rare in our less brilliant atmo-
sphere. The genus is largely represented in America, and inter-
mediate forms between the recognised species are frequent ; some
of these are described by Dr. Rex in letters to me as being
constant in gatherings from several States, but they are so
closely allied to established types that he hesitates to give
them separate specific names. The more elegant growth in the
American species is not confined to the genus Cribraria, but
is of general occurrence ; and it is probable that the slight
modification of the prevailing type is due to the influence of
climate. This is what might be looked for when we consider
the effects which changes of weather produce in the develop-
ment of sporangia in. this country. On old decaying stumps
which can be kept under observation for several years, we may
have growths of Trichia affinis, which year after year present
the same typical characters, only differing in the elaters
in one season being slightly thicker than those in another.
When cold weather sets in while the plasmodium is rising, the
arrangement of the spiral bands is so abnormal as to suggest a
marked variety, but with a return of milder weather the original
form reappears, leaving no doubt that all have been derived from
a common parentage. Developments of Trichia j^Grsimilis of the
typical form have been followed after a few nights' frost by a
growth in which the short and nearly smooth elaters clos ly
resemble those of Oligonema nitens, though the spores and the
shape of the sporangia retain the normal character. T. scabra

16 INTRODUCTION.

may exhibit a Heuiitrickia-like capillitium ; and a specimen of
Hemitrichia fierpula from New Zealand, which has the appearance
of having been affected by weather at the time of development,
has a part of the capillitium consisting of short fusiform elaters.
In some extensive gatherings of Trichia affinis which have
matured in hot, dry weather, the elaters are so reduced in size as
scarcely to exceed the diameter of a spore in length, though the
sporangia are perfectly normal in form, and the spores are marked
with the typical sculpture. In fitemonitis, Lamproderma, Proto-
tricliia, and other genera, great variations are caused by changes
of temperature ; but in none of these cases which have come under
my observation is there any indication of a transition from one
species to another. An interesting account is given by Dr. Rex
of a remarkable and abnormal development of tStemonitis splendens,
referred to under the description of that species in this work,
where, through successive generations, a gradual return took
place to the normal type. In this instance other causes than
change of temperature must have taken part.

Although the search for specimens of the Mycetozoa has
been comparatively limited, owing, no doubt, to the small size
of the objects, yet in consequeDce of the persistent nature of
the sporangia, we possess, in the different herbaria, specimens
representing the gatherings from many countries during more
than half a century, and some of them dating back to nearly
a hundred years. Where they have escaped rough treatment,
they completely retain their specific characters. In reviewing
these specimens one is struck with the completeness of the
group and the general stability of the species ; and when we
consider their cosmopolitan distribution, owing, we may conclude,
to the long- continued vitality and minuteness of the spores, it
may be doubted whether any hitherto unsearched region will add
very largely to the number of species with which we are already
acquainted. It is their life history which is at present imperfectly
known, and it is in this direction that the important work of the
future must lie.

The affinities of the Mycetozoa have been dealt with by de Bary
and Zopf in the works before referred to.

It had been suggested that they were allied to the fungi
through the Chytridece, which do not always form a myce-
lium, and in which the entire vegetative body is finally trans-
formed into a many-sporecl sporangium, the vegetative body
and spores having the power of amoaboid movement for a longer
or shorter time. De Bary, however, mentions among other
points of difference that the Chytridece do not form a plas-
modium by the coalescence of swarm-cells, " and there is there-
fore no ground for assuming their direct relationship with the
Mycetozoa."*

The position of the Acrasiece in which the swarm-cells exhibit

* De Bary, I.e. , p. 445.

INTRODUCTION. 1 7

amoeboid movements, but do nob produce a flagellum, and aggregate
without coalescing into a true plasmodium, has already been
referred to (p. 1). The view held by de Bary that the Mycetozoa
are more closely associated with the Protozoa is supported by a
comparison with the pelagic Protomyxa of Haeckel, which is
stated to develop a plasmodium by the coalescence of swarm-
spores, and differs from the Mycetozoa chiefly in the absence of
a firm spore membrane ; * also by comparison with Bursulla,
which, according to Sorokin, forms a true plasmodium and minute
sporangia on horse dung ; the spores do not become invested with
a firm membrane, and escape from the swollen apex of the
sporangium in the form of swarm-cells, without cilia, but capable
of amoeboid movement .f Zopf extends the Mycetozoa so as^to
embrace the Monadinece of Cienkowski, but de Bary maintains
that whatever may be the points of agreement between the
Monadinece and the Mycetozoa they are not such as to warrant
their being classed with the latter division as defined by himself.J
Lankester accepts the group as defined by de Bary, and places
them in his grade Gymnomyxa of Protozoa ; he suggests their
affinity with the >Sporozoa.

The ingestion of bacteria by the swarm-cells appears to
strengthen the view that the group is more nearly associated
with the lower forms of animal than of vegetable life, and
the name of Mycetozoa appears to mark its true position in the
borderland between the two kingdoms. For a more complete
discussion of this subject I must refer to those who have paid
special attention to the allied groups.

In preparing this catalogue of the collection of Mycetozoa in
the British Museum, the arrangement of orders and genera given
by Rostafinski in his Monograph || has been mainly followed,
with such alterations as observations made during recent years
have rendered necessary. De Bary made the group the subject
of minute and thorough investigation ; IF and Rostafinski, while
studying under him at Strassburg, devised a system of classification
which is clear and comprehensive, and is now generally accepted.

The division by Rostafinski of the main section Endosporece
into two parts, distinguished by the colour of the spores, has been
objected to as being artificial and wanting in universal applica-
tion, but the cases in which species offer difficulty with regard to
their position under this scheme are few, and on the whole the
organisms range themselves under the separate heads in a re-
markably natural manner, while for determining the species
the plan is simple and convenient.

* De Bary, I.e., p. 449.

f Ibid., p. 446.

J Ibid., p. 448.

Zoological Articles, 1891, pp. 11, 26.

|| Sluzowce (Mycetozoa) Monographia (Paris : 1875).

([ Comp. Morph. and Biol. Fungi, Mycetozoa, etc., p. 421.

2

18 INTRODUCTION.

In this catalogue the descriptions of the different species given
in the text are taken from specimens I have personally examined ;
a list is appended at the end of each germs of such as are not repre-
sented in the collections to which I have had access, and in these
cases the definitions are copied from the books in which they are
described. I am far from supposing that my work is free from
inaccuracy, but every species of which I have given the characters
can be examined, either in bulk or as a mounted object, in the
British Museum collection. The specimens I have supplied to
supplement the collection are indicated in the following pages
under each species by the letters L:B.M.

The rules which govern the nomenclature of species, laid down
by Alph. de Candolle, " Laws of Botanical Nomenclature" (1868),
and adopted by botanists, require that the first authentic specific
name published under the genus in which the species now stands
shall take precedence of all others. Compliance with this direction
has occasioned considerable alteration of the names given in
Rostafinski's Monograph, in which work a severe attention to
this important principle has not been observed. I am greatly
indebted to Mr. Carruthers, who, in addition to other valuable
assistance, has traced the history of each species in the volumes
of the British Museum Library, and made the necessary corrections.

I offer my grateful acknowledgments to those through whose
courtesy I have been enabled to study the various herbarium
specimens that have come under my notice ; to the Director of
the Royal Gardens at Kew for giving me special facilities for
investigating the collection under his care, which includes
Berkeley's precious series, containing a great number of original
types from India, New Zealand, and America that supplied
Rostafinski with a large part of the material introduced into
the Appendix to his Monograph. These types are to a large
extent duplicated in Broome's and Ravenel's collections in the
British Museum. To Professor Bayley Balfour I return my
thanks for much friendly assistance and for the opportunity of
inspecting the specimens in the Royal Herbarium at Edinburgh,
including Greville's collection and an almost complete set of
type examples supplied by the late Professor de Bary ; to Professor
van Tieghem for the inspection of the collection of the Paris
Museum ; to Professor A. Blytt for an opportunity of examining
the most important types in the Museum at Christiania ; to
Dr. Boerlage for giving me access to the Leyden collections ; and
especially to Graf zu Solms-Laubach for the privilege afforded me
of inspecting de Bary's invaluable collection at Strassburg, con--
tairiing a large proportion of the type specimens referred to by
Rostafinski in his original Monograph ; to Dr. Rex, of Phila-
delphia, for a nearly complete series of the species found in the
United States of America, now represented in the British Museum
collection, and for the communication of his views on a group to
which he has devoted many years of careful research. I am also
grateful to my friend Professor Farlow for many valuable speci-

INTRODUCTION. 19

mens and useful suggestions ; and to Professor Macbride, of Iowa,
and Mr. Morgan, of Ohio, for a fine series of the Mycetozoa from
their respective districts ; also to Dr. Haviland for specimens of
great interest from Borneo. Mr. Camrn, of Smethwick, and Mr.
Saunders, of Luton, have supplied me with many scarce British
species ; and to Mr. Phillips and Mr. Massee I am obliged for
kindly entrusting me with their collections for examination.

The Plates in this work are collotype reproductions of water-
colour drawings made under the camera-lucida and reduced to
half the originals ; the descriptions of the spore sculpture in the
text must therefore be understood as giving the appearance when
magnified 1200 diam., Zeiss yVth obj.

1 have further to mention that throughout my studies of the
Mycetozoa, and in the preparation of the drawings illustrating
this work, I have had the assistance of my daughter, Gulielma
Lister.

SYNOPSIS OF THE ORDERS AND LIST OF THE
GENERA OF THE MYCETOZOA.

Subclass 1. EXOSPORE^E. Spores developed outside the
sporophores. (P. 25.)

Order I. - - CERATIOMYXACE.E. Sporophores membranous,
branched ; spores white, borne singly on filiform stalks arising
from the areolated sporophore (P. 25.)

Genus 1. Ceratiomyxa Schroeter. (P. 25.)

Subclass II. ENDOSPORE^E. Spores developed inside the
sporangium. (P. 26.)

Cohort I.AMAUROSPORALES. Spores violet, or violet-
brown, except in Stemonitis and Comatricka, in a few species of
which they are pale ferruginous. (P. 2G.)

Subcohort I. CALCARINEJ2. Sporangia provided with
lime (calcium carbonate). (P. 26.)

Order I. PHYSARACE^E. Lime in minute innate granules.
(P. 26.)

Genus 2. Badhamia Berk. (P. 29.)

3. Physarum Pers. (P. 37.)

4. Fuligo Haller. (P. 65.)

5. Cienkowskia Rost. (P. 68.)

6. Physarella Peck. (P. 68.)

7. Craterium Trent, (P. 69.)

8. Leocarpus Link. (P. 75.)

9. Chondrioderma, Rost. (P. 75.)

10. Trichamphora Jungh. (P. 89.)

11. Diachcea Fries. (P. 90.)

Order II. DIDYMIACE.E. Lime in crystals. (P. 93.)

Genus 12. Didymium Schrad. (P. 93.)

13. Spumaria Pers. (P. 104.)

14. Lepidodenna de Bary. (P. 105.)

Subcohoi-tH.AMAUROCNJETiyfi^;. Sporangia without
lime. (P. 108.)

Order I. STEMOXITACE.E. Sporangia simple. (P. 108.)

Genus 15. Stemonitis Gled. (P. 109.)

16. Comatricha, Preuss. (P. 116.)

17. Erierthenema Bowm. (P. 124.)

18. Laynproderma Rost. (P. 125.)

19. Clastoderma Blytt. (P. 132.)

22 SYNOPSIS OF THE ORDERS AND

Order II. AMAUROCH^ETACE^E. Sporangia combined into an
sethalium. (P. 134.)

Genus 20. Amaurockcete Host. (P. 134.)
21. Brefeldia Pvost. (P. 135.)

Cohort II. LA MPROSPORA LES. Spores variously coloured,
never violet. (P. 136.)

Subcohort I. ANEMINE^E. Capillitium wanting, or not
forming a system of uniform threads. (P. 136.)

Order I. HETERODERMACE.E. Sporangium-wall membranous,
beset with microscopic, round granules, ami (except in Lindbladia)
forming a net in the upper part. (P. 136.)

Genus 22. Lindbladia Fries. (P. 137.)

23. Cribraria Pers. (P. 138.)

24. Dictydium Schrad. (P. 148.)

Order II. LICEACE.E. Sporangium-wall cartilaginous ; spor-
angia solitary. (P. 149.)

Genus 25. Licea Schrad. (P. 150.)

26. Orcadella Wing. (P. 152.)

Order III. TUBULINACE.E. Sporangium-wall membranous,
without granular deposits ; sporangia tubular, compacted. (P. 152.)

Genus 27. Tubulina Pers. (P. 153.)

28. Siphoptychium Host. (P. 155.)

29. Alwisia Berk. & Br. (P. 155.)

Order IV. RETICULARIACE.E. Sporangia combined into an
asthalium, the sporangium-wall incomplete, perforated or forming
a spurious capillitium. (P. 156.)

Genus 30. Dictydicethalium Host. (P. 157.)

31. Enteridium Ehrenb. (P. 158.)

32. Reticidaria Bull. (P. 160.)

Subcohort II.CALONEMINE^E. Capillitium present, a
system of uniform threads. (P. 161.)

Order I. TRICHIACE.E. Capillitium consisting of free elaters,
or combined into an elastic network with thickenings in the form
of spirals or complete rings. (P. 161.)

Genus 33. Trichia Haller. (P. 163.)

34. Oligonema Pvost. (P. 173.)

35. Hemitrichia Pvost. (P. 174.)

36. Cornuvia Host. (P. 181.)

Order II. ARCYRIACE^E. Capillitium combined into an elastic
network with thickenings in the form of cogs, half rings, spines,

LIST OF THE GENERA OF THE MYCETOZOA. 23

or warts (scanty and often reduced to free threads in Perichcena
corticalis). (P. 182.)

Genus 37. Arcyria Hill. (P. 183.)

38. Lachnobolus Fries. (P. 194.)

39. Perichcena Fries. (P. 195.)

Order III. MARGARITACE.E. Capillitiuni not consisting of
free elaters, nor combined into an elastic network. (P. 202.)

Genus 40. Margarita Lister. (P. 202.)

41. Dianema Rex. (P. 204.)

42. Prototrichia Rost. (P. 206.)

Order IV. LYCOGALACE.E. Sporangia forming an sethalium,
capillitium consisting of smooth or wrinkled branching colourless
tubes. (P. 207.)

Genus 43. Lycogala Mich. (P. 207.)

MYCETOZOA de Bary.

Subclass I. EXOSPORE^]. Spores developed outside the
sporophores.

Order I. CERATIOMYXACE.E. Sporophores membranous,
branched; spores white, borne singly on filiform stalks rising
from the areolated sporophore.

Genus 1. CERATIOMYXA Schroeter, in Engl. and Prantl,
Nat, Pflanzenfam., i., 1, p. 16 (1889). Sporophores consisting
of membranous processes, either simple branches from a common
base, or forked, or forming a network. The periphery is mapped
out into polyhedral areolse, from the centre of each of which arises
a slender stalk bearing a single ellipsoid colour-
less spore. Ceratium Alb. & Schw., Consp. a ~
Fung., p. 358 (1805) non Schrank (1793).

Fig. 9. Ceratiomyxa mucida Schroet.

a. Clusters of sporophores. Twice natural size.

b. Sporophore. Magnified 40 times.

c. Four areolas of mature sporophore : one spore

still attached to its stalk, and another free.

Magnified 480 times.

Fig. 9.

1. C. mucida Schroet., I.e. Plasmodium colourless. Sporo-
phores white or pinkish -yellow, membranous, either rising from
a common hypothallus in a tuft of simple or forked, fasciculate
obtuse branches, 1 mm. or more high, -07 mm. thick, or more or
less interwoven in broad perforated bands, from which arise
irregular and anastomosing lobes ; the membranous wall is divided,
chiefly on the upper part of the sporophore, into somewhat
hexagonal areolee about 10 /x, broad; a membranous stalk bearing
the spore arises from the centre of each areola. Spores white
smooth ovoid, 10 x 6 to 13 x 7 /x, Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist.
Iowa, ii., p. 114. Isaria mucida Pers., in Homer, N. Mag. Bot.,
i., p. 121 (1794). Ceratium hydnoides Alb. & Schw., Consp. Fung.,
p. 358. Fr., Syst. Myc., in., p. 294; Fam. & Wor., in Mem.
Acad. Imp. Petersb. (1873), Ser. 7, xx., p. 4; Zopf, Pilzthiere,
pp. 64, 174; de Bary, Comp. Morph. Fungi (1887), p. 432; Eng.
Fl., v., p. 329; Cooke, Brit. Fungi, ii., p. 550. Ceratium pyxi-
datum Alb. & Schw., I.e., p. 359. Ceratium arbuscula Berk. & Br.,
in Journ. Linn. Soc., xiv., p. 97.

26 EXOSPORILE. [CERATIOMYXA.

The sporophores are subject to much variation in form, and
may all be either white or pinkish -yellow.

a. genuina : branches of sporophores short, free.

j3. flexuosa : sporophores consisting of a loose flexuose system
of slender white threads, profusely branching but not anastomosing,
and averaging about "02 mm. in diameter, increasing to 0'5 mm.
at the base, the ultimate branchlets somewhat clavate. In other
characters this corresponds with the type. Ceratium filiforme
Berk. & Br., in Journ. Linn. Soc., xiv., p. 97.

y. porioides : differs from the type only in the dense arrangement
of the sporophores. As intermediate forms occur which unite it
with the type, I cannot consider it specifically distinct. Super-
ficially it suggests the appearance of Polyporus vulgaris, though
much more minute. Ceratium porioides Alb.& Schw.,Consp. Fung.,
p. 359 ; Fr., Syst. Myc., iii., p. 295 ; Fam. & Wor., in Mem. Acad.
Imp. Petersb., Ser. 7, xx., p. 5; Zopf, Pilzthiere, pp. 64, 174.

Plate I., A. Fig. a. var. genuina : sporophores, x 20 (England) ; &.
spores of the same, x 600 ; c. sporophores of a form approaching var.
jwrioides, x 20 (England) ; d. var. flexuosa : sporophores, x 20 (Borneo) ;
e. clavate end of sporophore of the same (all the spores but one have
fallen from their stalks), x 280.

Hob. Plasmodium in rotten wood, fruiting on the outside. a. Lyme
Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.l) ; Iowa (LrB.M.l). a. and /3. Borneo (LrB.M.l).
y. Carlsruhe (Strassb. Herb.) ; Upsala (LrB.M.l) ; Iowa (B.M. 1025).

Subclass II. ENDOSPORE^E. Spores developed within the
sporangia.

Cohort I.AMA UROSPORALES. Capillitium always present.
Spores violet or violet-brown, but pale ferruginous in a few
species of Stemonitis and Comatricha.

Subcohort I. CALGAEINEM. Deposits of lime in minute
granules, innate in the sporangium-wall or compacted in the
knots of the capillitium or in the stalk, or in crystals over the
sporangium-wall.

Order I. PHYSARACE^E. Deposits of lime in minute granules,
more or less aggregated, not in crystals (except partially in
Chondrioderma Trevelyani], innate in the sporangium-wall, and
in vesicular expansions of the capillitium ( = lime knots), except
in Chondrioderma and Trichamphora, where there are no lime
knots, and in Diachcea, in which the lime is confined to the stalk
and columella. Sporangia simple except in Fuligo, where they
are combined into an eethalium.

PHYSARACE.E.

27

KEY TO THE GENERA OF PHYSARACEJE.

A. Capillitium a coarse network charged with lime throughout.

(2) BADHAMIA.

Fig. 10. Badhamla utricularis Berk.

a. Cluster of sporangia. Magnified 3 times.

b. Fragment of capillitium and spore-cluster.

Magnified liO times.

Fig. 10.

B. Capillitium a delicate network of threads with vesicular ex-
pansions filled with lime-granules (= lime-knots).
A. Sporangia combined into a convolute sethaliurn.

(4) FULIGO.

Fig. 11. Fuliyo sept tea Gmel.

a. JEthalium. One-third natural size.

b. Capillitium threads with lime-knots and two

spores. Magnified 120 times.

Fig. 11.

B. Sporangia single, scattered or aggregated.

a. Sporangium- wall membranous, with innate lime-
granules either in clusters or compacted and chalky.
Sporangia subglobose or plasmodiocarps.

(3) PHYSARUM.

Fig. 12. Physarum nutans Pers.

a. Two sporangia. Magnified 9 times.

b. Capillitium threads, with lime-knots, attached to

a fragment of the sporangium- wall. Magnified
110 times.

Fig. 12.

28

ENDOSPOREyE.

Sporangia tubular, stalked.

(6) PHYSARELLA.

Fig. 13. Phyearella mirabilis Peck.

Two sporangia, one perfect, the other dehiscing in
revolute lobes from the funnel-shaped columella.
Magnified 6| times.

Fig. 13.

a

Fig. 14.

b. Sporangium-wall cartilaginous throughout or at the
base.

Sporangia plasmodiocarps, capillitium with free
hooked branches. (5) CIENKOWSKIA.

Fig. 14. Cienltowskia reticidata Ptost.

a. Part of branching plasmodiocarp. Magnified
^B 4 times.

ly- b. Capillitium threads and part of a perforated
lime-plate. Magnified 140 times.

Sporangia goblet -shaped with a lid of thinner sub-
stance, or subglobose and rugose.

(7) CRATERIUM.

Fig. 15. Craterium vulgar e Ditm.

a. Two sporangia ; in one the lid has fallen away.

Magnified 10 times.
I. Capillitium with lime-knots and two spores.

Magnified 110 times.

Sporangia ovoid, shining as if varnished.

(8) LEOCARPUS.

Fig. 16. Leocarpus vernico&us Link.

a. Cluster of sporangia. Magnified 2 times.

b. Hyaline threads and branching lime-knot of th^

capillitium, with two spores. Magnified 120
times.

Fig. 15.

Fig. 16.

BADHAMTA.]

PHYSARACE.E.

29

C. Capillitium without lime-knots.

Sporangium-wall of two layers more or less com-
bined. (9) CHONDRIODERMA.

Fig. 17. Chondriodcrma testaceum Eost.

a. Group of three sporangia ; in the upper one the
double wall is broken away in part and the
columella exposed. Magnified 9 times.

Z>. Portion of the outer and inner layers of the
sporangium-wall ; to the latter the capillitium
threads are attached : three spores. Magnified
170 times.

oO
Q

Fig. 17.

Sporangium-wall of one layer, fragile; sporangia
saucer-shaped. (10) TRICIIAMPHORA.

Fig. 18. Tricham/pTiora pezi&oidea Jungh.

a. Group of sporangia. Magnified 5| times.

b. Capillitium with two spores. Magnified 140

times.

D. Lime confined to the stalk and columella, Rporangium-w T all
membranous. (11) DIACH^EA.

Fig. 19. Diacliaa elegans Fries.

Two sporangia, the one entire, the other deprived
of the spores and showing capillitium and colu-
mella. Magnified 22 times.

Fig. 19.

Genus 2. BADHAMIA Berkeley, in Trans. Linn. Sec., xxi., p. 1 53
(1852). Sporangia stalked, sessile, or plasrnodiocarps; sporangium-
wall single, with innate lime-granules sparsely distributed, densely
clustered, or forming a thick deposit ; columella present or
wanting ; capillitium consisting of a coarse network charged with
granules of lime (in B. panicea, B. detipiens, and B. nitens some-
times constricted here and there into narrow hyaline threads) ;
spores clustered or free, warted, reticulated, or nearly smooth.

30 ENDOSPORE.E. [BADHAMIA.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF BADHAMIA.

A. Spores clustered :-

a. Spores warted on one side chiefly-

Lime in sporangium and capillitium wliite.

1. B. hyalina
Lime in sporangium and capillitium yellow.

3. B. nitens

b. Spores warted equally all over. 2. B. utricularis

B. Spores not clustered :-

a. Sporangia yellow or orange. 4. B. decipiens

b. Sporangia white or grey-

Sporangia on long membranous stalks, spores nearly
smooth, black. 5. B. magna

Sporangia sessile or with firm stalks, spores minutely
and closely spinulose, dark, purple-brown.

6. B. macrocarpa

Sporangia always sessile, spores violet-brown, nearly
smooth. 7. B. panicea

c. Sporangia flesh-coloured or rufous

Sporangia sessile, without a true columella.

8. B. lilacina

Sporangia stalked ; stalk continued into the spor-
angium as a columella. 9. B. rubiyinosa

1. B. hyalina Berk., in Trans. Linn. Soc., xxi., p. 153 (1852).
Plasmodium chrome-yellow. Sporangia globose or pyriform, sessile
or stipitate, 0*7 to 1*5 mm. diam., greyish-white, pure white after
dispersion of the spores ; sporangium-wall hyaline, with lime-
granules sparsely distributed. Stalk usually short or wanting,
cylindrical or membranous, straw-coloured or dark. Capillitium
a network of flat bands with broad, thin expansions at the angles ;
lime-granules evenly but not densely distributed throughout.
Spores dark purple-brown, adhering in clusters of 8 to 20, coarsely
warted on the outer third, minutely spinulose on the rest of the
surface, 11 to 13 JJL diam. Rost., Mon., p. 139, fig. 113; Cooke,
Myx. Brit., p. 25; Blytt, Bidr. K. Norg., Sop. iii., p. 4 (1892).
Physarum hyalinum Pers., in Komer, N. Mag. Bot., i., p. 88
(1794). Badhamia capsulifera Berk., in Trans. Linn. Soc., xxi.,
p. 153 ; Host., Mon., p. 141 . B. varia Mass., Mon., p. 319 (in part).

a. geimina: stalk pale, membranous, or almost wanting; spores
in clusters of 10 to 20.

papaveracea : stalk short, dark ; spores in dense clusters
of 6 to 10. Badkamia papaveracea Berk. & Eav., in Grev., ii.,
p. 66 ; Host., Mon., A pp., p. 3; Mass., Mon., p. 323 (in part).

BADHAMIA.] PHYSARACE.E. 31

Plate I., B. a. and b. var. geniiina ; sporangia, x 20 (England) ; c.
capillitium ; d. cluster of spores of the same, x 280. e. spore, warted on
the outer side, x GOO ; /. spore almost uniformly spinulose, x 600 ;
g. var. papaveracea \ sporangium, x 20 (New Jersey), h. cluster of
spores of the same, x 280.

This species forms small plasmodia ; it is subject to much variation
in the size of the sporangia and in the character of the stalk and
spores. In some gatherings the spores are fuliginous and not so dark
as the type, loosely adhering and scarcely rougher on one side, not
exceeding 10 to 1 1 /u. diam. ; all intermediate forms occur. B. papaveracea
Berk. & Rav. is an American form differing from the European chiefly
in the stalk being usually dark, rigid, even, and filled with refuse
matter, and in the spores being in clusters of seldom more than G to 10 ;
these characters are not constant, as is shown in specimens B. M. 996,
and do not appear to constitute a specific distinction. B. capsulifera
Berk, is described as having the sporangia somewhat obovate, and the
type at Strassburg, referred to in Rostafinski's Monograph, has this
form, but the spores are in large clusters, warted on the outer surface,
like those of B. hyaliua ; we not infrequently meet with both globose
and pyriform sporangia intermixed ; the shape of the sporangium
therefore cannot be accepted as distinctive, and B. capsulifera must be
included under B. lojallna.

Hal). On fir logs, etc., the plasmodium growing in the substance of
the logs and spreading between the bark and wood. a. Batheaston,
Somerset (B. M. 36) ; Bristol (B. M. 79) ; Leighton, Beds. (L:B.M 2.);
Luton, Beds. (L:B.M.2); Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.2) ; France
(Paris Herb.) ; Germany (Strassb. Herb.). /3. Pennsylvania (B. M.
996B); S. Carolina (B. M. 9D6A) ; Massachusetts (L:B.M.2).

2. B. utricularis Berk., in Trans. Linn. Soc., xxi., p. 153 (1852).
Plasmodium chrome -yellow, extensively creeping. Sporangia
ovoid subglobose or confluent and lobed, 0'5 to 1 mm. diam.,
clustered ; cinereous, or iridescent violet, often marked with the
white attachments of the capillitium, sessile or on membranous,
straw-coloured branching stalks; sporangium-wall hyaline with
sparsely distributed minute granules of lime. Capillitinm as
in B. hyalina. Spores bright brown or violet-brown, usually
adhering in loose clusters of 7 to 10; spinulose 9 to 12 /x diam.-
Bost., Mon., p. 142, figs. 110-112; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 26.
Sphfjerocarpus utricularis Bull. Champ., Div. II., p. 128 (1791).
Badhamia varia Mass., Mon., p. 319 (in part).

Plate II., A. a. cluster of sporangia, x 20 (England) ; b. capillitium,
x 280 ; c. cluster of spores, x 280 ; d. spore, x 600.

This species differs from B. hyalina in habitat, in having large
plasmodia commonly producing some thousands of sporangia, and in
the spores being brighter in colour, with coarser and less crowded
spines, without the cluster of warts on one side. In cultivations
carried on continuously for more than six years, the four varieties
described in Rostafinski's Monograph have presented themselves. The
capillitium varied both in form and in the amount of lime it contained ;
in some the threads were broad with wide expansions at the angles, in
others they were narrow and but little widened at the angles ; in some
the lime was abundant, in others only a few scattered granules could
be found. The agglutination of the spores was seen to vary in different

32 ENDOSPORE.E. [BADHAMIA.

growths, tliough all were cultivated from one original gathering of
plasmodium, but they were never free as in B. macrocarpa. In some
specimens in the Strassburg collection the spores show but slight
indication of clustering, in others this character is well marked.

Hob. Plasmodium extensively creeping over the bark of fallen trees,
logs, etc., feeding on effused fungi, especially Stereum hirsutum and
Polyporus ver si color. Batheaston, Somerset (B. M. 103) ; Lyme Regis,
Dorset (L:B.M.3) ; Glamis, Forfarshire (B. M. 149) ; France (Paris
Herb.) ; Germany (Strassb. Herb.) ; Italy (K. 165) ; Massachusetts
(L:B.M.3).

3. B. nitens Berk., in Trans. Linn. Soc., xxi., p. 153 (1852).
Plasmodium yellow. Sporangia sessile, subglobose, gregarious or
clustered, or elongated plasinodiocarps about 1 mni. diam. ; golden
yellow, rugose, or greenish with yellow warts and ridges ;
sporangium-wall membranous with innate clusters of yellow
lime-granules. Columella none. Capillitiuin yellow or orange, a
coarse network of rugged bands, rarely contracted to form short
hyaline threads connecting branched lime-knots ; deposits of lime
usually dense, sometimes sparse. Spores purple-brown, in close
clusters of 6 to 10, minutely spinulose, coarsely warted on the
outer third, sometimes nearly free and scarcely warted on one
side, 10 to 13 /x diam. Eost., Mon., App., p. 3 ; Cooke, Myx. Brit.,
p. 81 ; Mass., Mon., p. 324. B. pallida Berk., in Trans. Linn.
Soc., xxi., p. 153. B. inaurata Currey, in Trans. Linn. Soc.,
xxiv., p. 156. B. papaveracea Mass., Mon., p. 323 (in part).

Plate III., A. a. group of sporangia, x 20 ; b. capillitinm with attach-
ments to the sporangium-wall, x 280 ; c. cluster of spores, x 280 ; d.
spore, x 600.

Examination of the type specimens of B. nitens and B. pallida of
Berkeley, from the Rev. C. Badham (Kew 1218, 1235), and of B.
inaurata Currey (B. M. 151), shows that they are all the same species
with yellow sporangium- wall and closely clustered spores coarsely
warted on one side.

Bab. In the substance of rotten wood, creeping on moss, etc.
Hitherto found only in England. Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.4) ;
Luton, Beds. (L:B.M.4) ; East Bergholt, Essex (K. 1235, 1241) ; Cray
Common, Kent (B. M. 151).

4. B. decipiens Berk., in Grev. ii. (1873), p. 66. Plasmodium ?
Sporangia branching or vermiform plasmodiocarps, occasionally
subglobose, 0'3 to 0*4 mm. diam., sessile, gregarious, rugose
or nearly smooth, lemon - yellow or orange ; sporangium-wall
membranous with innate clusters of yellow lime-granules.
Columella none, Oapillitium yellow or pale orange, a coarse
network densely charged throughout with lime -granules, or
formed of large angular and branching lime-knots with few
connecting hyaline threads. Spores violet-brown, spinulose,
10 to 13 p diam. Physarum decipiens Curt., in Am. Journ. Sc.,
vi. (1848), p. 352. P. chrysotrichum Berk. & Curt., in Grev., ii.
(1873), p. 66. Badhamia cJirysotricha Host., Mon., App., p. 4.
Didymium reticulatum Berk. & Br., in Herb. Berk. Lepidoderma

BADHAMTA.] PHYSARACE^E. 33

reticulatum Mass., Mon., p. 252. Badhamia Alexandroiviczii
Rost., Mon., p. 146; Mass., Mon., p. 324. Pkysarum gyrosum
Mass., Mon., p. 307 (in part).

Plate III., B. a. plasmodiocarp, x 20 (New York) ; b. capillitium,
x 280 ; c. spore of the same, x 600 ; d. plasmodiocarps, x 20 (8. Caro-
lina : type of Curtis in Strassb. Herb.) ; c. capillitium, x 280; /. spores of
the same, x 600 ; g. plasmodiocarp, x 20 (Poland : type of B. Alcxan-
dro/viczii Rost. in Strassb. Herb.) ; h. capillitium, x 280 ; i. spore of the
same, x 600.

An authentic specimen from Curtis (B. M. 994) has too little left
for identification, yet some spores and a fragment of sporangium
which were scraped off were identical with a good typical specimen in
Strassb. Herb., sent by Prof. Farlow from Curtis's original gathering.

In the type specimens of both Badliamia Alexandr'owiczii Rost. and
Didijntiiini reticulatum Berk. & Br. (B. M. 574), the sporangia are
slender, rugose, yellow plasmodiocarps, having Badhamia-like capillitium
with few hyaline threads, the spores 10 to 12 p. diam. ; they closely
resemble the common North American form which appears in the
Schweinitzian collection under the name of Cienkmoskia retiaulata
Rost. In these American specimens the capillitium has large,
branching, pale-yellow lime-knots sparingly connected by hyaline
threads. Spores 9 to 11 /z, diam. Bailhaudu chrysotricha Rost. differs
from the last only in the more completely Badhamia-like capillitium
and the rather larger spores, measuring 11 to 13 p.

Hal). The original specimen was found on the trunk of a living oak.
It is found also on dead wood, moss, etc. Poland (Strassb. Herb,
and L:B.M.5 x/^/ff) ; Ceylon (B. M. 574) ; Pennsylvania (L:B.M.5) ;
S. Carolina (B. M. 994).

5. B. magna Peck, in Rep. New York Mus.,xxxi., p. 57 (1879).
Plasmodium? Sporangia globose. 1 mm. diam., violet-grey, the
surface wrinkled, iridescent, clustered on long membranous
yellowish slender branching stalks, 4 mm. long or more ;
sporangium-wall with scanty deposits of lime. Columella none.
( 'apillitium as in B. hyalina Berk. Spores purplish-black, darker
and minutely spinulose 011 one side, almost smooth, not clustered,
9 to 10 /x diam. B. varia Mass., Mon., p. 319 (in part).

Plate II., B. a. sporangia, x 20 (Vermont: Peck's type); I. spores,
x GOO.

This species has been recorded only from America, and is represented
in the collection by a mounting from Peck's type : it is nearly allied
to B. hi/alina Berk.

Hal. On dead wood. Philadelphia (LrB.M.G).

6. B. macrocarpa Rost., Mon., p. 143, figs. 118, 120, 121 (1875).
Plasmodium "? Sporangia sessile, subglobose, aggregated, or
stipitate, gregarious, - 5 to 1 mm. diam., white, rugose;
sporangium-wall membranous, varying in the amount of innate
lime-deposits. Stalk when present erect, about 0'7 mm. long,
O'l mm. diam., tlicker above and below, furrowed, yellowish -

3

34 ENDOSPORE^:. [BADHAMIA.

brown. Capillitium white, an irregular network formed of broad,
branching lime-knots, with narrower connecting strands, charged
throughout with grannies of lime. Spores dark purple-brown,
minutely and closely spinulose all over, not clustered, 11 to 15
/JL diam. Mass., Mon., p. 317. Physarum macrocarpon Ces., in
Rabenh. Fungi Eur., 19G8 (1854) ; in Flora (1855), p. 271. Bad-
hamia orbiculata Rex, in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phil. 1893, p. 372.

Plate IV., A. a. stalked sporangia, x 20 (Berlin) ; 1). sessile sporangia,
x 20 (Warsaw : Eostafinski's type) ; <?. capillitium and spores of the same,
x 280 ; d. spore, x 600 ; e. sporangia, x 20 (England).

The American specimens of this species from Prof. Farlow and
Dr. Rex are, as a rule, smaller than the European gatherings, and the
stalks, when present, are more slender.

B. orbiculata Rex appears to be a variety differing in the shape of
the orbicular or discoidal, depressed sporangia.

Hal). On dead wood. Luton, Beds. (L:B.M.7) ; Button Coldfield,
Stafford (L:B.M.7) ; Cambridge (L:B.M.7) ; Holland (Lejd. Herb.) ;
Berlin (B. M. 434) ; Poland (Strassb. Herb.) ; Italy (K. 187) ; Phila-
delphia (L:B.M.7) ; Arizona (L:B.M.7).

7. B. panicea Host., in Fuckel Symb. Myc., Nachtr. 2, p. 71
(1873). Plasmodiurn white. Sporangia sessile, subglobose, 0'4 to
1-2 mm. diam., scattered, or closely aggregated and angled by
mutual pressure, white or cinereous; sporangium- wall membranous,
with innate deposits of lime-granules in dense clusters forming
raised warts or veins. Capillitium white, a profuse network of
broad or narrow bands, everywhere charged with granules of
lime, often densely confluent at the base, forming an ivory-white
columella. Spores violet-brown, very minutely warttd, not
clustered, 11 /x diam. Mon., p. 144, figs. 114, 116; Mass., Mon.,
p. 318. Physarum paniceum Fr., Syst. Myc., iii., p. 141 (1829).
Badhamia verna Rost., Mon., p. 145; Mass., Mon., p. 324.

Plate IV., B. rt. sporangia, x 20 (England) ; I. capillitium and spore?,
x 280; e. spore, x (500; d. sporangia broken, showing pseudo-columelln,
x 20 ; c. sporangia of a form without columella and with a closer network
of capillitium, x 20.

Badhamia rcrna Rost. appears to be a form of B. panicea ; the
specimens in Strassb. Herb, differ from the type of the latter species
only in the more scanty deposits of lime, and in the narrow bands of
the capillitium contracting here and there into hyaline threads. These
characters frequently occur in normal British gatherings of B. panicea.

Halt. Between the bark and wood of felled elm-trees, etc. Maturing
on the outer bark and surrounding herbage. Batheaston, Somerset
(B. M. 77); Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.8) ; France (B. M. 425);
Germany (B. M. 424).

8. B. lilacina Rost., Versuch., p. 10 (1873). Plasmodiurn
bright yellow. Sporangia subglobose, about 0*5 mm. diam.,
sessile, rarely shortly stalked, gregarious or crowded and angled
by mutual pressure, flesh colour or whitish ; sporangium-wall
opaque from innate deposits of lime. Capillitium flesh coloured
or nearly white ; a rugged network with large knots of irregular

BADHAMIA.] PHYSARACE.E. 35

shape densely charged with lime-grannies, often confluent in the
centre, forming a pseudocoltunella. Spores dark purple-brown,
rough or reticulated with prominent and confluent warts, 10 to
15 /x diarn.^Rost., Mon., p. 145, figs. 108, 109 (1875); Cooke,
Myx. Brit., p. 27. Physarum lilacinum Fr., Syst. Myc., iii.,
p. 141 (1829). Craterium lilacinum Mass., Mon., p. 271. Diderma
concinnum Berk. & Curt., in Grev.. ii. (1873), p. 52. Physarum
concinnum Mass.. Mon., p. 308.

Plate V., A. a. sporangia, x 20 (England) ; b. capillitium and spores
of the same, x 280 ; c. spore, x (300 ; d. sporangium, showing a pseudo-
columella, x 20 (Mecklenburg-Schwerin).

The type of Diderma eoncinnum Berk. & Curt., in the Kew Herb., is
a pale whitish form of this species with the characteristic spores and
capillitium.

Hal). On Spliayinun, twigs, etc., in marshy ground. Pilmoor, Yorks
(L:B.M.9) ; Scotland (Edin. Herb ) ; Germany (B. M. 488, and Strassb.
Herb.) ; Philadelphia (L:B.M.'J).

9. B. rubiginosa Eost., Mon., App., p. 5, fig. 115 (1876).
Plasmodium I Sporangia obovoid stalked, 0'5 mm. broad, rufous,
or purplish-brown, the upper part usually paler and breaking up
in fragments ; sporangium-wall purplish, membranous, more
or less charged with granules of lime. Stalk cylindrical or
widening at the base, usually about the length of the sporangium,
smooth, purplish-brown, continued within the sporangium to more
than half its height as a columella. Capillitium white or pale
rufous, a rugged network usually densely charged with lime-
graiiules, spreading from all parts of the columella to the
sporangium-wall. Spores dark purplish-brown, minutely spinu-
lose or verrucose, or reticulated with prominent and confluent
warts, 11 to 15 //, diam. Cooke. Myx. Brit., p. 82; Mac-bride
in Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 159. Physarum rubiyinosum
Chev., Fl. Par., p. 338 (1826). Scyphium rubiyinosum Rost.,
Mon., p. 148. Craterium rubiyinosuui Mass., Mon., p. 270.
Didymium Curtisii Berk., in Grev., ii. (1873), p. 65. Badhamia
Curtisii Rost., Mon., App., p. 5. Craterium Curtisii Mass.,
Mon., p. 272. Craterium obovatum Peck, in Rep. New York
Mus., xxvi., p. 75.

a. genuina : spores minutely spinulose.

j3. dictyospora : spores strongly warted or reticulated. Bad-
hamia dictyospora Rost., Mon., App., p. 4 ; Cooke, Myx. Brit.,
p. 82. Craterium dictyospermum Mass., Mon., p. 270.

Plate V., B. a. sporangia, x 20 (England) ; b. broken sporangium from
a mounting in glycerine jelly, showing columella surrounded by capillitium,
and the mottled sporangium- wall, x 50 ; <?. capillitium and spores, x 280 ;
d. spore of the same, x 600 ; e. spore, x 600 (Deer Island, St. Lawrence) ;
/. spore, x 600 (New Jersey); g. spore, x 600 (Appin, Scotland: Eosta-
finskrs type of his B. dicti/oajwrti).

Didymium Curtisii Berk, differs from the type of B. rubiginoxa only
in being sessile or shortly stalked ; in both British and American

36 ENDOSPORE.E. [BADHAMTA.

gatherings of the latter species, the length of the stalk is subject to
great variation. B. dictyospora is the name given by Rostafinski
to the Appin specimen (K. 193), in which the spores are strongly
reticulated. British gatherings have more or less of this character,
with prominent warts isolated or confluent ; in most American
specimens and in that from Chevallier at Paris, which is given by
Rostafinski as the type of B. rubiginosa, the spores are minutely
spinulose. Thefl^ are intermediate degrees of roughness in American
specimens which unite the two forms.

Hob. In woods on fallen brushwood, etc. a. Paris (Strassb. Herb.);
Philadelphia (L:B.M.10) ; Iowa (B. M. 815); S. Carolina (B. M.
400); New York (L.rB.M.10). /3. Leighton, Beds. (L:B.M.10) ;
Appiu, Argyllshire (K. 193).

SPECIES NOT MET WITH IN THE QUOTED COLLECTIONS.

10. B. fasciculata Host., Mon., App., p. 2 (1876). Sporangia
globose, white, dehiscing irregularly, fugacious above, persistent
below ; stalks connected in clusters of 3 to 6 or more, erect, tough,
dirty yellowish, attenuated upwards, thickened arid dark at the
base; spores violet, smooth, 11 to 12 //, diam. Physarum fascicu-
latum Jungh., Fl. Crypt. Jav.,-p. 11, PL II., fig. 8.

Hal). On trunks of Pandanus, Java.

11. B. affinis Host., Mon., p. 143 (1873). Sporangia hemi-
spherical, flattened, plano-umbilicate beneath, stipitate, greyish
white; sporangium-wall slightly rugose. Spores not clustered,
brownish violet, spinulose, 13 to 15 /x.

ffab. On dead leaves and stems. Chili (Bertero).

12. B. ovispora Racib., in Rozpr. Mat.-Przyr. Akacl. Krak.,
xii., p. 72, tab. 4, fig. 2 (1884). Sporangia sessile, subglobose,
0*5 to 0*75 mm. broad; sporangium-wall with thick deposits of
lime, rough, fragile, the base yellow, the upper part colourless ;
capillitium with much lime, white, rigid, with large irregular
nodes. Columella none. Spores violet, smooth, ellipsoid, 14'5
to 16-5 x 7-5 to 8-3 p.

Hob. On the branches of Populus canescens, DC. Cracow.

13. B. melancspora Speg., in Anal. Soc. dent. Arg., x., p. 150
(1880). Sporangia sessile, densely crowded, globose, smooth,
greyish white, white after the dispersal of the spores. Columella
none. Capillitium forming a dense network with fusiform
thickenings in the middle, and flattened nodes. Spores clustered
or free, smooth, black, opaque, angular from mutual pressure,
15 /x diam.

Hab. In decaying trunks of Cercus Peruvianus Mill. Argentina.

14. B. microcarpa Schroet., in Cohn, Crypt. Fl. Schlesien,
vol. iii., pt. i., p. 131 (1889). Sporangia sessile, about - 5 mm.
broad, occurring in small groups or row r s, without a common hypo-

PHYSARUM.] PHYSARACE.E. 37

thallus ; sporangium-wall thin, bright grey. Capillitinm delicate,
white, reticulate, with threads of unequal breadth, generally 3 to 4,
sometimes as much as 12 /x broad, and thicker at the nodes.
Spores single, 7 - 5 to 9 ^ in diameter, violet, smooth.

Hab. On grass and living herbs. Silesia.

15. B. irregularis Cooke & Ellis, in Grev. 1877, p. 89. Spor-
angia subglobose or confluent, finally blackish-brown, scattered,
sessile. Spores rough, globose, blackish, 10 /x in diameter.

Hab. On Jersey pine in a fence. N. Jersey.

SPECIES EXCLUDED FROM THE GENUS.

B. coadnata Host. = Fuligo ettipsospora Lister.
B. Fuckeliana Rost. = Trichamphora pezizoidea Jungh.
B. nodulosa Mass. = Physarum calidris Lister.
B. yranulijera Mass. See note under Lepidoderma Carestianum
Rost., p. 106.

Genus 3. PHYSARUM Persoon, inllsteri, Ann. Bot., xv., p. 5
(1795). Sporangia stalked, sessile or plasmodiocarps ; sporangium-
wall either single or consisting of two more or less separable
layers, and containing lime granules distributed in loose or dense
clusters or compacted into a crust ; the granules always innate
and not in superficial crystals. Stalk consisting of a tube with
a membranous wall : it may be empty and the wall contracted
and wrinkled with longitudinal folds, either translucent or
opaque with deposits of lime in the wall substance ; or the tube
may be filled at the base or throughout with refuse matter
discharged from the plasmodium ; or the tube may be filled with
deposits of lime, giving the stalk a brittle structure with a chalk-
like section. Capillitium forming a network of hyaline threads
with vesicular expansions containing deposits of lime ( = lime-
knots).

The genus Tilmadoche is described by Ro.stafin.ski (Mori., p. 126) as
differing from Physanun in the capillitium forking repeatedly at a
narrow angle, and being provided with few and small lime-knots.
These characters are too inconstant to be of value in classification.
In P. leucopJiOBum FT., which from its abundance affords ample facility
for study, we riot unfrequeiitly observe, in a growth sprung from one
plasmodium, some sporangia with capillitium characteristic of Ph</-
sarum and others of Tilmadoche, completely uniting P. leucophceum Fr.
with T. nu tans Rost. T. gyrocephala Rost. (syn. P. polymorphism T&osi.)
frequently has capillitium vrith large lime-knots and broad membranous
expansions, and the same may be seen in some gatherings of P. rlride
Pers. (syn. T. mutabilu Rost.). The type specimens of T. oblong a
Rost. and T.'hians Rost. are the same as Physarella inirdbilis Peck,
which is distinguished from its allies by well-marked characters of
shape and capillitium that fully entitle it to the position of a separate
genus. For these reasons the genus Tilmadoche is not retained.

ENDOSPORE/E. [PHYSARUM.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF PHYSARUM.

A. Sporangia stalked (occasional sessile forms) :
A. Stalks charged with lime throughout

a. Capillitium lax

Stalk white, sporangia grey, lime-knots large,
white. 1. P. leucopus

Stalk white, sporangia tawny yellow, lime-knots
large, white. 8. P. melleum

Stalk and sporangium yellow-olive. 7. P. variabile

b. Capillitium rigid, persistent

Stalk white or brownish, sporangium white, liine-
knots small, white. 2. P. globuliferum

Stalk, sporangium, and lime-knots red.

3. P. pulchripes

Stalk, sporangium, and lime-knots mouse-brown.

4. P. murinum

Stalk, sporangium, and lime-knots purple.

5. P. pulcherrimum

Stalk, sporangium, and lime-knots yellow ; robust.

6. P. citrinum

Stalk, sporangium, and lime-knots straw-coloured ;
slender. 9. P. tenerum

Stalk and sporangium white, Capillitium with a
central ball of lime. 10. P. compactum

B. Stalks without lime or with deposits in the wall only

a. Lime-knots purple-red, sporangium rose-red.

11. P. roseum

b. Lime-knots and sporangia violet-purple.

12. P. Newtoni

c. Lime-knots orange, sporangium mottled, blue and

red 13. P. psittacinum

d. Lime-knots yellow or orange, sporangium grey or

yellow-
Sporangia subglobose, Capillitium lax, lime-knots
fusiform. 14. P. viride

Sporangia undulate, Capillitium lax, lime-knots
fusiform. 16. P. polymorphum

Sporangia subglobose, Capillitium subrigid, per-
sistent, lime-knots angular. 15. P. Berkeley i

Stalk penetrating the sporangium to four-fifths its
height. 18. P. penetrate

PHYSARUM.] PHYSARACE^. 39

e. Lime-knots white, sporangium grey or white

Stalk straw-coloured, capillitium with a central ball
of lime. 17. P. nudeatum

Stalk buff, black, or white ; sporangium subglobose ;
spores bright violet-brown. 19. P. nutans

Stalk black, buff, or white; sporangium laterally
compressed; spores dark purple- brown.

21. P. compressum

Stalk red-brown, sporangium globose, white.

20. P. call dr is

Stalk white, membranous, sporangium ovoid.

22. P. didermoides

B. Sporangia sessile (never stalked) :-

A. Lime-knots white

a. Sporangium -wall single, spores pale violet-brown.

23. P. cinereum

b. Sporangium-wall double

a Sporangia scattered-
Sporangia .sinuous, muriform, inner wall fragile.

24. P. bivalve

Sporangia subglobose, or plasmodiocarps, inner
wall persistent. 25. P. Diderrtia

fj Sporangia crowded-
Sporangia reniform or subglobose, spores dark,
rough, 10 to 14 ya. 26. P. contextual

Sporangia angled by mutual pressure, spores pale,
nearly smooth, 8 to 10 /x. 27. P. conglomeration

B. Lime-knots red, or yellow

Lime-knots yellow, small, angular. 28. P. virescens

Lime-knots red, large, angular. 30. P. rubiginosum

Lime-knots yellow with red centre, rounded.

29. P. incequale

1. P. leucopus Link, Diss. I., p. 27 (1809). Plasmodium
opaque white. Total height about 1 mm. Sporangia globose,
cinereous, or glaucous, 0*5 mm. diam., gregarious, stipitate ;
sporangium- wall delicately membranous, containing scattered or
clustered, white, globular lime-granules. Stalk white, stout,
0-15 to 0-2 mm. thick, with a few shallow longitudinal furrows,
erect, rigid, brittle, somewhat narrowing upwards, chalk-white
in section to the base, rising from a more or less developed white
hypothallus ; enclosing no refuse matter. Columella none, or
scarcely evident. Capillitium white, consisting of delicate,
branching, hyaline threads connecting the large irregular knots,

40 ENDOSTORE/E. [PHYSARUM.

which are 10 to 50 /x broad and tilled with globular lime-granules,
1 to 1'5 /x (Ham. Spores violet-brown, minutely spinulose, 7 to 10
fji diam. Host., Mon., p. 101 ; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 12 ; Mass.,
Mon., p. 287 (in part) ; Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii.,
p. 156. Didymium leucopus Fr., Syst. Myc., iii., p. 121.

Plate VI., A. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. capillitium with fragment of spo
rangium-wall and spores, x 280 ; c. spore, x 600 (England).

The snow-white nearly smooth stalk, which is chalk-white in section
to the base, always distinguishes P. leucopus from P. nutans. The
lax capillitium, with large lime-knots and the large lime-granules
in the knots and sporangium- wall, separate it from P. globuliferum ,
which is its nearest ally. The types quoted by Rostafinski from
Germany and Russia of this well-marked species "are not represented
in the Strassburg or British collections ; the stations here given are
therefore confined to those of the English and American gatherings.
It is not common ; the only specimen in the Kew collection (K. 518),
leg. J. Henderson, is named Didymium squamulosum.

Hab. On dead leaves, moss, etc. Batheaston, Somerset (B.M. 48) ;
Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.ll) ; Ohio (L:B.M.ll) ; New Granada
(Paris Herb.).

2. P. globuliferum Pers., Syn., p. 175 (1801). Plasmodium ?
Total height 1 to 1'5 mm. Sporangia globose, stipitate, erect,
white, gregarious, 0'5 mm. diana. ; sporangium-wall membranous,
with crowded clusters of innate lime-granules. Stalk white or
pale buff, sometimes red-brown towards the base, 0'5 to 1 mm.
long, '05 to '01 mm. thick, nearly smooth, brittle, chalky in section.
Columella conical. Capillitium persistent, retaining the form of
the sporangium after the dispersion of the spores, forming a close
network of obtusely branching hyaline threads with numerous
fusiform or rounded, white, or pale ochraceous lime-knots 10 to
20 /x diam. ; the lime-knots are not usually developed at the
axils of the branches, which are flat and triangular, or if
present, usually minute. Spores violet-brown, almost smooth,
6 to 8 /x diam. Host., Mon., p. 98, fig. 86 ; Mass., Mon., p. 297.
Sphcerocarpus ylobuliferus Bull., Champ., p. 134, PI. 484, fig. 3
(1791). Physarum Petersii Berk. & Curt., var. a. Farlowii Rost.,
Mon., App., p. 6. Physarum albicans Peck, in Rep. New York
Mus., xxx., p. 50; Mass., Mon., p. 312. Didymium Barteri
Mass., Mon., p. 231. Physarum columbinum Macbride, in Bull.
Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 384.

Plate VI., B. a. sporangia, x 20, in two the sporangium-wall has fallen
away, leaving the persistent head of capillitium ; b. stalks showing the
columella after the capillitium has broken away, x 20 ; c. capillitium,
columella, and spores, x 280; d. spore, x 600 (United States).

The types of P. Petersii var. a Farlowii Rost., and P. albicans Peck
are the same species as the type of P. globuli/erum in the Strassburg
collection. P. columbinum Macbride, from Iowa (B.M. 1012), is also
P. globul/fcrum ; it has snow-white, occasionally red-brown, stalks,
and well-developed conical columella?. Didymiuin Barteri Mass. (K. 74)
appears to have been rightly named by Rostafinski "7\ globuliferum,
immaturum" ; the specimen is obscured by mould. In the specimen

PHYSARUM.] PHYSARACE.E. 41

from Dr. Rex (L:B.M.12) marked "P. Petersii var. Farlomi, con-
globate form," the sporangia are in clusters of from 6 to 14 together,
as in the compound forms of P. polymorplium.

Hab. On dead wood. Poland (Strassb. Herb) ; Africa (K. 74) ;
Bonin Island (K. 333); Borneo (L:B.M.12) ; Ohio (L:B.M.12) :
Iowa (B.M. 1012, 1015); Georgia (B.M. 853B) ; conglobate form,
Philadelphia (L:B.M.12).

3. P. pulehripes Peek, in Bull. Buff. Soc. N. Hist., i., p. G4
(1873). Plasmodium ? Total height 1 to 2 mm. Sporangia
globose, stipitate, yellow-orange, orange-red to dark brown,
sometimes grey from, the absence of lime, about 0'5 mm. diam. ;
sporangium -wall membranous, with deposits of lime usually
abundant, sometimes scanty. Stalk vermilion-red or red-brown,
0'5 to 1*5 mm. long, 0*1 mm. thick, somewhat narrowed upwards,
densely charged with red or brown lime-granules, brittle.
Columella conical. Capiliitium with red or brown lime-knots,
in other respects as in P. globuliferum. Spores violet --brown,
almost smooth, 6 to 8 /A diam. Mass., Mon., p. 315. Didymium
erythrinum Berk., in Grev., ii. (1873), p. 52 ; Mass., Mon., p. 249.
Didymium Ravenelii Berk. & Curt., in Grev., ii. (1873), p. 53 ;
Physarum Ravenelii Mass., Mon., p. 281.

Plate VII., A. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. capillitium and spores, x 280;
c. spore, x 600 (United States).

A frequent species in the United States, differing from P. globuli-
ferum chiefly in the colour of the lime ; and this character appears to
be constant. Under P. pulehripes are included Didymium erythrinum
Berk, and D. Ravenelii Berk. & Curt., which Rostafinski in the
Appendix to his Mon., p. 8, has placed under Physarum psittacinum,
a species without colnrnella and without lime-granules in the stalk.
Examination of the types in the Kew collection shows that the
sporangia of D, t'ry('/rt/i>/,>i (K. 1205) are immature, but those of D.
Ravenelii (K. 1513 and B.M. 560) possess a well-developed coluinella,
and the stalks in both types are densely charged with lime-granules.

The type of P. Pcfcrxti. Berk. Curt, in Grev., ii., p. 66 (1873) ; Host.,
Mon., A pp., p. G (K. 1254), belongs also to P. pnlcln-iprx. So much
confusion lias been caused by Berkeley and Curtis in giving different
names to different gatherings of this species, and by Rostafinski in
placing P. globuliferum as a variety of P. Petersii, that Peck's name is
adopted as being free from ambiguity.

Hab. On dead wood. - -Massachusetts (L:B.M.13) ; Ohio (L:
B.M. 13) ; N. Carolina (B. M. 569, 852A).

4. P. murinum Lister sp. nov. Plasmodium ? Sporangia globose,
about 0'5 mm. diam., stalked or sessile and forming plasmo-
diocarps, pinkish or yellowish brown, rugose ; sporangium- wall
membranous, with innate clusters of brown lime-granules. Stalk
erect, 0'5 mm. long or shorter, O'l mm. thick, of equal breadth
throughout ; pale brown, furrowed, containing dense deposits of
white lime-granules. Columella present in the stalked forms,
conical. Capillitium forming either a dense network of obtusely
branching hyaline threads, persistent after the dispersal of the

42 ENDOSPORE.E. [PHYSARUM.

spores, with rather few ovoid brown lime-knots, or a looser net-
work of hyaline threads, with numerous elongated irregularly
branching lime-knots. Spores pale brownish-violet, nearly
smooth, 8 to 10 JJL cliam. P. Braunianum List, in Journ. Bot.
1891, p. 259 (non de Bary).

Plate VII., B. a. sporangia, x 20; 1). plasmodiocarp, x 20 ; c. capillitium
and spores, x 280 ; d. spore, x 600 (United States).

This species is closely allied to P. globuliferum, from which the
stalked form scarcely differs except in the brown colour of the lime
in the capillitium and sporangium-wall. The specimen from Moffat,
described in Journ. Bot., 1891, under the name P. Braunianum de
Bary, agrees with de Bary's description of that species in the usually
sessile form and brown lime-knots of the capillitium, but as the type
consists of only a single gathering by A. Braun near Berlin, and is not
represented in the Strassburg or British collections, no proof of identity
has been obtained ; the Moffat specimen is therefore placed under
P. murbium, the sessile American forms of which it closely resembles.

Hob. On dead leaves, wood, etc. Moffat (L:B.M.14) ; Philadelphia ;
(L:B.M.14) ; Ohio (L:B.M.14).

5. P. pulcherrimum Berk. & Rav., in Grev., ii., p. 65 (1873).
Total height 1 nini. Sporangia globose, flattened beneath,
stipitate, erect or inclined, purple, 0'4 to O5 mm. diam., gre-
garious. Sporangium-wall membranous, pale purple, with
scattered clusters of large purple globular lime granules (1 /x diam.)
Stalk purple, subulate, brittle, containing lime. Columella small,
convex, or none. Capillitium a close network of delicate purplish
threads, broader and more expanded at the axils below ; lime-
knots numerous, small, roundish, filled with purple globular lime-
granules. Spores pale dull red, almost smooth, 7 to 8 /x diam.

-Host. Mon., p. 105, fig. 84; Mass., Mon., p. 293. Physarum
atrorubrum Peck, in Rep. New York Mus., xxxi., p. 40 ; Mass.,
Mon., p. 294.

Plate VIII.. A. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. capillitium with fragment of
sporangium- wall and spores, x 280 ; c. spore, x 600 (United States).

P. atrorubrum Peck is the same species (teste Dr. G. A. Rex).

Hob. On dead wood. Ohio (L:B.M.15) ; Philadelphia (L:B.M.15) ;
Iowa (B.M. 1013) ; S. Carolina (B. M. 412, 869).

6. P. citriimm Schumacher, Enum. PI. SaelL, ii., p. 201 (1803).
Pla.smodium ? Total height 0'8 to 2 mm. Sporangia globose, rugose,
stipitate, rarely nearly sessile, erect, yellow to yellowish grey,
0'4 to 0'7 mrn. diain.; sporangium-wall membranous with innate
clusters of yellow lime granules. Stalk golden yellow, opaque
with dense deposits of lime, stout, somewhat furrowed, varying in
length, chalky in section, often rising from a vein-like hypo-
thallus. Columella short, conical, or obtuse. Capillitium. a
somewhat close network of hvaline rigid threads with flat ex-

v O

pansions at the axils, persistent after the dispersion of the
spores ; lime-knots yellow, numerous, varying in shape and size,
usually rounded, seldom developed at the axils of the branches.

PHYSARUM.] PHYSARACE.E. 43

Spores violet-brown, almost smooth, 7 to 8 /x diam. Rost. in
Fuckel Symb. Myc., Nachtr., 2, p. 71. P. Schumacheri, Spreng.
Sys. Veg., iv., p. 528 ; Rost., Mon., p. 98, App., p. 6 ; Cooke,
Myx. Brit., p. 11 ; Mass., Mon., p. 275. P. Leveillei Rost., Mon.,
App., p. 7; Mass, Mon., p. 296.

Plate VIII., B. a. sporangia, x 20 ; I. capillitium and spores, x 280 ;
c. spore, x 600 (England) ; d. sporangium showing columella, x 20 (Ger-
many, Strassburg Herb.).

P. Kalclibrenneri Mass., from the Cape (K. 347), is allied to P. cit-
rinum, differing chiefly in the capillitium, which approaches that of
Badhamia ; the nodes are irregularly expanded, bright yellow, and
connected by more or less hyaline strands, 2 to 5 p. broad ; columella
none, spores 8 to 10 p. Rostafinski separates P. Sckumacheri, vars.
/3 and y, Mon., p. 99, and places them in his Appendix under the name
of P. Leveillei ; the type specimen of var. /3 from Freiburg in the
Strassburg collection is a large form of P. citrinum, but is fully
equalled by the English gathering figured ; the spores measure 8 to
9 fi ; the type of var. y from Munster is a very different form, and
appears to be more nearly allied to P. rubiyinosum. The specimen
from Venezuela in the Kew collection, marked by Rostafinski P. Leveillei
var. /3, has a longer stalk than the typical P. citrinum, a more lax
capillitium, and the spores measure 10 p., but it can scarcely be viewed
as a distinct species.

Hob, On dead wood, moss, etc. Bedfordshire (L:B.M.16) ; Germany
(Strassb. Herb) ; Freiburg (L:B.M.16 ; Venezuela (K. 12G1).

7. P. variabile Rex, in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil., 1893, p. 371.
Plasmodium ? Total hi ight about 1 mm. Sporangia piriform,
ovoid, or subglobose, 0*4 to 0*5 min. broad, stalked or sessile,
rugose, somewhat glossy, yellowish olive ; sporangium-wall mem-
branous, with dense innate deposits of yellowish lime-granules.
Stalk stout, conical, furrowed, - 4 mm. high or less, yellowish-
brown, densely charged with white lime-granules. Columella
none. Capillitium a close network of delicate hyaline threads
with membranous expansions at the axils of the branches ; lime-
knots numerous, irregularly branching, many large and confluent,
white or pale yellow. Spores brownish-violet, spinulose, 9 to 12 /x
diam.

Plate IX., A. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. broken stalk snowing lime ; c. capil-
litium, with fragment of sporangium-wall and spores, x 280 ; d. spore,
x 600 (United States).

Hub. On dead wood. Iowa (B.M. 812) ; New York (L:B.M.17) ;
Venezuela (L:B.M.17).

8. P. melleum Mass., Mon., p. 278 (1892). Plasmodium?
Total height O'S mm. Sporangia globose, stipitate, erect, brown-
ish-yellow, 0'5 IJL diam. ; sporangium-wall membranous, often
wrinkled, persistent at the base, yellowish, with minute coloured
lime granules sparsely distributed. Stalk white or faintly buff
coloured, stout, opaque, with few shallow furrows, chalky in
section. Columella short, conical. Capillitium of irregularly-
branching delicate hyaline threads, sometimes expanded at the

44 ENDOSPORE^. [PHYSARUM.

axils, lime -knots usually numerous, white, various in simp 3 and
size, mostly large and angled. Spores violet-brown, almost
smooth, 7 to 10 /z diam. Didymium melleum Berk. &, Br., in Linn.
Jour., xiv., p. 83 (1873). Physarum Schumacheri, var. /? melleum
Host., Mon., App., p. 7. Didymium chrysopeplum Berk. &
Curt, in Grev., ii. (1873), p. 53.

Plate IX., B. a. sporangia, and one stalk showing a small columella,
x 20 ; b. broken sporangia showing white capillitium, x 20 ; c\ capillitium
and fragment of sporangium- wall, x 280 ; d. spore, x 600 (United States).

Allied to P. citrinum, but constant in its characters ; of frequent
occurrence in the United States.

Hab. On dead wood, leaves, etc. Cape (K. 57) ; Ceylon (B.M.411) ;
Borneo (K. 1257) ; Philadelphia (L:B.M. 18); Ohio (L:B.M.18) ;
Iowa (B.M. 1018) ; S. Carolina (B. M. 409, 853A).

9. P. tenerum Rex, in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil. 1890, p. 192.
Plasmodium ? Total height, 1 to 2 mm. Sporangia globose,
stipitate, somewhat nodding, gregarious, yellow, 0*4 mm. diam. ;
sporangium-wall membranous with closely-set rounded thin clusters
of innate yellow granules. Stalk subulate, slender, opaque, 0'5
to 1'7 mm. long, pale yellow and filled with lime above, darker
below from the presence of refuse matter. Columella none.
Capillitium of very delicate hyaline threads forming a regularly
meshed network, often persistent after the dispersion of the
spores, with numerous round or rounded yellow lime-knots, the
branches slender at the axils and mostly free from lime. Spores
violet-brown, nearly smooth, 7 to 8 ^ diam.

Plate X., A. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. stalk and capillitium, x 170 ;
c. capillitium and spores, x 280 ; d. spore, x 600 (United States).

This species is closely allied to P. chrinurn, differing in the more
slender form, in the delicate flexuose capillitium threads connecting
the lime-knots, and in the absence of a columella. Specimens sent by
Dr. Haviland from Borneo are similar to the type of Dr. Rex. A.
gathering from Mr. Morgan, Ohio, has small grey sporangia, 0'25 mm.
diam., rugose, with deposits of white lime-granules in the sporangium-
wall ; in other respects it is typical.

Hal. On dead wood. Borneo (L:B.M.19) ; New York (L:B.M.19) ;
Ohio (L-.B.M.19).

10. P. compactum Lister. Plasmodium? Total height 1 to 2 mm.
Sporangia globose or somewhat flattened below, 0'5 mm. diam.,
stipitate, erect or nodding, spotted with pure white ; grey
or bronze colour and iridescent between the rounded spots ;
sporangium-wall membranous, with numerous well defined
rounded clusters of closely compacted lime granules. Stalk
erect or flexuose, subulate, furrowed, 0'5 to 1*5 mm. long., - 05 to
0'13 thick at the base ; white and densely charged with lime
above, brown or black below from the presence of refuse matter ;
or white with chalky section to the base. Columella none, or
represented by closely compacted lime-knots forming a globular
cluster O'l mm. diam. at the apex of the stalk, but lying free in the

PHYSARUM.] PHYSARACE/E. 45

eapillitiuni. Capillitium abundant, of extremely delicate branching
and anastomosing threads without expansions at the axils, some-
what persistent, and of a pale bluish colour after the dispersion of
the spores ; lime-knots white, few, small, fusiform except in the
central globular cluster. Spores violet -brown, almost smooth,
7 to 9 fjL diam. Tilmadoche compactci Wing., in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc.
Phil. 1889, p. 48 ; Mass., Mon., p. 332. Lepidoderma stellatum
Mass., Mon., p. 252.

Plate X., B. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. stalk and capillitium with pseudo-
colurnella and fragment of sporangium-wall, showing compacted and sharply-
defined clusters of lime-granules, x 80 ; c. capillitium and spores, x 280 ;
d. spore, x 000 (Dominica).

An excellent account of this species is given by Mr. Wingate (I.e.,
p. 48). He describes the sporangium-wall as splitting on maturity in a
floriform manner, which is a marked character in the specimens at
hand ; his description of the stalk as " yellowish- white with a brown
or blackish base " appears to be correct for the American gatherings.
In a fine specimen of P. coinp<i<-tum in the Kew collection from
Dominica (Ramage), K. 567, marked Lepidoderma strllatnm Mass., the
stalks are pure white with a chalky section to the base. The specimen
from French Guiana in the Paris Museum under the name Physarum
It /tcophceum is precisely similar to that from Dominica in the large
opaque white lime-spots on the sporangium- wall and in the pure white
stalks. The type of Didi/mtHm columbinum Berk. & Curt. (Tilmadoche
columllna Rost., Mon., App, p. 13), Venezuela (K. 1428), appears to
be this species, but nothing now remains of the specimen but a few
stalks and a little of the extremely delicate capillitium.

Hab. On dead wood. Borneo (L:B.M.20) ; Dominica (K. 567) :
Philadelphia (B. M. 875, L:B.M.20) ; Ohio (L:B.M.20) ; French
Guiana (Paris Herb.).

11. P. roseum Berk. & Br., in Journ. Linn., xiv., p. 84 (1873).
Plasmodium ? Total height 1 mm. Sporangia globose, 0*4 mm.
diam., stalked, gregarious, nearly smooth, bright rose-coloured ;
sporangium-wall membranous, with innate clusters of purple-red
lime-granules. Stalk erect, slender, subulate, reddish-brown,
translucent, longitudinally rugose. Columella none. Capillitium
a loose network of delicate pale lilac hyaline threads, with rather
few large, irregularly branching, purple-red lime-knots. Spores
reddish-lilac or reddish-brown, minutely spinulose, 7 to 10 /x, diam.
Rost., Mon., App., p. 10; Mass., Mon., p. 294.

Plate XL, A. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. capillitium with fragment of
sporangium-wall and spores, x 280; c. spore, x GOO (Borneo).

This species differs from P. pulclierrhnum in the large lime-knots
and the translucent stalk.

Hab. On dead wood. Ceylon (K. 1758) ; Borneo (L:B.M.21).

12. P. Newtoni Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa, vol. ii.,
4, p. 390 (1893). Plasmodium? Sporangia shortly stalked or
sessile, globose, about 0'5 mm. diam., or flattened and umbilicate
above, violet-purple, smooth, opaque ; sporangium-wall mem-
branous above, with innate deposits of purple lime-granules,
rugose and thickened towards the base, where it is deep purple

46 ENDOSPOKE.E. [PHYSARUM.

:uid densely charged with calcareous deposits. Stalk coarsely
wrinkled, purple-brown. Columella none. Capillitium of delicate,
branching, violet threads, with numerous large, angular, purple
lime-knots. Spores dark purple-brown, rough with irregularly
scattered warts 8-10 /x, diam.

Plate XVII., B. a. stalked and sessile sporangia, x 20 ; b. capillitium and
spores, x 280 ; c. spore, x 600 (Colorado).

The shape of the sporangia and the dark rough spores appear to
be the only points which distinguish this species from Oraterium
rubescens Rex, with which it agrees in colour, in the character of the
capillitium, and in the structure of the sporangium- wall.

Hab. On sticks, on mountain, Colorado (B. M. 1014).

13. P. psittacinum Ditm., in Sturm, Deutsch. Fl., Pilze,
p. 125, t. 62 (1817). Plasmodium orange, in the substance of
rotten wood. Total height 1 mm. Sporangia globose or somewhat
depressed, stipitate, gregarious, 0'5 to 0*8 mm. diarn., purplish-
blue mottled with red, iridescent ; sporangium -wall hyaline, deli-
cately membranous, sprinkled with orange spots of thicker, more
or less granular substance. Stalk equal, erect or curved, furrowed
and rugose, vermilion or orange-red, intense clear orange in
mountings in glycerine, without deposits of lime, rising from a
well-developed hypothallus of the same colour, 0'5 to 0*7 mm.
long, O'l mm. thick. Columella none. Capillitium a close
network of flat, arching, colourless or yellowish threads, broad at
the axils; lime-knots numerous, varying in size, sharply angular,
often branching, or confluent in the centre of the sporangium,
bright orange, obscurely granular or translucent. Spores fuli-
ginous-violet, smooth or nearly so, 7 to 8 /x diam. Eost., Mon.,
p. 104, figs. 75, 76; Lister in Journ. Bot. 1891, p. 257, PI.
308, fig. 1 ; Mass., Mon., p. 274. P. Carlylei Mass., Mon., p. 293.

Plate XL, B. a. sporangia, x 20 ; I. capillitium with fragment of spor-
angium-wall showing crystalline discs, x 280 ; c. spore, x (100 (England).

The specimens in the Kew collection named Didymium erythrinum
Berk, and D. Ravcnelii Berk. & Curt., given by Rostafinski as synonyms
of P. psittacinum, must be referred to P. pulchripes. The type speci-
mens of P. psittacinum in the Strassburg collection are of the form
described above. The type specimen of P. Carlylei Mass. (K. 68) is
normal P. psittacinum. In glycerine mountings, flattened disc-shaped
crystalline bodies with radiating structure are usually seen imbedded
in the sporangium-wall, as in P. virescetis var. gcnui/ia.

Hab. On dead wood. Germany (B. M. 1109); Poland (Strassb.
Herb.) ; New York (K. 1206) ; Carlisle (K. 68) ; Lyme Regis, Dorset
(L:B.M.22).

14. P. viride Pers.,in Usteri, Ann. Bot., xv., p. 6 (1795). Plas-
modium yellow, in rotten wood. Total height 1 mm. Sporangia
globose, lenticular, stipitate, nodding, 0*3 to 0*5 mm. diam., yellow,
greenish, or orange ; sporangium- wall membranous with innate
clusters of yellow or orange lime-granules more or less closely
disposed. Stalk subulate, slender, striate, grey or straw-coloured,
often darker below from enclosed refuse matter, wit!. out deposits

PHYSARUM.] PHYSARACE.E. 47

of lime. Columella none. Capillifcium a loose irregular network
of delicate hyaline threads, not expanded at the axils, with fusi-
form or angled orange lime-knots. Spores violet-brown, almost
smooth, 7 to 10 /A diam. Stemonites viridis Gmelin, Syst. Nat., ii.,
p. 1469 (1791). Physarum aureum Pers., in Homer, N. Mag.
Bot., p. 88. P. nutans, (3 viride, y anreum, 8 coccineum, Fr.,
Syst. Myc., iii., p. 129. Tilmadoche mutabilis Host., Mon., p. 129,
figs. 123-27, 132; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 22; Mass., Mon., p. 329.
Tilmadoche viridis Sacc., Syll., vii., No. 1247 ; Macbride, in Bull.
Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii. (1892), p. 152.

a. luteum : sporangia yellow. Sphcerocarims luteus Bull.,
Champ., PI. ccccvii., fig. 2.

/?. aurantium : sporangia orange. Sphcerocarpus aur .li'm*
Bull., Champ., PI. cc-cclxxxiv., fig. 2.

y. incanum : sporangia grey.

Plate XII., A. a. sporangia, x 20 : Z>. capillitium, with fragment of
sporangium-wall and spores, x 280 ; c. spore, x GOO (England).

In this variable species, as in P. nutans, the sporangium-wall is
somewhat persistent when the lime is abundant ; when this is more
scanty- the wall soon breaks up in small fragments, remaining attached
to the capillitium. The colour of the sporangia found on the same
stump may differ from one year to another. The lime-knots are very
variable both in size and colour ; pale yellow sporangia have often red-
brown knots, and dark sporangia have light, orange knots ; occasionally
the sporangia are grey and the lime-knots pale yellow, approaching
P. nutans. The stalks vary in tint in all forms. The specimens from
Chili (Gay) in the Paris Museum, given by Rostafinski (Mon., App.,
p. 7) as a type of Physarum Leveillei, is the orange form of P. vlride ;
the stalks are free from lime deposit, the capillitium consists of slender
threads and fusiform orange lime-knots.

Hob. On dead wood. a. and /3. Leytonstone, Essex (L:B.M.23) ;
France (Paris Herb.) ; Germany (B .M. 506) ; Borneo (L:B.M.23) ;
New Jersey (L:B.M.23). /3. Poland (Strassb. Herb.) ; Ceylon (K. 1420) ;
Benin Islands (K. 335) ; Chili (Paris Herb.) . y. Bohemia (B. M. 503) ;
Iowa (B. M. 805).

15. P. Berkeley! Rost., Mon., p. 105, fig. 88 (1875). Plas-
modium yellowish-green (teste Bavenel). Total height 1'75 mm.
Sporangia subglobose, or flattened beneath, stipitate, nodding,
Q-4 to 0'5 mm. diam., grey and yellow at the base, yellow or
iridescent from the absence of l;me ; sporangium-wall membranous,
colourless above, thicker and yellowish below. Stalk slender,
subulate, striate, without deposits of lime, red or copper coloured.
Columella none. Capillitium a close network of delicate hyaline
threads with numerous yellow flat expansions at the axils ; often
persistent and retaining the form of tl.e sporangium after dis-
persion of the spores; lime-knots usually small, angular, yellow.
Spores pale violet-brown, almost smooth, 7 to 9 /x diam. Physarum
flavicomum Berk., in Hook. Journ. Bot., iv., 1845, p. 66.
1'hysarum cupripes Berk. & Bav., in Grev., ii., p. 65, 1873 ;
Mass., Mon., p. 284. Didymium flavicomum Mass., Mon., p. 242.

48 ENDOSPOUE^. [PHYSARUM.

P. galbeum Wing., Ell. & Everh., N. Am. Fung., 2491. P. Petersii
Mass., Mon., p. 295 (in part).

Plate XII., B. a. sporangia, x 20 ; 1). capillitium and spores, x 280 ;
c. spore, x GOO (United States).

The red-brown stalks and the larger expansions of the capillitium
at the axils of the branches distinguish this species from P. viride.
P. galbeum Wing.*(L:B.M.24) has globose orange-yellow sporangia,
and orange-brown stalks entirely free from lime ; the capillitium is a
close network of threads expanded and flattened at the axils, with few
or no deposits of lime. Similar forms have been found near Lyme
Regis. They are here included under P. Berkeley}, but other
gatherings from Lyrne Regis connect these forms with P. viride, making
it doubtful whether P. Berkeleyi is not merely a marked variety of
that species. The specimen from Iowa (B. M. 1017) resembles the
type of P. galbeu/n, except that the capillitium consists of a close net-
work of large branching knots, densely charged with yellow lime-
granules, connected by few branching hyaline threads ; the spores
measure 8 /z. This form is nearly related to a specimen from Moss-
man's Bay, Sydney, Australia (K. 346), marked Tilmadoche mutabilis,
with capillitium 'of a Badhamia-like character, the threads being
charged throughout with yellow lime-granules ; the spores are spinulose
and measure 10 to 13 p,. This is connected with P. viride by a series
of intermediate specimens from Ceylon (also in Kew Herb.) with
unusually extended lime-knots and large spores, but the rigid persis-
tent capillitium brings it under the definition of P. Berkeley}.

Hob. On dead wood. Swan River, Australia (K. 1328) ; Iowa
(B. M. 1017) ; So. Carolina (B. M. 439, 870, 993) ; Massachusetts
(L-.B.M.24).

16. P. polymorphum Host., Mon., p. 107 (1875). Plasmocliimi
occurring in masses of decaying leaves or in rotten logs, at first
colourless, as it emerges for fructification white, then yellow,
spreading far over all adjacent objects (Macbricle). Total height
1*5 to 2 mm. Sporangia much compressed, lenticular, and um-
bilicate, undulate, or lobed convolute and often confluent, stipitate,
solitary or in clusters of 5 to 10 together, grey or yellow;
sporangium-wall membranous, with scattered thin innate clusters
of white or yellow lime-granules. Stalks subulate, slender, inclined,
often fasciculate, 5 to 10 combined, yellow or tawny, translucent,
without deposits of lime. Columella none. Capillitium a loose
network of ^delicate threads with many flat expansions at the axils ;
lime-knots yellow, very variable in shape, size, and abundance.
Spores violet-brown, minutely spinulose, 8 to 10 /x diam. Mass.,
Mon., p. 283. Didymium polymorphum Mont., in Ann. Sci. Nat.,
Ser. 2, viii., p. 361 (1837). Didymium luteo-griseum Berk. & Curt.,
in Grev., ii. (1873), p. 65. Didymium obrusseum Berk. & Curt., in
Journ. Linn. Soc., x., p. 348 (1869). Physarum obrusseum Host.,
Mon ., App., p. 1 1 . Didymium tenerrimumJSerlsi & Curt., I.e. ; Mass.,
Mon., p. 247. D. gyrocephalum Mont., in Ann. Sci. Nat., Ser. 2,
viii., p. 362. Tilmadoche gyrocephala Rost., Mon., 131; Mass.,
Mon., p. 335 ; Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa, 1892, p. 152.

a. obrusseum : sporangia simple.

(3. gyrocephalum : sporangia clustered.

PHYSARUM.] PHYSARACE.E. 49

Plate XIII., A. a. sporangia closely combined, x 20 ; b. sporangia more
or less simple, x 20 ; c. capillitium and spores, x 280 ; d. spore, x 600
(United States).

Under P. polymorphv/m is included Didymium obrusseum Berk. &
Curt, and Tilmadoche gyrocephala Rost. I have not seen Rostafinski's
types of the latter. The specimens issued by Ellis and Everhart, 2699
N. A. F., and those received from Dr. Rex of Philadelphia and
Prof. Macbride of Iowa, under the name T. gyrocephala, agree with the
description given by Rostafinski. The colour of the sporangia varies
from grey to yellow in the same gatherings. Examination of the
capillitium and spores of these specimens and of the types of
P. obrusseum and /'. polymorphism shows that they are essentially
alike ; of the characters given above the clustering of the sporangia
cannot be held as of specific importance (cf. P. globulifrrnm'). In the
type of Didi/mium nbrt/xxcum Berk. & Curt., No. 532 F. Cub.
(B. M. 440), the sporangia are much compressed and undulated, and
are similar to the simple sporangia frequently met with in P. poly-
morphum.

Hal. On dead wood, etc. a. and /3. So. Carolina (B. M. 856, 862).
a. Cuba (B. M. 440). /. Pennsylvania (B. M. 860) ; Iowa (L:B.M.25);
Ohio (L:B.M.25) ; Long Island, N.Y. (B. M. 1054).

17. P. nucleatum Rex, in Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. 1891, p.
389. Plasmodium? Total height 1 to 2 inm. Sporangia globose,
stipitate, erect or inclined, 0*5 mm. diam., white ; sporangium-
wall membranous, with scattered innate clusters of white lime-
granules. Stalk subulate or nearly equal, 0*7 to 1'5 rnm. long,
longitudinally rugose, pale buff, translucent above, without
deposits of lime, enclosing refuse matter below. Columella none.
Capillitium a very close network of delicate colourless threads,
equal or with triangular expansions at the axils, with scattered
minute rounded white lirne-knots ; persistent after the dispersion
of the spores. In the centre of the capillitium is suspended a
calcareous shining white ball, 0*1 to O15 mm. diam., sometimes
replaced by a compacted mass of irregular lime-knots. Spores
violet-brown, minutely spinulose, 6 to 7 /u, diam.

Plate XIII., B. a. sporangia with the spores dispersed and only the basal
part of the sporangium-wall remaining, x 20 ; b. stalk and capillitium
showing the central ball of lime, x SO ; c. capillitium and spores, x 280 ;
d. spore, x 600 (United States).

The type specimen of P. simile Rost., from Curtis, South Carolina
(K. 1255), has buff stalks without lime deposits, and delicate persistent
capillitium with a central mass of lime ; it is a poor development and
in imperfect preservation, but there can be little doubt that it is the
same species as P. nucleatum, although Rostafinski's description of
P. simile with the stalk continued into the sporangium as a cylindrical
columella would apply better to P. globuliferum (Rost., Mon., App., p. 6).

Hab. On dead wood. Pennsylvania (L:B.M.26); Iowa(B. M. 1019).

18. P. penetrale Rex, in Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. (1891), p. 389
Plasmodium ? Sporangia erect, ellipsoid, rarely globose, 0'3 X
0'5 mm. by 0-5 x 0*7 mm., stipitate, grey or pale greenish-
yellow ; sporangium-wall membranous, rather firm, semi-traiis-

4

50 ENDOSPOREJE. [PHYSARUM.

parent, with innate scattered clusters of pale yellow or yellowish-
grey lime-granules ; rupturing when mature into from two to
four segments. Stalk erect or^curved, O5 to 2 mm. high, slender,
subulate, translucent, dull red or golden red. Columella formed
by a continuation of the stalk, penetrating the sporangium to about
four-fifths its height, slender, scarcely tapering to the wedge-
shaped end, reddish-yellow. Capillitium a close network of hyaline
threads with triangular expansions at the axils of the branches,
arising from the whole length of the columella, persistent after
the dispersion of the spores ; lime-knots scattered, small, rounded,
yellow.^Spores pale brownish-violet, delicately spiiiulose, 5 to 6'5
fji diam.

PLite XIV., A. a. sporangia, ellipsoid form, x 20 ; b. sporangia, globose
form, x 20 ; c. apex of stalk bearing the columella and capillitium, x 100;
cl. capillitium and spores, x 280 ; e. spore, x 600 (United States).

An immature specimen of this species occurs in the Strassburg
collection named by Rostafmski " Craterium leucocephalum unreif"
It agrees in all respects with the American type of P. penetrate, and
is interesting as being apparently the only European gathering.

Hob. On dead wood and moss. Germany (Strassb. Herb.) ; Phila-
delphia (L:B.M.27)

19. P. nutans Pers., in Usteri, Ann. Bot., xv., p. 6 (1795). Plas-
modium watery white or yellowish-grey from the presence of foreign
matter. Total height 1 to 1'5 mm. Sporangia subglobose, more
or less flattened or concave beneath, 0*4 to 1 mm. broad ; white,
greyish- white, or violet-grey ; gregarious, stipitate, sessile, or plas-
modiocarps ; sporangium-wall membranous, with innate minute
white granules in more or less dense clusters. Stalk subulate,
longitudinally wrinkled, cernuous or erect, yellowish, olivaceous
or dark, translucent above, sometimes opaque and white from
deposits of lime in the wall, the tube of the stalk containing
refuse matter but not lime (never with chalk-white fracture at
the base as in P. leucopus}. Columella none. Capillitium of
colourless threads, either slender, forked and anastomosing with few
flat expansions at the axils and few small white lime -knots, or with
broad, often perforated expansions and large lime-knots. Spores
clear violet-brown, nearly smooth or minutely spinulose, 8 to 11
/x diam. Pers., Syn., p. 171 ; Fr., Syst. Myc., iii., p. 128. Tilma-
doche nutans Rost., Mon., p. 127 ; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 21 ;
Mass., Mon., p. 327. Physarum leucophceum, Fr., Sym. Cast.,
p. 24 (1818) ; Host., Mon., p. 113, figs. 77, 78, 89 ; Cooke, Myx.
Brit., p. 15; Mass., Mon., p. 288. Physarum gracikntum Fr.,
Syst. Myc., iii., p. 133 (1829). Tilmadoche gracilenta Host., Mon.,
p. 129 ; Mass., Mon., p. 330. Physarum granulatum Balf., in
Grev., vol. x. (1882), p. 115; Mass., Mon., p. 289. Physarum
Readeri Mass., Mon., p. 282.

An extremely variable species ; the stalked and plasmodiocarp forms
may develop from the same growth of plasmodium. Sporangia may be
found with delicate capillitium and few minute lime-knots, associated
with others from the same plasmodium with wide expansions at the

PHYSARUM.] PHYSARACE.E. 51

angles of the threads and with large lime-knots ; some may have erect
stalks enclosing much refuse, standing with others more weakly formed,
containing little refuse matter and cernuous from the weight of the
sporangium. As in all the Calcarine.ee, the amount of lime in the
sporangium-wall is liable to great variation ; where the supply is
abundant it gives firmness and persistence to the membrane ; where
it is scanty the wall is fragile or evanescent, as in the form named
TilinadocTic nutans. In contrast with the latter, a robust form occurs,
having a short stout stalk, often projecting within the sporangium in
a conical point, with lime-knots of large size, either distributed among
the capillitium or confluent in the centre ; between these extreme
forms all shades of difference may be found, making it difficult to
define even distinct varieties. Examination of a large series leads to
the conclusion that P. leucopluvum is not a distinct species, but must
be included under P. nutans. The name P. leucophceuri has been so
long established as applied to a well-recognised form, that it would
have been desirable in some respects to retain it as representing the
type of this species ; but as the name P. nutans was given by Persoon
twenty-three years earlier than that by Fries, the rules of precedence
necessitate its adoption.

The diverging forms may be approximately described as follows,
being arranged according to the amount of lime in the sporangium-
wall and capillitium.

a. violascens Host., Mon., p. 114; sporangium-wall iridescent,
fragile, free from lime ; capillitium without lime-knots, stalk
cernuous. Spores nearly smooth, 8 to 9 /JL diam.

(3. genuinum : sporangium-wall with thin, innate clusters of
lime-granules, fragile ; capillitium slender with few flat expansions
at the angles and few small liine-knots ; stalk cernuous. Spores
nearly smooth, 8 to 9 /A diam. Tllmadoche nutans Host., Mon.,
p. 127.

y. leucophgeum : sporangium-wall with abundant lime, some-
what persistent, capillitium with flat, often perforated expansions
at the axils, especially towards the base of the sporangium, lime-
knots many or few, fusiform or rounded, 5 to 20 /A diam. : sessile
forms frequent ; stalk erect or cernuous. Spores 8 to 10 //, diam.
P. leucophceivm Fr., Sym. Gast., p. 24.

8. robustum : sporangium-wall with dense deposits of lime,
persistent, Capillitium stouter, with wide flat expansions, lime-
knots rounded or angular, 20 to 50 /x broad, sometimes confined
to the centre of the sporangium and confluent. Plasmodiocarp
forms frequent. Stalk short, erect, stout. Spores more dis-
tinctly wart eel, 9 to 11 /x diam.

Plate XV.. A. a. sporangia of form [3, x 20 ; b. capillitium and spores,
x 280 ; c. spore, x 600 ; d and d 1 . sporangia of form between /3 and 7,
x 20 ; e. capillitium of d with abundant lime-knots, x 280 ; /. capillitium
of d\ with few minute lime-knots, x 280 (England).

B. a. sporangia of form 7, x 20 ; 1. capillitium and spores, x 280 ; c.
sporangia of form 5, x 20 ; d. capillitium and spores, x 280 ; e. spore, x 600
(England).

The type of Til. cjmcilenta Host., in the Strassburg collection, has
small, nearly globose sporangia of the form /3, and of a greyish-white

52 ENDOSPORE.E. [PHYSARUM.

or greyish-violet colour, as given by Host., Mon., p. 120, and not
" fusco-atra " (Sacc., Syll., p. 360). The specimen named Til. gradients
from Sowerby's Herb. (K. 1419) approaches the form S, with stout dark
stalk. Physaruin Readeri Mass., from Melbourne (K. 500), is the
form y, with spores 8 to 9 /x diam. The type of P. gramdalutn Balf.
fil. (K. 67) is the form y, with the lime on the sporangium-wall in
sand-like granules, a not infrequent appearance in species of Phy-
saraceae (cf. P. cornpressum). P. Muscicola Pers. is referred to by
Persoon in Syn. Fung. 1801, p. 171, as hardly to be distinguished from
the somewhat larger species P. nutans ; it would therefore appear to
be a small form of variety /3. Tilmadochc, Pint Host., Mon., p. 128, is
described as similar to P. nutans, but of erect and somewhat larger
growth, and more robust.

Hob. On rotten stumps, etc. Leytonstone, Essex ; Lyme Regis,
Dorset (L:B.M.28) ; y. France (Paris Herb.) ; a /3 y 5'. Germany and
Poland (Strassb. Herb.) ; y. Italy (B. M. 435) ; y. Australia (K. 500) ;
0. Tasmania (K. 1403), New Zealand (K. 1243) ; /3 and y. N. America
(L:B.M.28).

20. P. calidris Lister, in Journ. Bot. 1891, p. 258, PL 308,
fig. 2. Plasmodinra ? Total height 1 to 2 mm. Sporangia sub-
globose, sfcipitate, erect or somewhat inclined, scattered, 0'5 mm.
diam., white, rugose ; sporangium-wall membranous, colourless
above, with dense clusters of innate white granules ; thickened
and persistent at the base, partaking of the colour of the stalk.
Stalk subulate or equal, furrowed, 1 to 1*5 mm. long, O'l mm. thick,
red-brown, clear orange-brown in glycerine-jelly mounting, not
enclosing refuse matter, or rarely, at the base. Columella none.
Capillitium of colourless branching threads with numerous or few
white lime-knots f very various in the same development, either
delicate or approaching the type of Badhamia. Spores pale
rownish- violet, almost smooth, 8 to 11 /x diam. Didymium
usillum Berk. & Curt., Grev.,ii. (1873), p. 53. Badhamia nodu-
osa Mass., Mon., p. 322.

Plate XIV., B. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. capillitium and spores, x 280 ;
c. spore, x 600 (England).

The specimen in Broome's Herb, named P. eleplmntinum Berk. & Br.
MS. from Ceylon (B. M. 453) is a somewhat larger form, but appears
to be the same species, with capillitium and spores similar to those in
the English gatherings. P. nndidosum Cooke & Balf. (B. M. 858), from
South Carolina, differs from the English specimens of P. calidris only
in the Badhamia-like capillitium. In the Lyme Regis gatherings this
character is very inconstant : in one sporangium the hyaline threads
may be abundant, either delicate or with broad expansions, and the
lime-knots scattered ; in another the hyaline threads may be few, with
the capillitium consisting chiefly of confluent lime-knots. In the
sporangium examined of the Orton specimen (K. 1411) the capillitium,
for a great part, consists of a network of broad strands more or less
filled with lime, of Badhamia type ; the remainder has numerous lime-
knots connected by delicate hyaline threads. The type of Didymium
pusillum Berk. & Curt., from South Carolina (K. 1492), consists of
specimens on two slips of wood, on one of which are three small
sporangia of a Phymrum with orange translucent stalks, no columella,

PHYSARUM.] PHYSARACE.E. 53

and capillitium with white lime-knots, answering to Berkeley's descrip-
tion of D.pmillum (Grev., ii., 1873, p. 53) and to that given above of
Physarum calidris. On the other j>lip of wood are several specimens
of a Didymium with orange stalks, crystalline deposits of lime on the
sporangium-wall, and a large white columella. These resemble the
type and correspond with Berkeley's description of his D. pi'n.i-iinnm
(Grev., ii., 1873, p. 52), which is the same species as D. .nnithnpus Fr.
Owing to the combination of these two specimens, Rostafinski has
given D. pusilltun as a synonym for D. proximum, only noticing the
characters of the latter. The first part of Saccardo's description of
D. proximuin (Syll., vii., p. 380) is taken from Berkeley's account of
D. pusillum in Grevillea, I.e., while the second part is a translation of
Rostafinski's account of D. proximum ; hence a confusion has arisen,
and it would be well if the name D. pusillum Berk, were dropped, or
retained only as a synonym for P. calidris.

Hal). On dead leaves, etc. Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.29) ;
Luton, Beds. (L:B.M.29) ; Wothorpe, Northampton (K. 1549) ; Orton,
Leicester (K. 1411) ; Linlithgow (K. 1504); France (Paris Herb.) ;
Parma (B. M. 496) ; Ceylon (B. M. 453) ; S. Carolina (B. M. 858).

21. P. compressum Alb. Schw., Fung. Lus., p. 97 (1805).
Plasmodium white, on decayed polyporus, dead leaves, etc. Total
height 1 to 1'5 mm. Sporangia reniform or irregularly ovoid,
compressed, erect, splitting along the upper ridge ; stipitate,
sessile, or plasmodiocarps ; scattered, closely aggregated or con-
fluent ; white or grey, rugose or warted ; sporangium- wall mem-
branous, colourless, or purplish below, with dense innate clusters
of white lime-granules. Stalk stout, equal, furrowed, black from
contained refuse matter, or brownish or white from deposits of
lime in the wall, never with chalk-white fracture at the base.
Columella none. Capillitium a network formed of very numerous
white lime-knots, varying in shape and size, connected by rather
short, seldom branching, hyaline threads,. Spores dark purplish-
brown, more or less spinulose or echinulate, 9 to 14 ^ diam.
Sacc., Syll., vii., p. 337. Physarum nephroideum Host., Mon., p. 93,
figs. 80-82 ; Mass., Mon., p. 285. Physarum candidum Rost.,
Mon., p. 96 ; Mass., Mon., p. 286. Physarum affine Rost., Mon.,
App., p. 5 ; Mass., Men., p. 283. Physarum Phillipsii Balf. fil., in
Grev., vol. x. (1882), p. 116; Mass., Mon., p. 290. Didymium
glaucum Phill., in Grev., vol. v. (1876), p. 114. Physarum
ylaucum Mass., Mon., p. 284. Didymium radiatum Mass., Mon.
(in part), p. 229. Physarum nicarayuense Macbride, in Bull.
Nat. Hist. Iowa, vol. ii., p. 382.

The sporangia of P. compressum vary extremely in shape and general
appearance, and in some forms resemble those of the following allied
species, from which they may be distinguished by the characters as
under : From P. nutans by the abundant lime-knots and dark spores ;
from P. cinereum the sessile forms are separated by the dark spores ;
from P. didermoides by the presence of refuse matter in the stalk and
by the single sporangium-wall ; from P. bivalve by the darker spores
and shorter plasmodiocarps.

Much difference is found in the size and roughness of the spores in
sporangia from the same cultivation. In some groups they measure

54 ENDOSPOREyE. [PHYSARUM.

12 to 15 p., and are strongly spinulose ; while in others they are
smoother, and average 9 to 11 /A diam. The lime-granules in the
sporangium-wall frequently coalesce into vitreous superficial scales or
coarse particles, and those in the lime-knots become transparent and
lose their granular character. This feature is occasionally, though
rarely, met with in other species. In preparations in water of highly
calcareous sporangia part of the lime is found to dissolve, and on
drying to crystallise on the slide in particles resembling those described.
A cultivation from an extensive growth of plasmodium exhibited
the forms o, /3, and y in the development of the sporangia.

a. Sporangia ovoid or reniform, laterally compressed, on short

black or grey stalks, or sessile.

(3. Sporangia ovoid or reniform, on white stalks O5 mm. long,
y. Plasmodiocarps lobecl and confluent.
8. Sporangia subglobose, stipitate.

Plate XVI., A. a. sporangia of vars. a, /3, and 7, developed from the same
plasmodium, x 20 ; 1. capillitium and spores, x 280 ; c. spore, x 600
(England).

B. a. sporangia of vars. a and 7, drawn from the type specimen of Pliy-
sarum PMllipsii, x 20 ; &. capillitium and spores, x 280 (England) ; c.
sporangia of var. 5, x 20 ; d. capillitium and spores, x 280 ; e. spores,
x GOO (Iowa, B.M. 807).

Plate XVII., A. a. sporangia from type of P.nicaraguense Macb., x 20 ;
I. capillitium and spores, x 280; c. spore, x 600 (Nicaragua).

The specimens named P. ncphroideum Host. (Strassb. Herb.) are the
form a. The type of P. ccmdidum Host., from Juan Fernandez
(K. 510), is the form /3 ; in some of the sporangia the lime-knots coalesce
to form a central mass ; that of P. Phillips-it Balf., from Phillips'
Herb., shows the forms a and y ; and that of P. limdum var. conglobaiam
Host., from Ceylon, No. 55 (K. 1244), is the form a with short black
stalks ; that of P. affine Kost., from Cuba, No. 907 (K. 1350), is the
form /3 with white stalks. Didymium botry aides Berk, in Herb., from
New Zealand (K. 1523) a type of D. radiatum Mass. is the form a.
D. 2~>rumosum Berk. & Curt., from Cuba (K. 1515), given by Rostafinski
as a synonym for P. nephroideum (Rost., App., p. 5), is the form a. P.
ylaucuui Phill., in Phillips' Herb., is form a both with short black stalks
and sessile. In Berkeley's Herb, there are two gatherings from Ceylon
of one species under the name of P. nutans : one of these (K. 1406)
is the type of Tilmadoche reniformis Mass., the other (K. 1407) the type
of Didymium echinospora Mass. It is a form with compressed reniform
sporangia on long buff stalks ; capillitium with large fusiform or
branching lime-knots and short connecting hyaline threads ; spores
dark purple-brown, spinose, 13 to 15 p. It appears to be a variety
of P. compressum, form a, differing from the type in the long slender
stalk.

American specimens, with nearly globose sporangia, and buff or
white, long or short, stout stalks, from Professors Farlow and Macbride,
appear from the capillitium and spores to be P. con^ressum, but a well-
marked variety. They are more symmetrical than European forms,
and are distinguished as var. 8.

The specimen from Nicaragua named P. nicaraguense Macbride
(figured on Plate XVII., A.) corresponds with a long-stalked and
lobed form of P. compression from Ceylon (B. M. 420), part of which
gathering is shortly stalked or sessile ; it also approaches a specimen
from Luton (L:B.M.30), in which the lobed and confluent sporangia

PHYSARUM.] PHYSARACE^E. 55

are seated on short white stalks. The abundant lime in the capillitium
and pseudo-columella are varying characters, but are unusually pro-
nounced in this specimen. The spores are purplish-brown, minutely
and closely spinulose, 9 to 10 p. diam. Prof. Macbride compares it
with P. fjlaucum Phill., a synonym for P. compressum, and there does
not appear to be any specific character by which it can be separated
from that species.

Hal}. On dead wood, etc. Shrewsbury (B. M. 115) : Hitchin, Herts.
(L:B.M.30); Linlithgowshire (K. 1499); Germany and Poland
(Strassb. Herb.) ; Italy (B.M.423) ; Ceylon (B.M.419, 420) ; Australia
(K. 1314) ; New Zealand (K. 1282) ; 8. New Hampshire (L:B.M.30) ;
8. Iowa(B. M. 806); Texas (K. 1303) ; Cuba (K. 1350) ; Juan Fernandez
(K. 510); Paraguay (Paris Herb.) ; Nicaragua (B. M. 1010).

22. P. diderinoides Host., Hon., p. 97, fig. 87 (1875). Plas-
modium 1 Total height 0'5 to 1-3 mni. Sporangia ovoid, erect,
stipitate or sessile, crowded, about 0-8 ram. high, 0'5 mm. broad,
white, or dark grey above from the falling away or discontinuance
of the outer calcareous crust ; sporangium-wall of three layers,
the outer a dense deposit of white lime-granules, deciduous, the
middle layer a delicate colourless membrane with scattered lime-
granules, closely combined with an inner purplish, hyaline, areo-
lated, thicker layer. Stalk variable in length and thickness, or
wanting, white, membranous, with innate deposits of lime-granules,
not containing refuse matter, rising from a plicate white hypo-
thallns. Columella none. Capillitium consisting of numerous
rounded or somewhat angular white lime -knots connected by short,
seldom branching, hyaline threads, which are purple at the attach-
ments to the sporangium-wall. Spores very dark purple-brown,
nearly smooth or minutely spinulose, 10 to 13 /x diam. Cooke,
Myx., p. 11 ; Mass., Mon., p. 291 ; Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist.
Iowa, ii., p. 154. Spumarial diderinoides Pers., Syn., Addenda,
p. xxix (1801). Physarum lividum (3 licheniforme Host., Mon.,
p. 95 ; Mass., Mon., p. 304 (in part). Physarum cinereum var.
ovoideum Sacc., in Michelia, ii., p. 334; Sacc., SylL, vii., p. 344;
Mass., Mon., p. 299.

Plate XIX., A. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. capillitium, with fragment of
sporangium-wall and spores, x 280 ; c. spore, x 600 (Italy).

P. cinereum var. ovoideum Sacc. on A/la/ttlnis glandulosa (B. M. 432)
is a short-stalked form of P. didermoides, the sporangia arising from
a white membranous hypothallus. P. lividum var. licheniforme Rost.,
parts of the type of which from Schweinitz' Herb, are in the
Strassburg and Kew collections (K. 1249), is a sessile form of P.
didermoides.

Hob. On dead wood, leaves, etc. King's Cliff, Norths. (K. 1252) ;
Lyons, France (B. M. 432) ; Germany (Paris Herb.) ; Italy (K. 101) ;
Natal (K. 8) ; Ceylon (B. M. 420) ; Iowa (B. M. 809) ; N. Carolina
(B. M. 998) ; Ohio (L:B.M.31).

23. P. cinereum Pers., in Homer, N. Mag. Bot., i., p. 89 (1794).
Plasmoclium watery white, among dead leaves. Sporangia
sessile, subglobose, pulvinate, oblong or plasmodiocarps, scattered
or crowded, contorted and confluent, 0*3 to 0'5 mm. broad, white
or cinereous, more or less warted or veined; sporangium- wall

56 ENDOSPORE.E. [PHYSARUM.

membranous with innate clusters of white lime-granules. Colu-
mella none, or represented by confluent lime-knots. Capillitium
of branching hyaline threads, with numerous white lime-knots
varying in size and shape, sometimes confluent in the centre of
the sporangium or forming a Badhamia-like network with few
hyaline threads. Spores bright violet-brown, almost smooth or
spinulose, 7 to 10 /x, diarn. Host., Mon., p. 102, figs. 71, 72, 85 ;
Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 13 ; Mass., Mon., p. 298 ; Macbride, in Bull.
Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 155, PI. ix., fig. 4. Lycoperdon cinereum
Batsch, Elench. Fung., p. 155 (1783). Didymiutn scrobiculatum
Berk., in Hook. Journ. Bot. (1845), p. 66. Physarum scrobicu-
Mass., Mon., p. 300.

Plate XVIII., A. a. sporangia, x 20 ; &. capillitium and spores, x 280 ;
c. spore, x 600 (England).

Plate XVIII., B. a. sporangia, x 20 ; I. capillitium attached to colu-
mella and spores, x 280; c. spore, x 600 (Germany, Rostafinski's type of
Cratcriachea mutabilis').

- The capillitium of P. cinereum varies widely in the development of
the lime-knots ; in the common forms they are very numerous and
rounded. Sometimes they are large and angled, and at other times
small with the hyaline threads profuse. They are usually equally dis-
tributed among the capillitium, but occasionally more concentrated in
the middle of the sporangium. A remarkable instance of the latter
state is seen in the form named by Rostafinski Crateriachea mutabilis
(Mon., p. 126), the type of which is in the Strassburg collection.
Here the lime-knots are confluent, forming a distinct columella, a few
also appearing among the network of hyaline threads by which it is
surrounded. The sporangia are mostly elongated plasmodiocarps with
scanty, brownish -yellow hypothallus, but some are ovoid or subcylind-
rical, erect on a short brown stalk, the brown colour extending into the
lower part of the sporangium- wall. The specimen issued by Raben-
horst and Winter from Pavia No. '2969 (B. M. 542), wrongly named
Didymium squamulosum, resembles Orateriachea in the sporangia being
occasionally provided with a short brown stalk, and in the lime-knots
being confluent and forming a pseudo-columella, but they are less
densely compacted and more distributed among the surrounding capilli-
tium ; the sporangia are also nearly globose. In the form named by
Cesati Didymium Neapolitanum (B. M. 573),* the lime-knots are con-
fluent, forming a large central mass more or less attached to the base
of the sporangium ; the surrounding capillitium either consists almost
exclusively of hyaline threads, or has a few large scattered lime-knots
in addition ; the sporangia are irregularly globose, sessile, or on a buff
foot-like hypothallus ; the spores in these three specimens are the same
as in P. cinereum. How far Crateriachea mutabilis, Didymium Neapoli-
tanum, and the Pavia specimen above mentioned may be held to be
varieties of P. cinereum, or as distinct species, must depend on further
gatherings establishing the constancy of their forms ; as the occasional
aggregation of lime-knots is of frequent occurrence in other species of
Physarum, and in the somewhat nearly allied Badkamia pamcea, this
character can scarcely be considered important. It appears from

* Two species were issued by Kabenhorst and Whiter under the name
Didymium Neapolitaimm Ces., No. 2675 ; that in the Kew coll. (557) is
D. syuamulosum, that in the British Museum (573) is the species above
described.

PHYSARUM.] PHYSARACE.E. 57

Berkeley's description of Didymium scrobiculatum that Rostafinski
was right in placing it under P. cinereum. There is nothing remaining
of the type specimen in Berkeley's Herb. (K. 1518).

Hab. On dead leaves, etc. Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.32) ;
Leytonstone, Essex (L:B.M.32) ; France (Paris Herb.) ; Germany
(Strassb. Herb.) ; Natal (K. 2) ; Ceylon (K. 1284) ; Madras (K. 17) ;
Pennsylvania (L:B.M.32) ; Iowa (L:B.M.32) ; S. Carolina (B. M. 428,
431, 885, 934) ; Cuba (B. M. 429) ; Paraguay (K. 502).

24. P. bivalve Pers., in Usteri, Ann. Bot., xv., p. 5 (1795).
Plasmodium white, among dead leaves. Sporangia sessile, elon-
gated, laterally compressed, sinuous or branched, equal in breadth
from the base to the flattened ridge, which at length splits longi-
tudinally ; sometimes pulvinate, bursting irregularly ; white, grey,
or yellowish ; sporangium- wall double, the outer layer with copious
deposits of lime, smooth or reticulated, the inner wrinkled and
colourless, showing as a grey membrane along the line of dehiscence,
adhering to the outer layer below. Columella none. Capillitium
a network formed of numerous white, often branching lime-knots,
varying in shape and size, connected by rather short hyaline
threads. Spores violet-brown, spinulose, 8 to 10 /x diam. Reticu-
laria sinuosa Bull., Champ., p. 94, PI. ccccxlvi., fig. 3 (1791).
Angioridium sinuosutn Grev., Scot. Crypt. Fl., t. 310. Diderma
valvatum Fr., Syst. Myc., iii., p. 109. Physarum sinuosum Fr.,
Syst. Myc., iii., p. 145 ; Host., Mou., p. 112, fig. 91 ; Cooke, Myx.
Brit., p. 14; Mass., Mon., p. 305; Mucbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist.
Iowa, ii., p. 157.

Plate XIX., B. a. sporangium, x 20 ; 5. capillitium with fragment of
sporangium-wall and spores, x 280; c. spore, x 600 (England).

Forms without lime occur occasionally in P. lin/ln 1 and the allied
species.

Hab. On dead leaves, etc. Portbury, near Bristol (B. M. 116, 117) ;
Leytonstone, Essex (L:B.M.33) ; Luton, Beds. (L:B.M.33) ; France
(K. 28) ; Germany (B. M. 510) ; Finland (B. M. 4f>0) ; Bohemia
(B. M. 446) ; Poland (Strassb. Herb.) ; Italy (K. 1345) ; Ceylon
(B. M. 451) ; Java (K. 1312) ; Brisbane (B. M. 535) ; Iowa (B. M.
811) ; S. Carolina (B. M. 932, 933, 934).

25. P. Diderma Rost., Mon., p. 110 (1875). Plasmodium white.
Sporangia subglobose, 0*6 to 0*8 mm. diam., sessile; or curved and
flexuose plasmodiocarps 2 to 6 mm. long, rounded, not compressed,
smooth, white or buff; sporangium-wall double, the outer wall
densely charged with white lime-granules, free and deciduous
above, recurved and persistent below ; inner wall smooth, mem-
branous, persistent, of two layers, the outer thin and colourless,
combined with the purplish inner layer. Columella none. Capil-
litium a network of hyaline threads, with numerous, variously
shaped large white lime-knots. Spores dark purplish -brown,
spinulose, 10 to 12 /A diam. Mass., Mon., p. 304 ; List., in Journ.
Bot. 1891, p. 260, PI. 309, fig. 2.

Plate XXII., A. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. capillitium with fragment of
sporangium and spores, x 280 ; c, spore, x 600 (England).

58 ENDOSPOREyE. fPHYSARUM.

The uncompressed sporangia with the outer wall nearly free from
the smooth purplish inner wall characterises this species, and dis-
tinguishes it from P. bivalve and P. compressum, its nearest allies.

Hab. On dead leaves, etc. Wanstead, Essex (L:B.M.34) ; Flitwick,
Beds. (L:B.M.34) ; Germany (B. M. 512).

26. P. contextum Pers., Syn., p. 168 (1801). Plasmodium
yellow. Sporangia subglobose, ovoid, erect, 0'4 to 0'6 mm. cliam.,
sessile or reniform and elongated on a broad base, crowded, often
angled by mutual pressure, rounded or flattened above, smooth,
yellowish-white or ochraceous ; sporangium-wall double, the outer
layer thick with dense deposits of lime, often breaking away in
the upper part from the thin colourless inner layer. Columella
none. Capillitium with scanty hyaline threads and numerous
large irregularly branching white lime-knots. Spores dark violet-
brown, spinulose, 10 to 13 p diam. Host., Mon., p. 109 ; Cooke,
Myx. Brit., p. 13; Mass., Mon., p. 303 (in part); Macbride, in
Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 157. Diderma contextum Pers., Obs.
Myc., i., p. 89 (1796); Fr., Syst. Myc., iii., p. 111. Diderma
ochroleucum Berk. & Curt., in Grev., ii., p. 52. Physarum con-
ylomeratum Mass., Mon., p. 304.

Plate XX.. A. a. sporangia of t\vo forms, x 20 ; b. capillitium and spores,
x 280 ; c. spore, x 600 (Germany : Rostafi nski's type).

The type of Diderma ockroleucum Berk. & Curt., from Pennsylvania
(K. 1533), is typical P. contextum.

Hub. On dead leaves, sticks, etc. Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.35):
near Birmingham (L:B M.35) ; France (K. 365) ; Germany (B. M. 418) ;
Sweden (K. 1277); Poland (Strassb. Herb.); Iowa (B. M. 808);
Mass., U.S.A. (L:B.M.35).

27. P. conglomeration Post., Mon., p. 108, figs. 73, 79, 90
(1875). Plasmodium? Sporangia subglobose, sessile on a broad
base, densely aggregated on one plane, angled by mutual pressure,
4 3 to 0'5 mm. broad, yellow or brownish-white, mottled with
paler shades; sporangium -wall double, the inner layer of the
convex upper wall having translucent, pale yellow, curved,
thickened areas, with a vitreous fracture ; the outer layer thick,
consisting of easily crumbling yellow lime-granules ; the wall
below thin with the two layers less distinct. Capillitium of deli-
cate branching hyaline threads, with numerous white or yellowish,
branching, often confluent lime-knots. Spores pale violet-brown,
almost smooth, 8 to 10 /x diam. List., in Jourii. Bot. 1891,
p. 259, PI. cccviii., fig. 1. Diderma conglomeration Fr., Syst. Myc.,
iii., p. Ill (1829). PJtysarum Rostafaiskii Mass., Mon., p. 301.

Plate XX., B. a. sporangia, x 20 ; I. capillitium, with fragment of
sporangium-wall, showing vitreous structure (i 1 ) and spores, x 280 ; c. spore,
x 600 (Germany : Eostafinski's type).

Distinguished from P. contextum by the pale, nearly smooth, and
smaller spores, and by the vitreous structure of the inner wall of the
upper part of tho sporangium. Rostafinski's type specimens of P.
conglomeration fiom Germany (Strassb. Herb.) and from Sikkim

PHYSARUM.] PHYSARACE/E. 59

(B. M. 410 : K. 96) correspond with the description in his Monograph,
but in both of them the lime-knots, though somewhat confluent in the
centre of the sporangium, cannot be said to form a cylindrical columella,
such as he describes. The specimen from Fries (K. 1277) taken as the
type of this species by Massee (Mon., p. 304) is typical P. context um in
all the characters given by Rostafinski. The name P. Rostajinsli'i,
which is given by Massee as superseding P. conglomeration Rost., is
unnecessary. The vitreous structure of the inner wall of the upper
part of the sporangium is constant in all the specimens I have
examined. Fries distinguished Didtmui conglomeration from D. cn-
textum chiefly by the difference of the capillitium : he describes the
presence of a columella in both species, but speaks of the deposits of
lime as being more largely developed in D. conglomeratum. This is
an uncertain character, and varies in different gatherings. Rostafinski
was the first to detect the main specific difference, and pointed out
that in P1tyx<irtim contextum the spores are rough and measure 10 to 13
fj.. while in P. conglomeration they are nearly smooth and measure
8 to 9 p. diam. He follows Fries in referring to a columella in P. coti-
(jlonifi-utinii, but adds that it is free and not always evident, and he
describes P. co>tf< .'/<> //< as being usually without a columella.

//<//>. On dead leaves, moss, etc. Darenth, Kent (B. M. 417) ;
Hutton, Yorks. (L:B.M.36) ; Germany (B. M. 415) ; Sikkim, India
(B. M. 4Hij.

P. virescens Ditm., in Sturm, Deutsch. Fl. Pilze, vol. i.,
p. 123, PI. Ixi. (1817). Plasmodium lemon-yellow, among dead
leaves ;m<l grass. Sporangia sul>irlobose or irregularly ovoid,
0*2 to 0*8 mm. broad, sessile, much aggregated in confluent groups,
or gregarious, rugose or nearly smooth, pale yellowish-green,
yellow, or olive-brown from the absence of lime; sporangium-wall
membranous, with dense innate clusters of minute yellow lime-
granules, rarely without lime. Columella none. Capillitium a
network of hyaline threads ; lime-knots fusiform, roundish or
irregular, yellow. Spores minutely spinulose, pale violet-brown,
6 to 9 /<, diam. Rost., Mon., p. 103 ; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 13;
Blytt, Bidr. Norg., Sop. iii. (1892), p. 4; Mass., Mon., p. 277.
P. Ditmari Rost., Mon., App., p. 8; Macbri.de, in Bull. Nat. Hist.
Iowa, ii., p. 155. P. thejoteum Fr., Symb. Cast., p. 21 (1818).
JDidymiumsinapinumCooke, Myx. Brit., p. 33; Mass., Mon., p. 246.
Physarum auriscalpium Macbride (non Cooke), I.e., p. 158.

a. genumum : sporangia irregularly ovoid, 0'2 to 0'3 mm. broad,
in dense clusters of 20 to 30, on a membranous hypothallus,
shading from pale yellow-green to orange-yellow; sporangium- wall
with dense innate clusters of yellow^ lime-granules. Capillitium
often scanty. Spores 7 to 10 /JL diam.

(3. obscurum : sporangia subglobose, 0*4 to O'G mm. diameter,
sessile, solitary, confluent, or plasmodiocarps, gregarious or
crowded, smooth or rugose, greenish, grey, or olive-brown and
somewhat glossy ; sporangium -wall membranous, colourless above,
yellow at the base, without lime, or with widely scattered innate
clusters of whitish lime-granules. Spores 6 to 8 //, diam.

y. nitens : sporangia subglobose, - 5 to 0-8 mm. diam., sessile,
gregarious, not clustered, bright yellow. Spores 7 to 9 /JL diam.

60 ENDOSPORE/E. [PHYSARUM.

Plate XXI., A. a. sporangia, var. a, x 20 ; b. capillitium, with fragment
of sporangium- wall showing calcareous discs, and spores, x 280 ; c. spore,
x GOO (England).

B. a. sporangia, var. j3, x 20; b. capillitium and spores, x 280 (England).

Glycerine mountings of a. genulmim show, dispersed in the sporangium-
wall, flattened disc-shaped crystalline bodies with a radiating structure,
measuring 10 to 20 p diameter, such as are also found in the sporangium-
wall of P. psittacinum and Oraterium leucocephalum. They do not
appear to be present in vars. /3 and y of P. virescens. Didymium
trrrigenuin Berk. & Curt., from Carolina (B. M. 575), is given by Host.
as a synonym for Pliysarum cmereum Host., Mon., App., p. 9. The
specimen is in a poor condition, but the character of the sporangia
and spores and the orange-yellow lime-knots places it under P. riresccns.
The specimen from Iowa (B. M. 1011), to which Prof. Macbride applied
the name P. aurisealpium Cooke (/.c.), is P. rirescens y nitens.

Hab. On dead leaves, grass, etc. a. Epping Forest, Essex (L:B.M.
37). j3. Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.37) ; a. France (Paris Herb.) ;
a. Germany (B. M. 413) ; /3. Hungary (K. 1529) ; a. Dorfhalden (B.M.
861). y. Maine (L:B.M.37) ; a. Massachusetts (L:B.M.37) ; y. Iowa
(B. M. 1011).

29. P. inaequale Peck, in Rep. N. York Mus. Nat. Hist., xxxi.,
Bot., p. 40 (1879). PlasHiodiurn ? Sporangia subglobose, 0'3 to
0'7 mm. diam., sessile, or elongated and confluent forming plas-
modiocarps, gregarious, yellowish-red, brick-red, rosy-red, or when
little lime is present pale bluish spotted with red, somewhat
rugose, rupturing irregularly ; sporangium -wall membranous,
colourless above, yellow at the base, with innate clusters of red or
yellow lime-grannies. Columella none. Capillitium a network
of delicate hyaline colourless or pale yellow threads, with rounded
lime-knots varying in shape and size, each knot with a red centre
surrounded by yellow round lirne-grannles 1 to 3 /x diam. Spores
pale violet-brown, almost smooth, 6 to 9 //, diam. Didymium
lateritium Berk. & Eav., in Grev., ii. (1873), p. 65. Physarum
Ditmari y lateritium Eosfc., Mon., App., p. 9. Didymium croceo-

flavum Berk. & Br., in Linn. Journ., xiv. (1875), p. 84. Phy-
sarum Ditmari (3 croceoflavum Host., Mon., App., p. 9. Physarum
chrysotrichum Mass., Mon., p. 300 (in part).

Plate XXII. , B. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. capillitium with fragment of
sporangium-wall and spores, x 280 ; c. spore, x GOO (S. Carolina :
Berkeley's type of D. lateritium').

Intermediate between P. rubiginosum and P. rirescens ; from orange
forms of the latter it differs in the scattered habit of its sporangia,
and from both species in the curious structure of the rounded lime-
knots.

Hab. On dead leaves, wood, etc. Ceylon (B. M. 414) ; Georgia,
U.S.A. (B. M. 898) ; S. Carolina (B. M. 898, 899) ; Philadelphia
(L:B.M.38) ; Ohio (L-.B.M.38).

30. P. rubiginosum Fries, Symb. Gast., p. 21 (1817). Plas-
modium 1 Sporangia subglobose, 0'5 to 0'8 mm. diam., sessile,
gregarious or crowded, smooth or rather rough, orange or deep

PHYSARUM.] ENDOSPORE.E. 61

red or reddish-brown. Sporangium-wall membranous, with dense
innate clusters of orange lime-granules. Colurnella none. Capil-
litium a network of hyaline threads with frequent triangular
membranous expansions at the axils of the branches ; lime-knots
angular, branching, often confluent, orange-red or orange-brown.
Spores pale violet-brown, spinulose, S to 11 /x diani. Host., MOIL,
p. 104 ; List., in Journ. Bot, 1891, p. 259, PL 308, fig. 2; Mass.,
Mon., p. 302 ; Blytt, Biclr. Norg., Sop. iii., p. 4.

Plate XXIII., A. a. sporangia, x 20 ; I. capillitium and spores, x 280 ;
c. spore, x 600 (Germany : Rostafinski's type).

B. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. capillitium, with fragment of sporangium- wall
and spores, x 280 ; c. spore, x 600 (S. Carolina : Cooke's type of P. auri-
gcalpiwni).

The specimen sent by Mr. Wingate to Mr. Massee under the name
Leocarpus squamulosus (L:B.M.38) so closely resembles P. rubiginosum
that it appears to be an American form of that species ; it agrees with
the Strassburg type in the capillitium and spores, and differs only in
the more glossy sporangia, which are brown in colour instead of deep
red. Two other specimens are difficult to locate. One from Dr.
Harkness, Blue Canon, California (L:B.M.38), named in Phillips's coll.
Jiiiclhainia inauntta, has subglobose sporangia 1 to 1*3 mm. diam. ; the
sporangium-wall is scaly, and pale yellow with a faint reddish tinge ;
the capillitium is a network of hyaline threads, with abundant large,
branching, pale yellow lime-knots ; the spores measure 8 to 10 /z diam.
The other from Aiken, S. Carolina, named in Ravenel's collection
Cieiikoic 'sk<<i r< tn-ulnta (B. M. 991), is a deep orange branching plasmodio-
carp ; capillitium a network of hyaline threads, with large, branching,
pale yellow lime- knots ; spores 7 to 9 /x diam. This specimen has a
strong external resemblance to Cienkowsltia reticulata, oui it has not
the rigid yellow hyaline capillitium threads with hooked braiichlets and
the flat lime-plates of that species. Should further gatherings confirm
the characters of these two specimens they might deserve specific rank,
but at present they are retained under P. rubiyinosum, to which, not-
withstanding the pale colour of the lime-knots, they appear to be most
nearly allied.

The specimen B. M. 863 is part of the type of Physarum auriscalpium
Cooke ; another part is in the Kew Herb. It is numbered 1854 in
Ravenel's collection from the Sautee Canal, South Carolina, and was
described in Myx. U.S.A., Ann. Lye. N. H. New York, vol. xi. (1877),
p. 384. It presents the following characters : Sporangia sessile, or
with an almost obsolete stalk ; subglobose depressed, gregarious, orange
red ; sporangium-wall of two layers, the outer densely charged with
orange lime-granules and separating in scales from the membranous
grey inner layer ; columella none ; capillitium of large, branching
orange lime-knots, with few connecting hyaline threads. Spores dull
violet brown, minutely warted, 10 to 12 ju, diam. The specimen repre-
sents a single gathering, and the point in which it differs chiefly from
Physarum rubiginosum Fries is the Badhamia-like capillitium, but
judging from Dr. Cooke's description it would appear that in the
sporangia examined by him the hyaline threads were sufficiently
developed to include the species in the genus Physarum ; in other
respects there are no characters by which it can be defined as distinct
from P. rubiginosum, and, provisionally at least, it appears better to
place it as a form of the latter species.

62 ENDOSPORE.E. [PHYSARUM.

Hab. On dead wood and leaves. Birmingham (L:B.M.39) ; Ger-
many (Strassb. Herb.) ; Norway (Christiania Herb.) ; Philadelphia
(L:B.M.39). S. Carolina (B. M. 863, 991) ; California (L:B.M.39).

SPECIES NOT MET WITH IN THE QUOTED COLLECTIONS.

31. P. flavum Fries, Symb. Gast., p. 22. Sporangia globose,
rugoso-verrucose, yellow. Stalk short, equal, of the length of
the sporangium, much wrinkled, pale yellow. Columella none.
Capillitium abundant, with large, angular, whitish or pale yellowish
lime-knots. Spores dull violet, minutely warted, 9 '9 to 10 -8 ^
diam. Host., Mon., p. 100. Craterium ftavum Fr., Summ. Veg.,
p. 454.

Hab. On twigs of bramble, ferns, etc. Sweden.
This description applies to Craterium citrincllum List.

32. P, sulphureum Alb. & Schw., Consp. Fung., p. 93, tab. 6,
fig. 1. Sporangia globose, erect, rugoso-squarnulose, sulphur-
yellow. Stalk smooth, short, conical, white, densely charged with
lime within. Columella none. Capillitium well developed, pale
violet-yellow ; lime-knots abundant, angular. Spores bright
violet, smooth, 10 to 12 /x diam. Host., Mon., p. 101.

Hab. On dead leaves. Germany and Russia.

33. P. effusum Schwein., in Trans. Amer. Phil. Soc., iv. (1834),
p. 257. Sporangia creeping, forming a reticulation, or entirely
effused, white, much flattened ; mass of spores and Capillitium
becoming black.

Hab. On earth in a hothouse. Salem, N. America.

34. P. elegans Schwein., I.e. Sporangia crowded, subgloboso,
convex, flattened above, amethyst colour, subrugose. Spores
blackish -brown, conglomerated. Capillitium of thickish threads.

Hab. Rare. Salem, N. America.

35. P. luteovalve Schwein., I.e. Sporangia irregularly lobed,
convex, more or less confluent, externally of a bright gold colour,
somewhat compressed, bivalved. Spores bright yellow.

Hab. On fallen stems. Carolina.

This might refer to some species of Perichcena.

36. P. polysedron Schwein., I.e. Sporangia gregarious or some-
what scattered, rather large, blackish-fuliginous, dull, subhemi-
spherical, exactly pentagonal with straight sides, rugose, at length
breaking in a somewhat stellate manner from the persistent lower
part. Spores and dense capillitium of the same colour as the
sporangia.

Hab. On logs of walnut. Bethlehem, N. America.

37. P. cgespitosum Schwein., I.e., p. 258. Sporangia substipit ate
or suddenly contracted at the base, clustered or scattered, tur-

PHYSARUM.] PHYSARACE.E. 63

binato-ovate, with yellow scales. Capillitium yellow. Spores
blackish-brown.

Hob. On leaves and stalks of rhododendron. Bethlehem, N.
America.

This description would apply to P. virescen* Ditm.

38. P. Schroeteri Rost., Mon., p. 419. Sporangia stipitate,
hemispherical, flattened, greenish-grey. Stalk thick, conical, dull
yellow or golden, shining, continued into a distinct obtuse conical
columella. Oapillitium of delicate threads, forming a dense net-
work provided with lime-knots. Spores violet, delicately spinulose,
10 to 11 fj, diam.

i[nb. Otterdorf, near Rastatt ; Dr. Schroeter.
This description points to a form of P. citrinum.

39. P. Famintzini Rost., Mon., p. 107. Sporangia sessile, minute,
crowded, sometimes confluent, dull chestnut, irregularly hemi-
spherical, dehiscing at the apex. Columella none. Capillitium
elastic, elongated after dehiscence ; the greater part of the knots
not developed, a few containing milky yellow lime-granules.
Spores pale violet, smooth, 10 //, diain.

Ilab. On twigs in Poland.

40. P. capense Rost., Mon., p. 113, fig. 92. Sporangia irre-
gularly hemispherical or turbinate, sessile, simple, or more often
collected in small clusters on a copious hypothallus, grey isli- white,
wrinkled. Columella none. Capillitium abundant, with few
more or less rectangular lime-knots with very long connecting
hyaline threads. Spores pale violet, smooth, 11 to 14 /x, diam.

If'//'. On branches. Cape of Good Hope. Specimen in the Leipsic
Museum.

The figure and description apply to a form of P. cinen urn.

41. P. Braunianum <le Bary, in Rost., Mon., p. 105. Plas-
modium yellow ; sporangia irregularly globose, small, sessile,
simple, or collected in little heaps, brown, 6'5 mm. diam., dull
or shining above ; sporangium-wall yellowish brown above, dull
brown towards the base. Columella none. Capillitium well
developed, with small rounded-angular brown lime -knots weakly
developed. Spores violet, smooth, 10' 7 ^ diam.

Hub. Grundewald, near Berlin. A. Braun.

The nearest allies of this species seem to be P. murtnum and P.
rirescens var. obscurum.

42. P. ornatum Peck, in Rep. N. York Mus., xxxi., p. 40.
Sporangia depressed or hemispherical, plane or slightly concave
beneath, greenish-cinereous, dotted with small yellow granules,
the empty walls whitish. Stem short, black or blackish-brown,
generally longitudinally wrinkled when dry. Columella none.
Capillitium with numerous yellow knot- like thickenings. Spores
globose, smooth, violet-brown in the mass, about 10 to 11 a diam.

o

Hab. Decaying wood. Albany, U.S.A.

This description applies to the pale form of P. riride Pers.

64 ENDOSPORE^E. [PHYSARUM.

43. P. lutecium Peck, in Eep. N. York Mus., xxx., p. 50, PL ii.,
figs. 15-18. Sporangia small, closely gregarious, sessile, yellowish
inclining to tawny, rupturing irregularly ; flocci abundant,
yellowish -white. Spores globose, purplish -brown, 10 ^ diam.

Hab. On the living leaves of Cornus Catiadensis L. Adirondack
Mts., N.Y.

This description suggests a form of P. viresccns Ditm.

44. P. imitans Eacib., in Eozpr., Mat.-Przyr. Akad. Krak., xii.,
p. 73 (1884), fig. 3 a b. Sporangia hemispherical, umbilicate,
greyish -white, erect or nodding, with the stalk 1 mm. high.
Stalk a little longer than the sporangia, rigid, subulate, brownish -
black. Columella none. Capillitium white, abundant, forming
an irregular net ; nodes sometimes filled with lime, of various
shapes. Spores violet, minutely warted, 9*5 to 10 fj. diam. Sacc.,
Syll., vol. vii., p. 348.

Hab. On branches. Poland.

Var. flexuosum Eacib., Hedw., vol. xxviii., p. 120. Plasmodio-
~arps vermiform. Capillitium of the type of P. leucophcewm,
from which it differs in the distinctly warted spores.

The spores of P. hucophcvum vary in the extent to which they are
warted, but are never quite smooth under a magnification of 1200
diam. The description of P. Imitans applies to that species.

45. P. chlorinum Cooke, in Grev., v., p. 101, pi. 86, fig. 10.
Sporangia scattered or gregarious, small, sessile, subglobose,
greenish-yellow, simple, bursting in a stellate manner. Spores
subglobose, black, opaque, 8 to 9 /x diam.

Hab. On dead wood of Cocos nucifera L. Demerara.

In the absence of a type specimen, this description is too brief to
be serviceable.

SPECIES REFERRED TO TlLMADOCHE NOT MET WITH IN THE

QUOTED COLLECTIONS.

46. T. anomala Mass., Mon., p. 333. Gregarious; sporangia
globose or slightly depressed, minutely umbilicate beneath, white,
sprinkled with minute particles of lime ; stem elongated, slender,
equal, straight, pale yellow, longitudinally wrinkled, filled with
particles of lime, expanding at the base into a minute circular
hypothallus. Capillitium rather dense ; threads everywhere equal,
about 3 /x, thick, combined to form a loose irregular network.
Nodes very rarely slightly incrassated, and containing a few
minute, colourless granules of lime; spores globose, dirty lilac,
smooth, 10 /A diam.

Hab. On wood. Venezuela.

47. T. cavipes Berk., in Grev., xi., p. 39. Mycelium reticulate,
white sporangia, when young, flesh-colour, afterwards brick-red,

FULIGO.]

PHTSARACE^:.

65

pulverulent, globose ; stalks white, thickened at the base, cottony,
hollow ; spores purple-black, smooth, globose. Capillitium scanty,
yellow.

Hub. On leaves of Phalcmopsis. Andaman Isles.

The filmy reticulate mycelium at length disappears, and the peridia
are scattered, looking at first sight, from their white stems, like
DiaclicBa. The species is altogether distinct from Trichia later itia
Lev. The dust of the peridia consists of irregular fragments of a
bright orange-red.

SPECIES EXCLUDED FROM THE GENUS.

P. cerebrinum Mass.

P. chrysotrichum Berk. & Curt.

P. citrinellum Peck.

P. concinnum Mass.

P. ellipsosporum Host.

P. gyrosum Host.

P. gyrosum Mass, (in part)

P. hians Mass.

P. muscorum A. & S.

P. rufibasis Berk. & Br.

P. scyphoides Cooke & Balf.

=. Fuligo septica Gmel.

= Badhamia dedpiens Berk. &

Curt.

= Craterium citrinellum List.
= Badhamia lilacina Host.
= Fuligo ellipsospora List.
= Fuligo septica Gmel.
= Badhamia dedpiens Berk. &

Curt,

= Physaretta mirabilis Peck.
= Fuligo septica Gmel.
= Physarella mirabilis Peck.
= Craterium leucocephalumDitm.

The following species of Physarum are rejected by Rostafixiski
on sufficient grounds (Host., Mon., p. 304) :-

P. antiades Fr.

P. atrum Fr.

P. connatum Schum.

P. elongatum Link.

P. Jlavo-virens A. & S.

P. fimetarium Schum.

P. hypnophilum Fr.

P. piceum Fr.

P. purjmrascens Link.

P. stipitatum Chev.

P. villosum Schum.

Genus 4. FULIGO Haller, Hist, Stii-p. Helv., iii., p. 110
(1768). Sporangia elongated, branching and interwoven, com-
bined into a pulvinate or effused sethalium ; the outer layei
forming a cortex charged with deposits of lime-granules, without
spores ; the inner stratum containing the spores and a well-
developed capillitium, with few or many lime-knots ; the lowei
layer forming a skin-like hypothallus.

66 ENDOSPORE.E. [FULIGO.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF FULIGO.

^Ethalia and lime-knots yellow or variously coloured :-

Spores nearly smooth, 7 to 10 /x diam. (1) F. septica

Spores spinulose, 10 to 11 /x diam. (2) F. ochracea

^jjthalia and lime-knots pure white. (3) F. ellipsospora

1. F. septica Gmelin, Syst. Nat., p. 1466 (1791). Plasmodium
yellow. .^Ethalia pulvinate, varying much in size, from 2 mm. to
20 cm., broad, yellow, pinkish or dull white or reddish-brown.
The sporangia constituting the sethalium are intricately coiled
and anastomosing, 2 to 2 '5 mm. broad, with air spaces in the
intervals which permeate the mass. The cortex is sometimes
wanting, when the surface is grey and marked with brain-like
convolutions. Sporangium-walls within the sethalium membran-
ous, very fragile, colourless, with scattered deposits of lime-granules.
Columella none. Capillitium very variable, a loose network of
slender hyaline threads more or less expanded at the axils, with
rounded, fusiform, or branching yellow or whitish lime-knots,
varying much in size. Spores violet, almost smooth, 6 to 10 /x
diam. Blytt, Bidr. Norg., Sop. iii. (1892), p. 5. Mucor septicus
Linn., Sp. PI., Ed. 2, p. 1656 (1763). Fuligo varians Sornm., Fl.
Lap., p. 239; Host., Mon., p. 134; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 23;
Mass., Mon., p. 340; Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 160.
jEthalium septicum Fr., Syst. Myc., iii., p. 93 ; Cooke, Handbook,
No. 1101. Physarum gyrosum Host., Mon., p. 111. Physarum
cerebrinum Mass., Mon., p. 306. Licea Lindheimeri Berk., in
Grev., ii., p. 68. Tubulina Lindheimeri Mass., Mon., p. 42.

Plate XXIV., A. a. a small part of an ecorticate setjialium, nearly
resembling the type of Physarum gyrosvm Eost., x 20 ; 5. capillitium with
fragment of sporangium-wall and spores, x 280; c. spore, x 600 ( England) ;
d. capillitium and subellipsoid spores from a corticate asthalium, x 280
(Black Forest, Germany).

Rostafinski's type specimen of Physarum gyrosum Host, from Berlin
in the Strassburg collection consists of minute pinkish sethalia of Fuligo
septica 2 to 3 mm. broad, without superficial cortex. He quotes
Reticularia muscorum Fr. (Syst. Myc., iii., p. 91), as a synonym for
P. gyrosum ; it appears probable from Fries' description that his
species was also a small ecorticate form of F. septica. In the type
specimen of Licea Lindheimeri Berk, from Texas (K. 1648) only the
basal part of an aethaliurn remains ; it is an orange form of Fuligo
septica with scanty delicate capillitium and violet spores measuring 5
to 7 p. The type of Physarum cerebrinum Mass., produced in a hot-
house at Kew (K. 195), is also a form of F. septica with no cortex
developed over the convoluted sporangia ; it is found that if the rising
plasmodium is protected by a bell-glass from currents of dry air, the
outer sporangia develop as well as the inner, and no cortex of barren
sporangia is formed.

Hab. On rotten wood, tan, etc. Common. Leytonstone, Essex ;
Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.40) ; Highgate (B. M. 155) ; Europe
(B. M. 461, 463) ; South Africa (K. 232) : Australia (B. M. 468) ;
New Zealand (K. 201) ; N. America (B. M. 813).

FULIGO.] PHYSARACE.E. 67

2. F. ochracea Peck, in Rep. N. York Mus. Nat. Hist., xxxi.,
Bot., p. 56 (1879). Plasmoclium vitelline-yellow (teste Dr. Rex).
./Ethalia pulvinate, 2 mm. to 1 cm. broad, formed of very closely
interwoven sporangia, the cortex delicate and membranous or
hardly developed, yellowish grey or grey, with scattered deposits
of yellow lime-granules. Capillitium of numerous fusiform or
branching yellow lime-knots connected by rather short hyaline
threads. Spores violet-brown, spinulose, 10 to 11 /xdiam. Mass.,
Mon., p. 342. Licea ochracea Peck, in Rep. N. York Mus. Nat.
Hist., xxviii. (1875).

Plate XXIV., A. c. capillitium and spores, x 280; /. spore, x 600
(United States).

Very closely allied to Fultf/o x/yj//<v, from which it differs in the short
hyaline threads of the capillitium and the larger rougher spores.

Hal. On rotten wood. Pennsylvania (L:B.M.41).

3. F. ellipsospora Lister. Plasmodium ? ^Ethalia pulvinate,
elongate, 4 to 6 mm. long, or irregular and effused, formed of closely
interwoven sporangia enclosed in a smooth white cortex densely
charged with lime, continuous with the white hypothallus.
Sporangium-walls within the rethalium more or less perfect, mem-
branous, with deposits of white lime-granules. Oolumella none.
Capillitium of large white lime-knots connected by simple or
branching hyaline threads. Spores brownish-violet, spinulose,
ellipsoid, 13 to 17 x 10 to 12 //,. Physarum ellipsosporum Rost.,
Mon., App., p. 10; Mass., Mon., p. 310; Mucbride, in Bull. Nat.
Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 158. Eiif^ruHnni cin.ereum Schwein., in Trans.
Am. Phil. Soc., new scr., iv., p. 261. Badhamia coadnata Rost.,
Mon., p. 146 ; Mass., Mon., p. 325.

Plate XXIV.. B. a. rcthalia, x 5; b. rethalium, x 20; c. capillitium
and spores, x 280 ; d. spore, x 600 (United States).

The type specimen of B<nll,<nit><( coaduaf" Rost. from Cuba in the
Strassburg collection is similar to the American specimens of F. ellip-
sospora ; the large branching lime-knots are connected by very short
hyaline threads. The account given by Zopf of AZthaliopsis stercori-
f or mis Zopf (Pilzthiere, p. 150, 1884, syn. Fuligo stercpriforniix 3 [ass.,
Mon., p. 342) so well describes F. cllipsospom that they appear to be
the same species.

Hab. On dead leaves, etc. Iowa (B. M. 810) ; Ohio (L:B.M. 42) ;

S. Carolina (B. M. 845) ; Cuba (Strassb. Herb.).

SPECIES NOT MET WITH IN THE QUOTED COLLECTIONS.

4. F. tatrica Racib. in Hedw. 1885, p. 169, on decaying
trunks in Hungary, is described as differing from F. septica in
having minutely spinulose spores. This does not constitute a
specific distinction, as the spores of F. septica vary slightly in
roughness, and are seldom quite smooth when magnified 1200
diam.

5. F. simnlans Karst., in Bidr. Kann. Finl. Nat., xxxi., 108
(1879), on leaves of V actinium Vitis-idoea L. in Finland, is

68 ENDOSPOR.E. [PHYSARELLA.

described as being similar to F. septica, but with darker spores
(violet-black or almost black), 9-16 /x,, average 10 //, ; according
to Raciborski it is a form of the latter species (see Hedw. 1887,
p. 111). The character of the spores appears to place it rather
under F. ochracea.

Genus 5. CIENKOWSKIA Rostafinski, Versuch, p. 9 (1873).
Sporangium -wall cartilaginous at the base; capillitiurn a loose
network of rigid threads with many free, curved, sharp-pointed
branchlets, connected with flat perforated calcareous plates
attached at their margins to the sporangium-wall.

1. C. reticulata Host., Versuch, p. 9 (1873). Plasmodium?
Sporangia consisting of winding branched cylindrical plasmodio-
carps, sometimes forming a net, attached by a narrow basal keel
to the substratum ; 0'5 mm. diarn., yellow-brown with transverse
pale ridges, blotched with crimson ; sporangium- wall orange-yellow,
membranous above, cartilaginous below, marked with the bases of
the calcareous plates of the capillitium. Columella none. Capil-
litium consisting of flexuose, branching, rigid, yellow hyaline
threads, 'irregularly anastomosing, with numerous free sharp-
pointed uncinate branchlets, and of lime-deposits in the form of
flat, perforated, pale yellow plates disposed transversely to the axis
of the sporangium and connected by broad or narrow attach-
ments to the sporangium-wall ; occasionally with irregular lime-
knots intermixed. Spores clear violet-brown, minutely spinulose,
9 to 11 //, diam. Host., Mon., p. 91 ; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 11,
fig. 107 ; Mass., Mon., p. 337. Physarum reticulaturti Alb. &
Schw., Consp. Fung., p. 90 (1805).

Plate XXV., A. a. plasmodiocarp, x 2 ; b. portion of plasmodiocarp, in
part broken, and showing the parallel plates of lime among the spores, x 20 ;
c. capillitium and spores, x 280 ; d. spore, x 600 (Sibbertoft, England).

Hal). On dead wood. Sibbertoft, Leicestershire (L:B.M.43) ;
France (Edin. Herb.) ; Germany (Strassb. Herb.) ; Java (K. 1772).

Genus 6. PHYSARELLA Peck, in Bull. Torr. Bot. 01., ix.,
p. 61 (1882). Sporangia stipitate, shortly cylindrical, perforated
by a deep umbilicus. Capillitium of delicate parallel threads
with minute fusiform lime-knots and stout spine-like processes
projecting perpendicularly from the sporangium-wall,

1. P. mirabilis Peck, I.e. Plasmodium rich yellow. Total
height 3 mm. Sporangia shortly cylindrical, inclined, 0'8 nam.
long, - 6 mm. broad, gregarious, stipitate, perforated by a deep
umbilicus, which is continuous with the hollow stem, greenish or
reddish-yellow. Sporangium-wall thickened with innate deposits
of yellow lime-granules and studded with the bases of the spine-
like processes of the capillitium, at length dehiscing round the
margin of the cylinder, and recurving in stellate lobes from the
wall of the umbilicus, which persists to form a hollow pseudo-
columella. Stalk cylindrical, slender, broader at the base, striate,

CRATERIUM.] PHYSARACE^E. 69

red-brown. Capillitium of abundant filiform forking pale yellow
threads, with few minute fusiform yellow lime-knots, and yellow
spine-like processes 2 mm. long, 20 /A thick, extending from the
outer wall of the sporangium to the walls of the pseudo-columella,
densely charged with granules of lime. Spores violet-brown,
nearly smooth, 6 to 8 /x, cliam. Macbricle, Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa,
ii., p. 151. Trichamphora ollonga Berk. & Cart., in Grev., ii.,
p. 66 (1873). Tilmadoche oblonga Host., Mon., App., p. 13 ;
Mass., Mon., p. 334. Physarum rufibasis Berk & Br., in Linn.
Journ., xiv., p. 85 ; Mass., Mon., p. 279. Tilmadoche hians Host.,
Mon., App., p. 14. Physarum hians Mass., Mon., p. 296 (in
part). Tilmadoche minuta Berl., Sacc. SylL, vii., p. 361.

Plate XXV., B. a. sporangia, x 20 ; &. transverse section of same, x 20 ;
c. sporangium after dehiscence and dispersion of spores, x 20 ; d. capillitium,
and calcareous spines arising from the sporangium- wall, x 280 ; e. spore,
x 600 (United States).

The examination of Berkeley's type specimens of Plnjsarum rufibasis
Berk. & Br. from Ceylon, and Trichamphora oblonga Berk. & Curt, from
Michener, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., shows that they are the same species,
and possess the same characters of sporangium and capillitium as
PhysareU<( /it/rabilis - - characters so remarkable that the species well
deserves to rank as the type of a distinct genus. Forms occur in
imperfect developments with short broad stalks and funnel-shaped
sporangia, examples of which are seen in Berkeley's type specimen of
Physarum rufibasis, as well as in American specimens. Tilmadoche
hians is described by Rostafmski as having the tube of the stalk
hollow and completely traversing the oblong sporangium, and the
lime-knots of the capillitium irregularly elongated, taking origin for
the most part from the sporangium-wall. He quotes two gatherings
only: one, the above-mentioned P. rufibasis Berk. & Br.,from Ceylon ;
the other referred to as follows : " The specimen seen was gathered
by Jan Kickx (father) in Flanders, and marked by him Craterhnn
minutum Fr." (Host., Mon., p. 425.)

Hal. On dead wood. Ceylon (L:B.M.44) ; Java (K. 1312);
Borneo (L:B.M.44) ; Pennsylvania (B. M. 852, 882).

Genus 7. CRATERIUM Trentepohl, in Pvoth. Catal. Bot., i.,
p. 224 (1797). Sporangia stipitate, goblet-shaped, with a lid of
thinner substance, or subglobose, rugose ; sporangium-wall charged
Avith granules of lime, and cartilaginous at least in the lower
part. Capillitium of large lime-knots connected by more or less
branching hyaline threads. In the centre of the sporangium the
lime-knots are usually larger and confluent, forming a pseuclo-
colurnella. Stalk cartilaginous.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF CRATERIUM.

A. Sporangium- wall smooth, glossy :

Lime-knots white. 1. C. peduncidatum

Lime-knots brown. 2. C. concinnum

70 ENDOSPORE.E, [CRATERIUM.

B. Sporangium- wall mealy or rugose :

Sporangia violet. 3. C. rubescens

Sporangia brown, powdered with white on the upper part.

4, C, leucocephalum
Sporangia yellow :

Sporangia ovoid ; spores 7 to 9 /a. 5. C. mutaUle

Sporangia globose; spores 10 to 12 /*. 6. C. citrinellum

1. C. pedunculatum Trentepohl, in Roth, Catal. Bot., i., p. 224
(1797). Plasmodium rich yellow, amongst dead leaves. Total
height 0'7 to 1*5 mm. Sporangia goblet-shaped, stipitate, erect,
gregarious, 0'4 to 1'2 mm. high, smooth, pale ochraceous, nut-
brown or olive-brown ; lid either convex, flat, or depressed below
the rim, white or concolorous with the sporangium. Sporangium-
wall of two or three layers, the outer cartilaginous, thickened
at the rim, translucent below and continued into the trans-
lucent stalk, the inner layer densely charged with white lime-
granules; lime almost absent in the olive-brown form. Stalk
equal, plicate, 0'3 to 0'5 mm. long, varying from dark brown to
yellowish, usually darker than the sporangium, rising from a
circular hypothallus. Columella represented by a central mass
of confluent lime-knots, not always present. Capillitium of large
white lime-knots connected by delicate colourless or yellow
threads. Spores clear violet-brown, minutely warted, 8 to 9 /x,
diam. Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 385. Craterium
vulgare Ditm., in Sturm, Deutsch. Fl., Pilze, i., p. 17, t. 9 (1813) ;
Host., Mon., p. 118, figs. 94, 96; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 18. C.
pyriforme Ditm., Lc., p. 19, t. 10; Host., Mon., p. 120; Cooke,
Myx. Brit., p. 19. Peziza minuta Leers, Fl. Herbo., p. 277 (1775).

C. minutum Fr., Syst. Myc., iii., p. 151; Host., Mon., p. 120;
Cooke, Myx., p. 19. C. (Erstedtii Host., Mon., p. 120, fig. 99;
Mass., Mon., p. 266. C. Friesii Host., Mon., p. 122, fig. 105.
C. confusum Mass., Mon., p. 263.

Plate XXVI., A. a. sporangia of various forms, x 20 ; T). capillitium
and spores, x 280 ; c. spore, x 600 (England).

Observations of the development of sporangia from extensive plas-
modia in leaf -heaps and in cultivations show that the varieties in
shape and colour described by Rostafinski under the names of C. vul-
gure, C. pyriforme, C. minutum, and C. Friesii may arise from one
source, and no specific characters appear to exist to separate the four
forms. In examination of the type specimen of C. (Erstedtii in the
Strassburg Herbarium no character was observed to distinguish it from
C. pedunculatum ; the sporangia are pyrif orm, and yellow brown ; no
lid remains attached to a sporangium, but it is described as white ; the
capillitium resembles that met with in most forms of C. pedunculatum
a distinct pseudo-columella is present. The specimens from America
are mostly of the type in the Strassburg collection named C. vulgare
var. rerum (or genuinum). They are of a dark olive colour, somewhat
small in size, and without a pseudo-columella. The most frequent
form in Europe appears to be the var. confusum in the Strassburg
Herb. ; it is broader in shape, and yellow-brown. When exposed to

CRATERITM.] PHTSARACE.T. 71

weather the sporangia often lose their colour and become white.
Didenna brunnrohtm Phill., from California, Harkness, is allied to this
species in the smooth yellow-brown cartilaginous outer sporangium-
wall enclosing a densely calcareous inner layer, and in the character of
the capillitium. It differs in the sporangia being globose and sessile,
in the outer wall being continuous throughout, without a lid of
different substance, and in the greater roughness of the spores. It
appears to be a single gathering, and if a constant form may constitute
a distinct species.

Hal). On dead leaves, sticks, etc. Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.45) :
Batheaston, Somerset (B. M. 179 to 183) ; Raincliffe Wood, Yorkshire
(B. M. 1057) ; France (B. M. 4G9) : Germany (B. M. 473) ; Italy
(K. 257) : Sweden (K. 1359); Hungary (K. 1362); Ceylon (B. M. 472);
New Zealand (K. 254) ; Pennsylvania (L:B.M.45) ; Iowa (LrB.M.45).

2. C. concmnum Rex, in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil. 1893,
p. 370. Plasmodium ? Total height 0*5 to 0*7 mm. Sporangia
broadly funnel-shaped or goblet-shaped, stipitate, 0'2 to 0'5 mm.
diam., smooth, olive-brown, often paler above, dehiscing by a
well- denned convex white lid; sporangium- wall cartilaginous.
Stalk brown, O'l to 0'2 mm. long, plicate. Columella none,
Capillitium of numerous small angular lime-knots, connected by
short and sparingly branched hyaline threads. Spores purplish-
brown, minutely warted, 8 to 9 /x diam.

Plate XXVI., B. a. sporangia, x 20; I. capillitinm an I spores, with
fragment of sporangium- wall, x 280; d. spore, x 600 (United States).

This species is nearly allied to the American form of C. vttlgare, but
differs in the smaller size, the brown lime-knots, and the browner
spores ; it appears to have been fouud almost exclusively on the burs
of chestnut in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia.

Hab. Philadelphia (L:B3I.46).

3. C. rubescens Rex, in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil. 1893,
p. 370. Plasmodium] Sporangium goblet-shaped, stipitate,
erect, gregarious, 0'7 to 0'8 mm. high, 0'6 mm. broad, rugose,
bright violet, irregularly reticulate with pale violet. Lid
convex. Sporangium wall cartilaginous, composed of two or
three closely connected layers with deposits of pale violet
lime-granules, distributed throughout, but chiefly concentrated
in pouch-like cavities of the wall, causing the effect of pale
reticulations in the opaque object. Columella represented by a
central mass of confluent lime-knots. Stalk cylindrical, 04 mm.
high, 0-07 mm. thick, plicate, purple, opaque, arising from a disc-
shaped hypothallus. Capillitium of large violet lime-knots,
connected by branching pale violet hyaline threads. Spores
violet, nearly smooth, 8 to 9 /x diam. Didymium paraguayense
Speg., in Anal. Soc. Cient. Argent., xxil, p. 186, No. 320 (1886).
Mass., Mon., p. 250. D. guarapiense (errore) Speg., I.e., xxvi.,
p. 60, No. 154. Physarum pulcherrimum Mass., Mon., p. 293
(in part).

Plate XXVII., A. a, sporangia, x 20 ; b. capillitium and spores, x 280 ;
c . spore, x 600 (Paraguay).

72 ENDOSPORE.E. [CRATERIUM.

The specimen from Paraguay named Did-ymium paraguayense Speg.
(B.M. 1002) has rather larger sporangia, and these with the capillitium
and spores are of a brighter colour than the type from Louisiana, but
in other respects they are identical. This species is closely allied to
Physarum Newtoni Macbr.

Hab. On leaves. Louisiana U.S.A. (L:B.M. 47) ; Paraguay (B. M.
1002.)

4. C. leucocephalum. Ditm., in Sturm, Deutsch. FL, Pilze, p. 21,
t. 11 (1813). Plasmodium rich yellow, among dead leaves. Total
height 1 mm. Sporangia ovoid or fcurbinate, stipitate, erect,
0*7 mm. high, 0'5 mm. broad, red-brown with white incrustations
of lime and scattered yellow warts on the upper half. Lid white,
convex, continuous with the wall of the cup. Sporangium-wall
thin, consisting of two closely connected layers, the outer yellow,
the upper part provided with scattered lime-deposits and beset with
shallow, often colourless pits, containing dense aggregations of
white lime-granules, usually in company with yellow crystalline
disc-shaped bodies ; the lower part cartilaginous, translucent, of
deeper colour, and continued into the translucent stalk ; the inner
layer membranous and colourless. Stalk equal, plicate, 0'3 to
0'5 mm. long, red-brown, cartilaginous, rising from a circular
hypothallus. Columella represented by a central mass of confluent
lime-knots. Capillitium of large, irregularly shaped, white or
yellowish lime-knots, connected by yellow, branching, hyaline
threads, with frequent flattened expansions at the axils. Spores
violet-brown, spinulose, 7 to 9 /a diarn. Host., Mon., p. 123;
Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 19 ; Mass., Mon., p. 267 ; Blytt, Bidr. Norg.,
Sop. iii., p. 5 ; Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 154.
Stemonitis leucocephala~Pers., in Gmel., Syst. Nat., p. 1467 (1791).
Physarum scyphoides Cooke & Balf., in Rav., Fungi Amer., 480 ;
Mass., Journ. Myc., v., p. 186, PI. xiv., fig. 7 ; Mass., Mon.,
p. 282. Craterium pruinosum Corda, Ic., v., p. 13, t. ii., f. 33.
C. minimum Berk. &; Curt., in Grev., ii., p. 67 ; Mass., Mon.,
p. 272. C. Fuckelii Mass., Mon., p. 272. C. cylindricum Mass.,
Mon., p. 268.

Plate XXVII., B. a. to e. sporangia of various forms, x 20 ; /. capil-
litium, with pseudo-columella, x 35 ; g. sporangium- wall, showing crystal-
line bodies, and spores, x 280 ; //. spore, x 600 (England) ; i. cylindrical
sporangium, x 20 (United States) ; h. sporangium, from type of Physarum
xc)/j>hoides, Cooke & Ralf., x 20 ; I. vertical view of half-empty sporangium
from the same gathering, showing pseudo-columella, x 20 (Georgia, U.S.A.).

The yellow crystalline bodies are a marked feature in this species.
They are frequently absent from the sporangium-wall, but can be
detected in the large lime-knots and in the columella by treating with
hydrochloric acid, when they remain after the lime-granules are
dissolved. In the delicate cylindrical sporangia, in which the double
layer of the wall can scarcely be distinguished, they are to be found
only in the columella, and are sometimes entirely wanting. Those in the
wall are either nearly superficial and can easily be detached, or are
embedded in its substance ; they are usually disc-shaped, measuring
15 to 40 p, diam., with a crenate margin, and marked with lines radiating

CBATEBIUM.] PHYSARACE.E. 73

from the centre to the circumference. Those in the lime-knots are
somewhat globular, and are often in clusters ; they vary from 5 \i to
about 20 [i diam., and dissolve rapidly in dilute carbolic acid. (Noted
in the Kew coll., 1888. A. L.) Physanjni scyphoides Cke. & Balf.
appears to be a form of C. leucocephalum ; the sporangium-wall
( x 560) is veined with yellow, and possesses the colourless pits charged
with lime-granules of the type, from which it only differs in the more
delicate wall in the upper part, and in the somewhat obovoid shape of
some of the sporangia. C. cyl'mdrlciun Mass, is a form of C. leuco-
<< }>l,<iluin with cylindrical sporangia ; and in no other character does
it differ from the broader type, with which it is connected by inter-
mediate links. The specimen issued by Fuckel as C. mutabile Fr.,
1455 Fung. Rhen. Exs. (B. M. 481, K. 300), (C. Furl-.Ut Mass.), is a
subglobose form of C. leucocephalum with the lime in the sporangium-
wall almost absent ; the spores measure 9 to 10 ju diam., and are
minutely spinulose. C. in'm/nnim Berk. & Curt, is represented in
Ravenel' s collection, B. M. 873, " fide Berkeley." It is the cylindrical
form of C. Itin '" >-jili<iln.iit the sporangia are rufous below, white and
pruinose in the upper part ; the capillitium shows a pseudo-columella,
and the spores are typical.

Hob. On dead leaves. Wanstead, Essex (L:B.M.48) ; Luton, Beds.
(L:B.M.48) ; France (K. 282); Germany (B. M. 471): Austria
(B. M. 1058) ; Sweden (K. 298) ; Italy (K. 297) ; Java (Strassb.
Herb.) ; Pennsylvania (L:B.M.48) ; Ohio (L:B.M.48) ; Georgia
(B. M. 455) ; Brazil (K. 274).

5. C. mutabile Fries, Syst. Myc., iii., p. 154 (1829), non Symb.
Gast. Plasmoclium lemon-yellow, among dead leaves. Total
height ! 7 to 1 mm. Sporangia ovoid or globose, 0*4 to 0'6 mm.
diam., stipitate, erect, gregarious, rugose, without a defined lid,
golden yellow or greenish, bright yellow on the summit, breaking
up at maturity in the upper part into areolae, or dehiscing almost
to the base in stellate lobes ; sporangium-wall single, membranous,
with deposits of innate yellow lime-granules, which are denser
and of a deeper yellow on the summit, somewhat stouter and
more persistent at the base, where it is continued into the
cartilaginous stalk. Columbia represented by a central mass of
confluent lime-knots, not always present. Stalk cylindrical. 0'2
to 0'5 mm. long, stout, deeply furrowed, nearly translucent,
but charged with lime-granules, orange-red or yellow, arising
from a circular hypothallus. Capillitium of irregularly shaped
yellow lime-knots, varying much in size, connected by a network
of hyaline threads with triangular expansions at the axils of the
branches. Spores violet-brown, spinulose, 8 to 9 /A diam. YVallr.,
Fl. Crypt. Germ., ii., p. 357. Trichia aurea Schum., En. PI.
Saell., ii., p. 207 (1803). Craterium aureuin Host., Mon., p. 124
(1875) ; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 20; Mass., Mon., p. 269.

Plate XXVIII.. A. a. to d. sporangia of various forms, x 20 ; e.
capillitium and spores, with fragment of sporangium-wall, x 280 ; /.
spore, x 600 (England).

Hub. On dead leaves, etc. Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.49) ; Luton,
Beds. (L:B.M.49) ; Batheaston, Somerset (B. M. 133) ; Appin,

74 ENDOSPORE.E. [CRATERIUM.

Scotland (K. 299) ; France (Paris Herb.) ; Germany (Strassb. Herb.) ;
Ohio (L:B.M.49) ; S. Carolina (B. M. 888).

6. C. citrinellum Lister. Plasmodium ? Sporangia subglobose,
0'6 to 0'8 mm. diam., stipitate, erect, gregarious, rugose, lemon-
yellow or ochraceous, tinged with orange at the base ; sporangium-
wall of two layers, the outer cartilaginous, yellow, rugose from
dense innate areolated deposits of lime, easily separating from the
colourless membranous inner layer. Columella none. Stalk
cylindrical, O3 to 0-4 mm. high, stout, plicate, orange-red,
translucent. Capillitium a network of colourless hyaline threads,
with many large, irregular, and branching white lime-knots.
Spores purple-brown, rather strongly spinulose, 10 to 12 p. diam.
Diderma citrinum Peck, in Rep. N. York Mus. Nat. Hist., xxii.,
p. 89 (1869). Physarwm citrinellum feck, I.e., xxxi., p. 55 (1879) ;
Mass., Mon., p. 278.

Plate XXV1IL, B. a. sporangia, x 20 ; I. capillitium and spores, x
280 ; o. spore, x 600 (United States).

Closely allied to Craterium mutabile Fries, from which it differs in the
stouter structure of the sporangium-wall and in the larger, rougher
spores. The type specimen of Plnjsarum lepidodermoides Blytt, Bidr.
Norg., Sop. iii., p. 4 (1892), from Rollag, Telemarken, on moss, has sub-
globose stipitate sporangia, O7 to O8 mm. diam. ; the sporangium-wall
breaks up into shining convex pale brown scales, densely charged with
deposits of lime ; there is no columella ; the stalks are 0'5 mm. high,
stout, broader at the base, pale yellow-brown, without lime-deposits ; the
capillitium consists of large irregular pale brown lime-knots connected
by branching hyaline threads ; the spores are purple-brown, spinulose,
9 to 1 1 /i diam. This appears to be represented by a single gathering,
and to have close affinity with C. citrinellum.

Hob. On moss. New York (L:B.M.50). Allied species ; Physarum
lepidodermoides ) Norway (L-.B.M.50).

SPECIES NOT MET WITH IN THE QUOTED COLLECTIONS.

7. C. porphyrium Schwein,, in Trans. Am. Philos. Soc., Phil,
iv., p. 258 ; sporangia densely clustered, turbinate, purple-red,
glossy ; stalks very short, connate into a thick basal mass ; spores
and the elastically expanding capillitium red.

This description applies to Hemitrichia rubiformis List.

SPECIES EXCLUDED FROM THE GENUS.

C. rubiginosum Mass. = Badha/mia rubiginosa Host.

C. dictyospermum Mass.= Badhamia rubiginosa Host.

C. Curtisii Mass. = Badhamia rubiginosa Host.

C. lilacinum Mass. = Badhamia lilacina Host.

CHONDRIODERMA.] PHYSARACE.E. 75

Genus 8. LEOCARPUS Link, in Bed. Ges. Nat. Fr. Mag.,
iii., p. 25 (1809). Sporangium with two walls, the outer
cartilaginous and calcareous, shining ; the inner hyaline.
Capillitium more or less arranged in two systems, one consisting
of a network of rigid hyaline threads, the other of coarse anasto-
mosing branches charged with coloured granules of lime.

1. L. vernicosus Link, I.e. (1809). Plasmodium orange-yellow,
among dead leaves. Sporangia obovoid or globose, sessile or shortly
stalked, crowded, 2 to 4 mm. long, chestnut or purple-brown,
shiniug as if varnished, sometimes dehiscing in revolute floriform
lobes ; sporangium-wall double : the outer wall consisting of two
layers, the outer cartilaginous, orange-brown, the inner densely
calcareous, white ; the inner wall is hyaline, giving attach-
ment to the capillitium. Columella none. Stalk short, weak,
yellowish, translucent, arising from a membranous hypothallus.
Capillitium a network of rigid hyaline threads w r ith flattened
expansions at the axils and with few lime-knots, connected with
a system of coarse branches often combined into a dense network
and charged throughout with brownish lime-granules. Spores
violet-brown, spinulose, 11 to 13 //, diain., occasionally 15 to
20 fji diam., rarely clustered as in Badhamia. Grev., Scot. Crypt.
FL, ii. (1824), t. 111. Didenna rernicosum Pers., in Usteri, Ann.
Bot., xv., p. 34 (1795). Lycoperdon fragile Dicks., PI. Crypt.
Brit., i., p. 25 (1785). Leocarpus jragilis Rost,, Mon., p. 132,
fig. 93 ; Cooke, Myx. Brit,, p. 23 ; Mass., Mon., p. 338 ; Blytt,
Bidr. Norg., Sop. iii., p. 5 ; Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa,
ii., p. 153.

Plate XXIX.. A. a. sporangia, x 20 ; It. capillitium and spores with
fragment of sporangium-wail showing the three layers, x 170 ; c. spore,
x 600 (England).

Hob. On dead leaves, etc. Hornsey, Middlesex (B. M. 22) ; Epping
Forest, Essex (L:B.M.51) ; Leighton Buzzard, Beds. (L-.B.M.51) ;
Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.51) ; Mortonhall, Edinburgh (B. M. 1061);
France (Paris Herb.) ; Belgium (B. M. 482) ; Germany (B. M. 1059) ;
Poland (Strassb. Herb.) ; Bohemia (B. M. 489) ; Finland (B. M. 492) ;
Tasmania (K. 1390) ; Mass., U.S.A. (B. M. 493) ; Iowa (B. M. 818) ;
S. Carolina (B. M. 495).

Leocarpus ramosus Fr. Summ. Veg. Scan., p. 450, is excluded by
Rostafinski, on the ground of its being probably an immature specimen
of L. vernicosus (Rost., Mon., p. 306).

Genus 9. CHONDRIODERMA Rostafinski, Yersuch, p. 13
(1873). Sporangia sessile or stipitate; sporangium-wall of two
layers, the outer either a crust composed of globular lime-granules
and usually separating from an inner membranous layer, or
cartilaginous, more or less charged with lime, and not separating
from the inner layer (except in C. /Sauteri) ; capillitium without
lime-knots. The genus Chondrioderma embraces two sub-genera,
Euchondrioderma and Leangium, which are connected by inter-
mediate forms.

76 ENDOSPORE.E. [CHONDRIODERMA.

L

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF CHONDRIODERMA.

A. Sporangium-wall densely calcareous (Euchondrioderma) :

A. Spores reticulated. 2. C. subdictyospermum

B. Spores not reticulated-

a. Coluniella white or pinkish, sporangia white.

Spores violet-brown, 7 to 11 /x diam.

1. C. spuma/rioides

Spores dark purplish -brown, 10 to 14 ^ diam.

3. C. globosum

b. Columella flesh-coloured, hemispherical or flattened.

Sporangia subglobose, sessile, pink-

4. C. testaceum

Sporangia disc-shaped, stalked, columella flattened.

5. C. Michelii

Sporangia forming plasmodiocarps, white.

6. C. reticulatum

c. Columella orange, hemispherical, or hardly evident.

7. C. niveum

d. Columella red-brown, clavate or cylindrical.

8. C. Lyallii

B. Sporangium-wall cartilaginous (Leangium) :

A. Sporangium-wall w T hite and crystalline on the inner side.

9. C. Trevelyani

B. Sporangium-wall without a crystalline layer

a. Spores with widely scattered warts.

13. C. floriforme

b. Spores closely spinulose, warted, or nearly smooth

Columella hardly evident, sporangia sessile.

10. C. Sauteri

Columella hemispherical or subglobose \ stalk stout,
ochraceous. 11. C. radiatum

Columella clavate, white ; stalk slender, black.

12. C. rugosum

Columella cylindrical, brown ; stalk dark brown.

14. C. Hookeri

Columella stipitate, brown ; stalk orange.

15. C. lucidum

Sub-genus 1. Euchondrioderma. Sporangia sessile, rarely
stipitate ; sporangium- wall double, the outer layer a smooth crust
composed of globular lime-granules, the inner membranous, more
or less separating from the outer layer.

1. C. spumarioides Host, Mon., p. 174, figs. 142 to 145, 151
(1875). Plasmodium white, among dead leaves. Sporangia sub-

CHONDRIODERMA.] PHYSARACE.E. 77

globose, sessile, crowded, O5 to 1 mm. diarn., seated usually on a
strongly developed white hypothallus, smooth or rugose, white ;
sporangium -wall of two layers, the outer thick, fragile, composed
of globular lime-granules 1 to 2 /JL diarn., often crumbling away
from the membranous, more persistent inner layer, sometimes
inseparable. Columella convex or hemispherical, white or pale
flesh-coloured. Capillitium of slender, flexuose, purplish threads,
branching at an acute angle and somewhat anastomosing. Spores
violet-brown, spinulose, 8 to 11 /A diam. Cooke, Myx. Brit.,
p. 38. Didymium spumarioides Fr., Symb. Gast., p. 20 (1818) ;
Mass., Mon., p. 232. Physarum stromateum Link, Handb., iii.,
p. 409 (1833). Chondrioderma stromateum Rost., Mon., App.,
p. 18. Chondrioderma virgineum Mass., Mon., p. 207.

Plate XXIX., B. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. capillitium, with fragment of
sporangium-wall and spores, x 280 ; c. spore, x 600 (England).

The type specimen of C. virgineum Mass. (K. 560) is a frequent
form of C. spumarioides without hypothallus ; the capillitium in some
sporangia is normal and without expansions. The type specimen of
C. stromateum Rost. in the Strassb. Herb, is from Lochem (leg. Spree,
Rab. Fung. Eur., 432) ; a part of this gathering is in the British
Museum (B. M. 515) ; it does not appear to present any character by
which it can be separated from C. spumarioides.

Hub. On dead leaves,etc. Common. Lyme Regis,Dorset (L :B.M.52) ;
France (K. 37) ; Germany (B. M. 515); New "York (B. M. 886);
Mass., U.S.A. (L:B.M.52).

2. C. subdictyospermum Rost., Mon., App., p. 16 (1876).
Plasmodium 1 Sporangia subglobose, sessile, crowded, 0'3 to
0'5 mm. diam., snow-white, seated on a well-developed white
hypothallus; sporangium -wall thick, fragile, composed of an
outer crust of globular lime-granules 2 /x diam., with a delicate,
membranous, inseparable inner layer. Columella hemispherical
or subglobose, white. Capillitium of somewhat rigid, violet-brown,
sparingly branched threads. Spores violet-brown, reticulated
with raised ridges or with broken bands, forming a margin about
2 /JL broad; 10 to 12 ^ diam. Didymium dealbatum Berk. &
Curt., in Herb. Chondrioderma dealbata Mass., Mon., p. 207.

Plate XXX., B. d. sporangia, x 20 ; e. capillitium and spores, x 280 ;
/. spore, x 600 (Venezuela, Rostafinski's type) ; g. spore, x 600 (Cape).

This species appears to be allied to C. spumarioides, differing
essentially in the spores. It is represented by two gatherings. One
is from Venezuela, named Didymium dealbatum Berk. & Curt.
(B. M. 570 ; K. 1522) ; this is the type given by Rostafinski (Mon.,
App., p. 16), and accurately described as having spores provided with
protuberances either irregularly disposed or combined into an incomplete
net. The other gathering is in the Kew collection (K. 466), named
Didymium pJujsaroides, Cape 198 ; in this specimen the spores are more
perfectly reticulated, and, except in colour, resemble those of Trichia
favoginea Pers. ; the capillitium is also more flexuose.

Hab. On moss. Cape (K. 466) ; Venezuela (B. M. 570).

78 ENDOSPORE.E. [CHONDRIODERMA.

3. C. globosum Rost., Mon., p. 180, fig. 138 (1875). Plasmo-
dium white, among dead leaves. Sporangia globose, sessile,
crowded, O5 to - 8 mm. diam., seated on a strongly developed white
or cream-coloured hypothallus, smooth, white or cream-coloured ;
sporangium-wall of two layers, the outer composed of globular
lime-granules 1 to 2 //, diam., separating widely from the
membranous inner layer. Columella hemispherical or subglobose,
often minute, white or pale flesh-coloured. Capillitium of slender,
irregularly branched, and anastomosing pale purplish threads.
Spores dark purplish-brown, spinulose, 10 to 14 /x diam. Cooke,
Myx. Brit., p. 39 ; Mass.,, Mon., p. 206 ; Macbride, in Bull. Nat.
Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 147. Diderma globosum Pers., in Rom., N. Mag.
Bot., i., p. 89 (1794). Chondrioderma affine Rost., Mon., App.,
p. 18 ; Mass., Mon., p. 210. C. simulans Rost., Mon., App.,
p. 20 ; Mass., Mon., p. 209. Diderma crustaceum Peck, in Rep.
1ST. York Mus. Nat. Hist., xxvi., p. 74. Chondrioderma crus-
taceum Berlese, in Sacc., Syll., vol. vii., p. 373 ; Mass., Mon.,
p. 215.

Plate XXX., A. a. sporangia, x 20 ; &. capillitium, with fragment of
sporangium- wall and spores, x 280 ; c. spore, x 600 (Poland, Rostafinski's
type).

The capillitium of this species often encloses particles of lime in
expansions towards the base of the threads. C. globosum is closely
allied to C. spumarioides, differing chiefly in the large and dark spores.
Rostafinski's type specimen of C. globosum from near Warsaw, in
Strassb. Herb., has dark spinulose spores 11 to 13 /z diam. ; his type
specimen of C. affine Rost. from near Warsaw is the same form. C.
simulans Rost. is described as differing chiefly from C. globosum in the
rough spores, 12 '5 ju diam. ; as the spores of the type specimen of
C. globosum correspond with this definition, C. simulans cannot be
considered a separate species.

Hab. On dead leaves, etc. France (Paris) ; Strassburg (L:B.M.54) ;
Poland (Strassb. Herb.) ; Italy (B. M. 525) ; Iowa (B. M. 816).

4. C. testaceum Rost., Versuch, p. 13(1873). Plasmodium ?
Sporangia sessile, subglobose, depressed on a broad base, some-
times confluent, O'S mm. diam., smooth, dull flesh-coloured or
pale pinkish, often becoming bleached ; sporangium-wall of two
layers, the outer thin, brittle, egg-shell-like, composed of globular
lime-granules, separating freely from the more persistent, pinkish-
grey, membranous inner layer. Columella large, convex or
hemispherical, together with the base of the sporangium flesh-
coloured or reddish-brown. Capillitium of delicate, faintly
purplish, branching flexuose threads. Spores pale violet-brown,
almost smooth, 7 to 8 p, diam. Rost., Mon., p. 179, figs. 135, 136 ;
Mass., Mon., p/210; Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 148.
Didymium testaceum Schrad., Nov. PI. Gen., p. 25 (1797).
Diderma testaceum Pers., Syn., p. 167. Diderma sublateritium
Berk. & Br., in Journ. Linn., xiv., p. 82. Chondrioderma sub-
lateritium Rost., Mon., App., p. 19 ; Mass., Mon., p. 211.
Diderma Cubense Berk. & Curt., in Journ. Linn., x., p. 347.

CHOXDRIODERMA.] PHYSARACE.E. 79

Chondrioderma Cubense Host., MOD.., App., p. 19. Chondrioderma
diffbrme Mass., Mon., p. 213 (in part). Diderma Marice-Wilsoni
Peck, in Kep. 1ST. York Mus. Nat. Hist., xxvl, p. 74.

Plate XXX., B. a. Sporangia, x 20 ; &. capillitium, with fragment of
sporangium-wall, and spores, x 280 ; c. spore, x 600 (Poland, Rostafmski's
type).

The type specimen of Diderma sublateritium Berk. & Br., from
Ceylon (K. 1454), is more rufous in colour than is usual in C. testaceum,
though not so deep in tone as the specimen from S. Carolina
(B. M. 520) ; the capillitium and spores are typical of this species, of
which it is clearly a form.

Hal). On dead leaves. Flitwick, Beds. (L:B.M.55) ; Moffat, Scot-
land (L:B.M.55) ; France (B. M. 517) ; Germany (B.M. 516) ; Poland
(Strassb. Herb.); Ceylon (L:B.M.55) ; New York (L:B.M.55) ; Ohio
(L:B.M.55) ; S. Carolina (B. M. 520) ; Cuba (L:B.M.55).

5. C. Michelii Post., in Fuckel, Symb. Myc., Nachtr. 2, p. 74
(1873). Plasmodium opaque white. Sporangia flat, disc-shaped
on a central stalk, rarely sessile on a broad base and confluent,
chalk-white, 1 to 1*25 mm. wide ; sporangium- wall of two layers on
the flat upper surface, the outer a fragile smooth crust composed
of globular lime-granules 1 to 3 /x diam., separating from the more
persistent membranous inner layer ; under surface rugose. Stalk
pale ochraceous, 0'5 mm. long, 0'25 mm. thick, furrowed with
wrinkles, which are continued over the flat under side of the
sporangium ; densely calcareous. Columella indefinite, consisting
of the broad thickened base of the sporangium, flesh-red or
flesh-brown, charged with calcareous deposits in the form of
nodules and large rhomboidal granules. Capillitium of colourless
delicate threads, variously branched and anastomosing, or of
violet-brown threads 1 to 2 /x thick, sparingly branched except at
the pale extremities. Spores pale violet -brown, almost smooth,
7 to 9 ^ diam. Mon., p. 172, figs. 131, 146, 149, 150. Cooke,
Myx. Brit., p. 37 ; Mass., Mon., p. 204. Didymium Michelii Lib.,
PI. Ardu. Exsic., Fasc. ii., No. 180. Physarum depressum Schum.,
Enum. PI. Saell., ii.,p. 202 (1803). Diderma depressum Fr., Syst.
Myc., hi., p. 108 (?).

Plate XXXL, A. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. capillitium, with fragment of
sporangium-wall and spores, x 280 ; c. capillitium, with stouter and more
rigid threads, x 280 ; d. rhomboidal nodules of lime from stalk, x 280 ;
e. spore, x 600 (England).

Hub. On dead leaves, etc. Common. Lyme Regis, Dorset
(L:B.M.56) ; Batheaston, Somerset (B. M. 47) ; Boynton, Yorkshire
(B. M. 1112) ; France (Paris Herb.) ; Belgium (B. M. 513) ;
Germany (Strassb. Herb.) ; Sweden (K. 1449) ; Ceylon (K. 1440) ;
S. Carolina (B. M. 890) ; Pennsylvania (L:B.M.56).

6. C. reticulatumRost., Mon., p. 170 (1875). Plasmodium?
Sporangia rounded, much depressed, sessile, gregarious, 0'7 mm.
diam., or more usually elongated and forming flat branching or net-
like plasmodiocarps, smooth, white ; sporangium-wall of two layers,
the outer a fragile crust of globular lime-granules, separating

80 ENDOSPORE.E. [CHONDRIODERMA.

from the membranous colourless inner wall. Columella convex or
depressed, brownish flesh-coloured, enclosing white lime-granules.
Capillitium of delicate colourless or pale purplish threads, sparingly
branched and anastomosing. Spores pale violet-brown, nearly
smooth, 6 to 8 //, diam. Mass., Mon., p. 216. Didymium
reticulatum Host., in Fuckel, Symb. Myc., Nachtr. 2, p. 73 (1873).
Chondrioderma Saundersii Berk. & Br., in Mass., Mon., p. 209,

Plate XXXI. . A. -/. orbicular and plasm odiocarp sporangia, x 20 (United
States).

Rostafinski's type specimen at Strassburg consists of flattened, white,
branching or net-like plasmodiocarps, with capillitium and spores as
described above. It is a question whether this species should not be
placed as a variety of C. Michelii, from which it differs only in the
shape of the sporangia. Instances have occurred in which the stalked
and plasmodiocarp forms have been found together, with strong evidence
that they sprung from the same plasmodium. On the other hand, they
are so constant that, for convenience, the name given by Rostafinski is
retained in this catalogue for the sessile and plasmodiocarp forms.
From plasmodiocarp forms of C. testaceum it is distinguished by the
flat sporangia and the absence of any rosy tinge in the sporangium-
wall and columella. The Ceylon gatherings, marked " 75. Diderma
depression Fr." (B. M. 514 ; K. 1438, 1439), show flattened white plasmo-
diocarps, with brownish flesh-coloured columella, and must be referred
to C. reticulatum ; as also must C. Saundersii Berk. & Br., from Java
(K. 1479), in the type specimen of which the broad, extensive
plasmodiocarps resemble the American gatherings.

Halt. On dead leaves, sticks, etc. Luton, Beds. (L:B.M.57) ; Switzer-
land (Strassb. Herb.) ; Ceylon (B. M. 514) ; Java (K. 1479) ; Ohio
(L:B.M.57) ; Philadelphia (L:B.M.57) ; Iowa (B. M. 1022).

7. C. niveum. Host., Mon., p. 170 (1875). Plasmodium? Spor-
angia subglobose, depressed, sessile, crowded, 0'7 to 1-5 mm. diarn.,
or forming scattered plasmodiocarps, sometimes seated on a white
or dull yellow hypothallus, smooth, chalk-white ; sporangium-
wall of two layers, the outer densely charged with white lime-
granules, separating from the inner layer, which is orange,
membranous above, (cartilaginous below. Columella broad, convex,
together with the base of the sporangium, orange Capillitium
of purple threads, sparingly branched except at the pale ex-
tremities, rigid, sometimes intermixed with more delicate threads,
more or less closely beset with, wart-like thickenings. Spores
violet-brown, minutely spinulose, 9 to 11 ^ diarn. Host., Mon.,
App., p. 16; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 37; Blytt, Bidr. Norg., Sop. iii.
(1892), p. 6. Diderma albescens Phill., in Grev., v., p. 114.
Chondrioderma albescens Mass., Mon., p. 209. Diderma deplana-
tum Fr., Syst. Myc., iii., p. 110; Berk., in Engl. FL, v., part ii.,
p. 312. Chondrioderma deplanatum Rost., Mon., App., p. 17 (in
part) (1876).

a. genuinum : sporangia subglobose, crowded.

/3. deplanatum : sporangia forming plasmodiocarps, scattered.

Plate XXXI. , B. a. sporangia, x 20 ; . capillitium and spores, x 280 ;
c. spore, x 600 (Vosges Mts. ; Rostafinski's type) ; d. sporangia of form

CHONDRIODERMA.] PHYSARACE.E. 81

connecting a. genuinum with /3. deplanatum, x 2 ; e. plasmocliocarp of the
same gathering, x 20 (Chiselhurst, England, B. M. 27).

Rostafmski's type specimen of C. niveum in Strassb. Herb., from
Giromagny, has subglobose, crowded sporangia, with a fragile, egg-
shell-like outer wall ; the inner wall is membranous, more persistent,
orange at the base ; the columella is orange, sometimes scarcely deve-
loped ; the capillitium threads are rigid and warted. The specimen
in Berkeley's collection from Linlithgow, named by him Did&rma
cyanascens Fr. and by Rostafinski C. niveum (K. 1435), is a plasmodio-
carp form, with the lower part of the inner wall and base orange, and
the columella depressed ; it has the same rigid warted threads as in
the Strassburg type. There is no type specimen from Fries of
Diderma deplanatum in the Strassburg or British collections, but his
description (Syst. Myc.,iii., p. 110) applies well to Berkeley's specimen
named D. deplanatum Fr. from Appin (K. 410), which is accurately
described in English Flora (/.e.), and is undoubtedly the same species
as the Linlithgow specimen of C. niveum. The sporangia are branching
plasmodiocarpSj forming, as Berkeley says, " reticulate masses, the
outer wall thick, white, the inner very thin, hyaline '' ; the columella
is only represented by the thickened orange-brown base of the spor-
angium ; the capillitium consists of rather delicate purplish branching
threads, with scattered wart-like thickenings ; the spores measure 9 p,.
The type of C. j>h>/*aroides Rost., Mon., p. 170 (syn. Diderma depln-
iKiti.nn Fr., Chondrioderma deplanatum Rost., Mon., App., p. 17)
is not represented in the Strassburg or British collections. Diderum
albeseens Phill. closely resembles the Strassburg type of C. niveum
in its globose, crowded sporangia, with orange-brown inner wall and
columella ; the capillitium is of rigid warted threads, intermixed with
others more slender ; the spores are identical with those of Rostafinski's
type, purple-brown, 9 to 11 ft diam. ; it is evidently the same species.
The specimen here figured from Chiselhurst, named D. dejiluimlinn Fr.
by Broome (B. M. 27), connects all these forms ; its sporangia are
either globose, or elongated plasmodiocarps, with capillitium exactly
of the Strassburg type.

Hub. On dead leaves, sticks, etc. Chislehurst, Kent (B. M. 27) ;
Carlisle (L:B.M.58) ; Appin, Scotland (K. 410) ; Linlithgow (K. 1435) ;
Vosges Mts. (Strassb. Herb.) ; Christiania (L:B.M.58) ; California
(L:B.M.58) ; Brit. Columbia (K. 379).

8. C. Lyallii Mass., Mon., p. 201 (1892). Plasmodium ? Spor-
angia subglobose, sessile or shortly stipitate, aggregated, seated
on a more or less strongly developed white hypothallus, 1 to 1*5
mm. diarn., nearly smooth, roughened with minute scattered
prominences ; sporangium- wall of two layers, the outer thick,
densely charged with lime-granules, separating from the mem-
branous inner wall, which is firm and usually orange at the base.
Stalk short, stout, rugose, white or ochraceous. Columella
cylindrical, or clavate and stipitate, ochraceous, sometimes at-
taining two-thirds the height of the sporangium. Capillitium of
rigid dark violet-brown threads, branching and anastomosing, 1-5
to 2 fji broad. Spores dark violet-brown, spinose, 11 to 15 /x diam.

Plate XXXII., A. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. capillitium with fragment of
sporangium-wall and spores, x 280 ; c. spore, x 600 (Switzerland).

Hob. On dead grass. Switzerland (L:B.M.59) ; Oregon Boundary,
U.S.A. (K. 380).

6

82 ENDOSPORE.E. [CHONDRIODERMA.

Sub-genus 2. Leangium. Sporangia stipitate or sessile;
sporangium-wall of two closely connected layers (which do not
separate, except in C. Sauteri} ; the outer cartilaginous, more or
less charged with innate minute lime-granules ; the inner mem-
branous, often dehiscing in revolute lobes from the naked globose
mass of spores.

9. C, Trevelyani Host., Mon., p. 182 (1875). Plasmodium ?
Total height 1 to l - 5 mm. Sporangia globose or subellipsoid,
sessile or shortly stalked, verrucose or nearly smooth, 1 mm.
diam., reddish or orange-brown ; sporangium-wall splitting irre-
gularly or in unequal, revolute, petal-like lobes, white on the
inner side : of three inseparable layers, the outer one cartilagi-
nous, brown ; the inner delicately membranous, attached to the
threads of the capillitium ; the middle layer thick, composed of
coarse irregular crystals of lime. Stalk equal, furrowed, O'l to
0'5 mm. high, O'l to 0*15 mm. thick, of the colour of the
sporangium. Columella none. Capillitium profuse, purple or
purplish-brown, somewhat rigid, forming a network with dark
bead-like thickenings at the nodes and on the threads, rarely
slender, with few thickenings. Spores dark violet-brown, spinu-
lose, 10 to 13 /x diam. Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 40; Mass., Mon.,
p. 202. Leangium Trevelyani Grev., Scot. Crypt. Fl., tab. 132
(1825). Diderma Trevelyani Fr., Syst. Myc., iii., p. 105. Chon-
drioderma (Erstedtii Host., Mon., p. 184, figs. 154, 157; Cooke,
Myx. Brit., p. 41 ; Mass., Mon., p. 203. Diderma geasteroides
Phill., in Grev., v., p. 113. Chondrioderma geasteroides Phill., in
Mass., Mon., p. 201. Diderma laciniatum Phill., I.e., p. 113.

Plate XXXII., B. a. sporangia, x 20 ; 1). capillitium and spores, x 280 ;
c. fragment of sporangium-wall showing the cartilaginous and crystalline
layers, x 280 ; d. spore, x 600 (California ; type of Diderma geasteroides
Phill.) ; e. sporangium, x 20 (Shrewsbury, England).

The crystalline middle layer of the sporangium- wall separates this
from all other species of the Leangium group. The type specimen
of C. Trevelyani described and figured under the name of Leangium
Trevelyani in Greville's Scottish Crypt. Flor., tab. 132, is in the Edin-
burgh Herbarium ; it is sessile vnMnium unchdatum, and was gathered by
"W. C. Trevelyan, Esq., who also sent specimens to Mr. Sowerby. The
specimen named Diderma Trevelyani, " Sowerby Herb." (K. 1478),
is on Mnium undulatum, and is no doubt that referred to. Greville
speaks of and figures a " very minute columella " ; he was evi-
dently mistaken on this point, and Berkeley in describing Trevelyan's
gathering states : "I find no trace of a columella ; the bottom of
the peridium within is perfectly even." Examination of the type
in the Edinburgh collection confirms Berkeley's statement. The
specimen from Jedburgh (K. 1477) is marked by Rostafinski
Chondrioderma Oerstedtii, and is given by him as a type of that species
(Host., Mon., App., p. 21) ; it has the characteristic capillitium and
sporangium-wall of Greville's type. These characters are also present
in Diderma geasteroides Phill. and D. laciniatum Phill., from California,
in Herb. Phillips, These three specimens are clearly the same species
as C. Trevelyani.

CHONDRIODERMA.] PHYSARACE.E. 83

Hub. On dead leaves, moss, etc. Herb. Bloxam (Leicester?) (B. M.
26) ; Jedburgh, Scotland (K. 1477) ; Northumberland (Edin. Herb.,
ex Herb. Grev. ; K. 1478, ex Herb. Sowerby).

10. C. Sauteri Host., Hon., p. 181 (1875). Plasmodium ?
Sporangia subglobose, depressed, sessile, somewhat aggregated,
- 7 to 1 mm. diam., smooth, pale pinkish-brown ; sporangium-
wall of two layers, the outer cartilaginous, thin, brittle, shining,
more or less charged with innate lime-granules, separating from
the membranous inner layer. Columella hardly evident, a rugose
thickening of the base of the sporangium ; reddish-brown.
Capillitium not very abundant, of sparingly branched colourless
or pale violet threads, 2 to 4 /A broad, persistent at the base.
Spores dark violet-brown, spinulose, 10 to 13 /x diam. Mass., Mon.,
p. 217. C. acukatum Rex, in Proc. Acad. K Sc. Phil. 1891, p. 390.

Plate XXXIII., A. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. capillitium, with fragments of
sporangium-wall, x 280 ; c. spore, x 600 (Salzburg, Tyrol).

The specimen in the Strassburg collection named previously
" Diderma deplanatum, ex. Herb. Sauter, ad muscos in montibus Salz."
appears to be the type given by Rostafinski (Mon., p. 181), and is well
described as " of coffee-and-milk colour, the outer wall brittle, separat-
ing from the inner, which is membranous and colourless." The species
described by Dr. Rex as C. aculeatum (I.e.] (L:B.M.61) is identical in
all its characters with C. Sauteri. The specimen in Greville's coll.
in the Edinburgh Herb, named " Diderma? Appin. Carm." is the
same form and probably part of the same gathering as K. 403, named
" Diderma melaleucum Carm.," with a descriptive note stating that it was
gathered in Scotland by Capt. Carmichael. It differs from the
Salzburg and American gatherings in the rather darker and larger
sporangia, and in the broader, almost simple threads of the more
scanty capillitium, but it appears to be the same species.

Hab. On dead wood, moss, etc. Appin, Scotland (K. 403) ; Salzburg,
Tyrol (Strassb. Herb.) ; Philadelphia (L:B.M.61).

11. C. radiatum Host., Mon., p. 182, figs. 152, 155, 156, 170
(1875). Plasmodium pale yellow, among dead fir and oak leaves,
and stripped bark. Total height 0'7 to 1 mm. Sporangia sub-
globose, flattened or umbilicate beneath, stalked or sessile, smooth
or somewhat wrinkled and rimose, 0'7 to 1*2 mm. diam., pale grey
or brownish or red-brown, crowded or scattered; sporangium-wall
breaking irregularly above, occasionally dehiscing from the naked
globose mass of spores in re volute lobes, cartilaginous, obscurely
granular, with a membranous inseparable inner layer. Stalk
short, 0*2 to 0'5 rum. high, thick, yellowish-brown, charged
throughout with white lime-deposits. Columella hemispherical
or subglobose, 0*5 mm. diam., densely calcareous. Capillitium
abundant, dark violet-brown, radiating from the columella in
somewhat rigid threads, sparingly branched except at the colour-
less extremities, usually roughened with minute wart-like thicken-
ings ; rarely pale, delicate, and flexuose. Spores dark violet-brown,
closely and minutely spinulose, 9 to 12 /A diam. Cooke, Myx. Brit.,
p. 40; Blytt, Bidr. Norg., Sop. iii. (1892), p. 6; Mass., Mon.

84 ENDOSPORE^E. [CHONDRIODERMA.

p. 200. Lycoperdon radiatum Linn., Sp. PL, ed. 2, p. 1654 (1763).
Diderma umbilicatum Pers., Syn., p. 165; Engl. FL, v., p. 310.
Didymium stellare Schrad., Nov. PI. Gen., p. 25 (1797). Leangium
steliare Link, in Berlin Ges. Nat. Fr. Mag., iii., p. 26 ; Rost., in
Fuckel, Symb. Myc., Nachtr. 2, p. 72. Diderma Carmichcelianum
Berk., Engl. Fl., v., p. 311. Chondrioderma Carmickcelianum
Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 42 ; Mass., Mon., p. 202 (in part).

Plate XXXIII. , B. a. sporangia, x 20 ; Z>. capillitmm and spores, x
280 ; c. spore, x 600 (England).

The development of lime varies in different gatherings and often in
individuals of the same cluster ; instead of the wall being obscurely
granular, as is usually the case, it may be loaded with white granules,
or these may be partially present, forming a white cap to a dark
sporangium, or the sporangia may be dark brown with little or no
deposit of lime in the wall. American specimens received from
Dr. Rex differ from the European in the colourless flexuose capillitium
and the more ovoid columella. C. roaneme is describedas a new species
by Dr. Rex (Proc. Acad. N. Sc. Phil., 1893, p. 368) ; the sporangia
are umber-brown, resembling in this respect the dark forms of
C. radiatum occasionally met with at Lyme Regis, but they are much
depressed and almost orbicular in shape ; the columella is convex and
pale ochraceous ; the short stalks are black ; the capillitium is colour-
less, of the same character as in the American specimens of C. radiatum
the spores are similar to those of the latter species. It appears to be
represented by a single gathering from Roan Mountain, Tennessee,
and is allied to C. radiatum, as pointed out by Dr. Rex, who adds :
" It differs from the other discoidal or orbicular species in the dark
chestnut umber colour, its well-marked discoidal columella and jet-
black irregular stipe." Until further gatherings are obtained to esta-
blish the constancy of the form, C. roanense may be regarded as a variety
of C. radiatum.

Hal). On bark, twigs, etc. Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.62) ;
Boynton, Yorkshire (B. M. 1063) ; Poland (Strassb. Herb.) ; Norway
(B. M. 531) ; Italy (B. M. 532) ; Virginia (L:B.M.62).

12. C. rugosum Rex, in Proc. Acad. N. Sc. Phil. 1893, p. 369.
Plasmodium grey. Total height 0'7 to 1 rnni. Sporangia subglobose
or hemispherical, stipitate, scattered, 0*5 to 0'6 mm. diam.,
greyish -white, brown at the base, reticulated with wrinkles " which
divide the wall into 25 to 30 irregularly polyhedral portions";
sporangium-wall single, papyraceous, with scanty deposits of lime
in minute, scattered, angular fragments. Stalk subulate, 0*4 to
0'6mm. high, furrowed, black. Columella clavate, about half the
height of the sporangium, rugose, chalky or yellowish-white.
Capillitium of delicate colourless threads, sparingly anastomosing
and branching towards the tips. Spores violet-brown, minutely
warted, 9 ^ diam.

Plate XXXIV., A. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. capillitium, with fragment of
sporangium- wall and spores, x 280 ; c. spore, x 600 (United Staces).

This species is, as stated by Dr. Rex, allied to C. radiatum ; it has
been found once in considerable abundance at Cranberry, N. Carolina.

Hal. On moss, etc. N. Carolina (L:B.M.63),

CHONDRIODERMA.] PHYSARACE^. 85

13. C. floriforme Rost,, Mon., p. 184 (1875). Plasmodium
greyish-white. Total height 1 to 2 mm. Sporangia globose,
stipitate, erect, smooth, crowded, 0*8 mm. diam., varying from
white to ochraceous-brown; sporangium -wall splitting into several
revolute petal-like lobes, ochraceous-brown on the inner side,
cartilaginous, obscurely granular, with an inseparable mem-
branous inner layer. Stalk equal, furrowed, 0'5 to 1 mm. long,
O15 nim. thick, ochraceous-brown, rising from a strongly developed
common hypothallus. Columella ovoid or hemispherical, brown,
densely calcareous. Capillitium of slender, sparingly branching
threads, with scattered bead-like thickenings, thicker and anasto-
mosing at the base, dark violet-brown. Spores red violet-brown,
with wielely separated obtuse warts, 9 to 11 p. diam. Cooke, Myx.
Brit., p. 41 ; Mass., Mon., p. 198; Mac-bride, in Bull. Nat. Hist.
loAva, ii., p. 149. Spha&ocarpus floriformis Bull., Champ., p. 142,
t. 371 (1791). Diderma floriforme Pers., in Rom., N. Mag. Bot.,
i., p. 89 (1794). Leangiumflorijorme Link, in Berlin Ges. Nat. Fr.
Mag., iii.,p. 26; Rost., in Fuckel, Symb. Myc., Nachtr. 2, p. 73.

Plate XXXIV., B. a. sporangia moist and un expanded, x 20; b. sporangia
dry and expanded, x 20 ; c. capillitium and spores, x 280 ; d. spore, x 61)0
(England) ; e. sporangia expanded and showing clavate columellae. x 20
(United States).

The red-brown spores with scattered warts distinguish this species
from all forms of C. radiatum.

Nab. In crevices at the base of oak stumps, etc. Epping Forest,
Essex (L:B.M.G4) ; Germany (B. M. 533) : Ohio (L:B.M.64) ; Iowa
(B. M. 817) ; S. Carolina (B. M. 925).

14. C. Hookeri Lister. Plasmodium? Sporangia subglobose,
stipitate, erect, gregarious, 1 mm. diam., rufous with a slight
iridescent lustre ; sporangium- wall of two layers, the outer car-
tilaginous, purplish-brown, closely combined with the colourless
inner layer. Stalk equal from a broader base, furrowed, O7 mm.
high, purplish-brown, densely charged with lime. Columella
cylindrical, obtuse, rugose with the expanded bases of the capilli-
tium, O4 mm. high, O17 mm. thick, purplish -brown, densely
charged with lime. Capillitium of lax branching anel anastomosing
threads, nearly equal in breadth throughout, 2 /x, diam., colourless
or pale violet. Spores dark purple-brown, spinose, 13 to 15 p
diam. Diderma Hookeri Berk., in Fl. Nov. Zel., p. 191 (1855).
Lamproderma Hookeri Rost., Mon., App., p. 24. Diachcea
Hookeri Mass., Mon.., p. 260.

Plate XXXV., A. a. remains of sporangia, on fern frond, natural size ;
b. stalk and columella, x 20 ; c. capillitium. with portion of columella,
containing lime-granules, x 280 ; d. spore, x 600 (New Zealand).

This is represented by a single gathering, and appears to have been
in imperfect preservation when first examined by Berkeley. Rostafmski
writes that it was in an injured state when seen by him ; probably it
was then in much the same condition as at the present time. The speci-
men consists of a considerable number of sporangia on a frond of
Hymenophyllum, but little remains beyond the stalks and columellae

86 ENDOSPORE.E. [CHONDRIODERMA.

with the bases of the sporangium-walls ; they had, apparently, been
exposed to weather before gathering, as the tangle of capillitium, where
any remains, is closely wound about the coluonella, as if from the effect
of rain. From the structure of the sporangium- wall and capillitium
Berkeley was clearly right in placing it as a Diderma. The substance
of the outer layer is very similar to that of C. Sauteri, and there is a
strong resemblance to that species in the large spinose spores and the
pale, rather broad threads of the wavy capillitium ; it differs in the
presence of the stalk and cylindrical columella, which contain dense
deposits of lime extending for some distance into the hypothallus.

Hob. On Hymenophyllum. New Zealand (K. 1559, L:B.M.65 slide).

15. C. lucidum Oooke, Myx. Brit., p. 42 (1877). Plasmodium ?
Sporangia subglobos'e, sessile or occasionally stipitate, scattered,
0'7 mm. diam., bright reddish-yellow, shilling, dehiscing in more
or less petal oid lobes ; sporangium- wall of two layers without
deposits of lime, the outer cartilaginous, closely combined with
the membranous inner layer. Stalk very short, 1 mm. high, in
one instance 3 mm. high, brown, slender. Columella irregularly
globose, 0*35 mm. diam., seated on a narrow stalk, rugose and
pitted, ochraceous. Capillitium not abundant, of irregular purple-
brown threads 2 to 5 ^ diam., branching and anastomosing, with
wide expansions at the axils. Spores dark purple-brown, closely
spinulose, 12 to 14 /x diam. Mass., Mon.. p. 204. Diderma lucidum
Berk. & Br., in Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist.,'ser. 3, vii., p. 380 (1861).
Chondrioderma Carmickcelianum, Mass., Mon., p. 202 (in part).

Plate XXX \ 7 '., A. e. sporangia, x 20 ; /. broken sporangium showing
stalked columella, from mounting in glycerine, x 20 ; g. capillitium and
spores, x 280 ; li. spore, x 600 (Trefriw, Wales).

In Berkeley's description of this species (I.e.) two localities are given :
Trefriw, Wales, and Cumberland. Examples of the former gathering
are met with in Broome's coll. (B. M. 25), named " Diderma lucidum" and
in Berkeley's collection at Kew, named " Diderma CarmicliaeHanum,
ex Herb. Broome ' : (K. 353). From the irregular character of the
capillitium, and the absence of lime-deposits in the sporangium-wall
and columella, it is possible that this is not a normal development, but
an unusual form of some other known species.

Hal. On moss. Trefriw, Wales (B. M. 25).

SPECIES NOT MET WITH IN THE QUOTED COLLECTIONS.

16. C. fallax Host., Mon., p. 171 (1875). Sporangia seated 011
a common hypothallus, crowded, but not closely compacted,
sessile, globose, chalk- white ; columella either small flattened or
distinct ovate ; capillitium fasciculate below, becoming very
diffuse above, dull violet ; spores dull violet, strongly spinulose,
12 to 14 /x diam.

Hob. Near Salzburg, Tyrol (Sauter).
May not this be a form of C. globosum?

17. C. anomalum Host., Mon., p. 169. Plasmodiocarps venulose,
creeping, very convex, variously contorted, superficially minutely

CHONDRIODERMA.] PHYSARACE.E. 87

granular, brown below, colourless above ; columella strongly de-
veloped, following the windings of the plasmodiocarp, pale brown ;
capillitium of slender lax colourless threads combined into a dense
net ; spores nearly smooth 11 '6 to 13'8 /x, diam.

Hab. Kiew, Russia (Prof. Walza).

The colour of the spores is not given by Rostafinski. Except for
the large size of the spores this description applies nearly to C. reticu-
latum.

18. C physaroides Host., Mon., p. 170. Sporangia sessile,
irregularly rounded, 1 to 3 mm. diam., convex or somewhat
depressed, mutually compressed, chalk- white ; sporangium-wall
densely charged with lime; columella none, or inconspicuous,
depressed, dirty ochraceous ; capillitium inconspicuous, of delicate
slender hyaline threads combined into a net ; spores violaceous,
with scattered warts, 12'5 //, diam. C. deplanatum Host., Mon.,
App., p. 17.

Hab. The specimen described was gathered near Geneva by De
Candolle (father and son).

This description does not correspond with that of Didcrma depla-
natum Fr., which is given by Rostafiuski as a synonym.

19. C. Friesianum Host., Mon., p. 173. Sporangia sessile,
hemispherical, depressed, snow-white from the abundant deposits
of lime ; when the outer wall has fallen away, ash-grey ; columella
distinct, lenticular, depressed, yellowish or flesh-coloured ; capilli-
tium well-developed, colourless, the threads combined into a net ;
spores pale violet, smooth, 8 p diam. Very nearly allied to
C. Michelii.

Hab. Muenchau, near Hattenheim (Fuckel).

Sessile forms of C. Michelii agree with this description.

20. C. calcareum Host., in Fuckel, Symb., Nachtr., p. 74 (1873).
Sporangia sessile, depressed, irregularly angled, forming vein-like
plasmodiocarps, chalk-white ; outer sporangium-wall shell-like,
brittle, easily falling away, the inner wall appearing violet-black
from the colour of the spores seen through its transparent
membrane ; columella inconspicuous, depressed, ochre-yellow ;
capillitium abundant, of dull violet threads branched and forked,
combined into a net ; spores delicately warted, 9*2 to 11 '5 /x, diam.
Mon., p. 179.

Hab. Glacko (Link), Schendau (Schmidt), Fuckel.
There can be little doubt from the description that this species is a
form of Did >j in i tan cliff or me with abundant dark capillitium.

21. C. vaccinum Host., Mon., p. 180, Sporangia sessile, globose,
depressed, the outer wall shell-like, leather-coloured; the inner
transparent, iridescent ; columella large, distinct, dusky ; capilli-
tium of delicate, colourless, simple threads ; spores dull brownish
violet, warted, 10'S to 11 '6 //. diam. The outer sporangium-wall is

88 ENDOSPOKELE. [CHONDRIODERMA.

wrinkled and irregularly reticulated, brownish-yellow ; the inner
colourless; the large columella is filled with crystalline deposits
of lime.

Hob. On fallen branches of Opuntia. Algiers (Durieu).
This description applies to a dark form of C. testaceum.

22. C. Stahlii Host., Mon., p. 185. Sporangia spherical, slightly
flattened at the base, either dull, brownish -white, or shining arid
dull brown ; dehiscing either by a round central opening, or by
an oblong fissure, or irregularly ; stalk brown, shining ; columella
entirely wanting ; capillitium of dull violet threads 1'2 to 2'3 p
thick, at first simple, branching several times towards the tips,
but not uniting into a net ; spores pale violet, faintly waited,
9 '2 /A diam.

Hob. Near Strassburg (Dr. Stahl).

This description suggests a form of C. radiatum, in which the
columella varies in shape and size.

23. C. leptotrichum Racib., in Rozpr. Mat.-Przyr. Akad.
Krak., xii., p. 75 (1884). Sporangia vein-like, or irregular,
flattened ; sporangium-wall simple, covered with small calcareous
scales ; columella none ; capillitium of delicate threads 0'83 ^
diam., forming a flaccid dense net, which can easily be drawn out
of the plasrnodiocarp ; spores blackish-brown, 12 - 5 to 13 '2 ^
diam., minutely warted.

Hob. Near Cracow, Poland.

The scaly wall of this species suggests that it may be a plasmodiocarp
form of Didymium squamulosum.

24. C. exiguum Racib., in Hedw., xxviii., p. 118 (1889).
Sporangia minute, stipitate, 0'3 to 0'4 mm. diam., hemispherical,
flattened beneath, grey, iridescent ; stalk once or twice the height
of the sporangium, very slender, furrowed, narrower and curved
above, yellow, without deposits of lime ; sporangium- wall simple,
with little lime, persistent and yellow beneath, hyaline and
breaking irregularly above ; capillitium of slender hyaline threads
0-4 fj, wide, branched and anastomosing, expanded at the axils,
but without lime deposits ; spores violet, minutely warted, 7 to 8 //,
diam. Resembling certain species of Tilmadoche, of which it may
be a form with little lime.

Hal). On bark. Near Cracow.

The description applies to Pkysarum nutans v. violascens.

25. C. simplex Schroeter, Krypt. Fl. Schles., in., p. 123 (1885).
Sporangia globose, somewhat depressed, solitary ; sporangium-
wall simple, brittle, bright chocolate-brown ; columella wanting ;
capillitium radiating, repeatedly branched, violet ; spores violet,
smooth, 7 to 9 //, diam.

Hal). On old stumps. Fiirstenstein, Silesia.

TRICHAMPHORA.] PHTSARACE^. 89

26. C. mutabile Schroeter, I.e., p. 123. Sporangia sessile, irre-
gular in shape, hemispherical, depressed, or curved and elongated

1 to 3 mm. long, 1 mm. broad ; sporangium-wall shell-like, brittle,
clear greyish-brown ; columella strongly developed, following the
shape of the plasmodiocarp, bright red-brown ; capillitium of
slender violet threads, with scattered knot -like thickenings ;
spores dark violet, spinulose, 11 to 14 /x diam.

Hob. On dead wood. Oppeln, Silesia.

This description applies to C. mveum v. deplanatum.

27. C. ochraceum Schroeter, I.e., p. 124. Sporangia sessile,
globose, or half-ring shaped, 1 to 2 mm. long, 1 mm. broad,
crowded ; the outer sporangium- wall ochre-brown, opaque, break-
ing up irregularly, the inner delicate, colourless; columella
wanting; capillitium well-developed, of smooth violet threads

2 to 3 /x diam., branching and combined into a dense net; spores
dark violet, faintly warted, 9 to 11 /x diam.

Hab. On liverwort. Riesengebirge, Silesia.
The description suggests a form of C. testaccum.

SPECIES EXCLUDED FROM THE GENUS.

C. Alexandrowiczii Host. = Didymium squamulosum Fr.

C. Berkeleyi Host. = Trichamphora pezizoidea Jungh.

C. Cookei Host. = Didymium squamulosum Fr.

C. dijforme Host. = Didymium difforme Duby.

C. liceoides Host. = Didymium difforme Duby.

C. Mueller i Host. = Trichamphora pezizoidea Jungh.

C. pezizoides Host. = Trichamphora jiezizoidea Jungh.

G. Zeylanicum Rost. = Trichamphora pezizoidea Jungh.

Genus 10. TRICHAMPHORA Junghuhn, Fl. Crypt. Jav.,
p. 12 (1838). Sporangia discoid or saucer-shaped, stipitate ;
sporangium-wall membranous with evenly distributed deposits of
innate lime-granules. Capillitium of colourless branching threads,
without lime.

1. T. pezizoidea Jungh., I.e. (1838). Plasmodium ? Total height
1 to 2 '5 mm. Sporangia discoid or saucer-shaped, stipitate, erect
or somewhat inclined, scattered, 0-8 to 1'3 mm. broad, 0'2 to O4
mm. thick, pale grey ; sporangium-wall membranous, with thin
innate deposits of lime equally distributed, breaking up into
areolre and remaining attached to the capillitium after the dis-
persion of the spores. Stalk subulate, longitudinally striate,
orange-red, translucent. Columella none. Capillitium of branch-
ing, anastomosing colourless threads, with broad expansions at the
axils and at the attachment to the sporangium-wall, without lime-
knots. Spores dull violet-brown, more or less spinulose, 9 to 15
//, diam. Chondrioderma pezizoides Rost., Mon., p. 424, fig. 122.
Physarum Muetteri Berk., M.S. in Herb. Chondrioderma Mueller i

90 ENDOSPORE^J. [DIACH^A.

Rost., Mon., App., p. 15. Didymiwn, Zeylanicwm Berk. & Br.,
in Linn. Journ., xiv., p. 84 ; Mass., Mon., p. 240. Chondrioderma
Zeylanicum Rost., Mon., App., p. 15. Chondrioderma Berkeley -
anum Rost., Mon., App., p. 16 ; Mass., Mon., p. 214. Iricham-
phora Fuckeliana Rost., in Fuckel, Symb. Myc., Nachtr. 2, p. 71 ;
Mon., p. 138. Badhamia Fuckeliana Rost., Mon., App., p. 2 ;
Mass., Mon., p. 321. Didymium australis Mass., Mon., p. 237.

Plate XXXV., B. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. capillitium, with fragment of
sporangium- wall and spores, x 280 ; c. spore, x 600 (Australia).

The fine specimen from Sumatra in the Leyden Herb., covering an
area of six inches on a frond of Selaginella stipidata, a part of which,
through the kindness of Dr. Boerlage, is in this collection (L:B.M.67),
may be taken as a type of this interesting species. From the unique
characters of the sporangium and capillitium, it deserves to retain the
generic position assigned to it by Junghuhn in describing the original
Java specimen. Examination of the scanty remains of that gathering
at Strassburg and at Leyden, and of the types of Physarum Muelleri
Berk, from Queensland and Ceylon (K. 1433 and 1432), also of
Didymiwn Zeylanicum Berk. & Br. from Ceylon (B. M. 576), and of
Didymium australis Mass, from Brisbane (K. 1491), shows that they
all possess the characters given above, and are consequently included
under T. pezizoidea. The specimen marked Physarum macrocarpnn/
Ces., No. 1458, Fuckel F. Rhen. (B. M. 403), is a part of Rostafinski's
type of Badhamia Fuckeliana Rost., of which a fine example is in
Strassb. Herb. ; it is essentially identical with the Sumatra gathering of
T. pezizoidea. The type of Chondrioderma Berkeleyanuni Rost. from
Tahiti in the Kew collection (K. 1207A), marked in pencil by Berkeley
Trichamphora pezizoidea Jungh., differs from Fuckel's gathering only
in the darker and more strongly spinose spores ; the number of spines
on the hemisphere is the same in each ; in the Sumatra specimen the
spores are intermediate in colour and in the strength of the spines,
while in the Brisbane specimen the spores are nearly smooth. This
varying character is not sufficient to raise the Tahiti gathering to the
rank of a distinct species. A fine growth from Borneo has dark
spinose spores 15 /x diam.

Hal>. On dead wood, leaves, etc. Germany (B. M. 403) ; Natal
(K. 376) ; Ceylon (B. M. 576) ; Java (Strassb. Herb.) ; Sumatra
(L:B.M.67) ; Borneo (L:B.M.67) ; Queensland (L:B.M.67) ; Tahiti
(K. 1207).

Genus 11. DIACKffiA Fries, Syst. Orb. Veg., i., p. 143
(1825). Sporangium-wall hyaline, iridescent, without deposits
of lime. Stalk and columella charged with granules of lime.
Capillitium a profuse network of purplish threads, without lime-
knots.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF DIACH^EA.

Liine in stalk and columella white.

Spores nearly smooth. 1. 1). elegans

Spores tuberculated. 2. D. splendens

Lirne in stalk and columella orange. 3. D. Thomasii

DIACH.EA.] PHTSARACE.E. 91

1. Diachaea elegans Fries, I.e. (1825). Plasmodinm opaque
white. Total height 1 to 1 - 3 mm. Sporangia cylindrical, obtuse
or subglobose, stipitate, erect, gregarious, 0'7 mm. high by O25
mm. broad, deep iridescent blue; sporangium-wall membranous,
hyaline. Stalk stout, brittle, furrowed, one-third or one-half the
height of the sporangium, broad at the base, rising from a well
developed hy pot hall us, densely charged with round lime-granules
2 to 4 /x cliam., snow-white. Columella cylindrical, narrowed
upwards, reaching half-way or nearly to the apex of the sporan-
gium, white, densely charged with lime. Capillitium of profusely
branched and anastomosing threads connecting the columella
with the sporangium-wall, dark violet-brown, colourless at the
extremities. Spores dull violet, minutely spinulose, 7 to 9 /x diam.

Fr., Syst. Myc., iii., 156 ; Berk., in Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist.,
ser. 1, i., p. 257 ; Cooke, Handb., p. 395. Trichia leucopoda Bull.,
Champ., p. 121, t 502, fig. 2. Diachcea leucopoda Rost., Mon.,
p. 190, fig. 178; Cooke, Myx. Brit,, p. 44 ; Ma>s.. Mon., p. 259.
D. confiisa Mass., Mon., p. 259. Didymiwm bulbillosum Berk. &
Br., in Linn. Journ., xiv., p. 84.

Plate XXXVI., A. a. sporangia, x 20; b. capillitium and spores, x 280;
c. spore, x 600 (England).

The type specimen of D. confusfi Mass., from Jamaica, does not
appear to differ from D. elegans ; the spores measure 7 to 8 ft, the
usual size in that species ; they are free except when combined in
masses by mould. The type specimen of !)'/<! i/m tnm bulbillosum IBerk.
& Br., from Ceylon (B. M. ;V.i*J), is a form of D. </<-;/<ms with globose
sporangia ; the lime in the stalk is in the form of angular lumps, while
the columella is without lime ; the spores are more spinulose than in
typical D. </< f/<n)x. but not tuberculated as in D. splendens.

Hab. On dead leaves. Wanstead, Essex (L:B.M. 06) ; France (Paris
Herb.) ; Germany (B. M. 580) ; Poland (Strassb. Herb.) ; Bohemia
(B. M. 584) ; Natal (K. 433) ; India (B. M. 590) ; Ceylon (B. M. 592) ;
Ohio (L:B.M.6G) ; S. Carolina (B. M. 848) ; Cuba (K. 438) ; Jamaica
(Herb. Massee) ; Chili (Strassb. Herb.) ; Paraguay (Paris Herb.).

2. D. splendens Peck, in Rep. N. York Mus. Nat. Hist., xxx.,
p. 50 (1878). Similar to the globose form of D. elegans, except
that the spores are provided with dark raised bands and
tubercles. Mass., Mon., p. 261 ; Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist.
Iowa, ii., p. 143.

Plate XXXVI., A..d. sporangia, x 20 ; c. capillitium and spores, x 280 ;
f. spores, x 600 (United States).

Hab. On dead leaves. Massachusetts, U.S.A. (L:B.M.69) ; Iowa
(L:B.M.69).

3. D. Thomasii Rex, in Proc. Acad. N. Sc. Phil. (1892), p. 329.
Plasmodium rich yellow. Sporangia globose, shortly stalked or
sessile, scattered or crowded on a common orange hypothallus,
0*6 to 0'7 mm. diam., iridescent copper-coloured or violet-blue ;
sporangium-wall membranous, hyaline. Stalk short, stout, rich
orange, densely charged with orange lime-granules. Columella

92 ENDOSPORE^E. [DIACH.EA.

stout, conical, or shortly cylindrical, densely charged with orange
lime-granules. Capillitium radiating from all parts of the
colurnella, composed of rather rigid violet-brown threads, branch-
ing and anastomosing, tapering to the hyaline extremities. Spores
olive- coloured, marked with small scattered warts, and four to
eight prominences, each of which a high magnifying power resolves
into a compact cluster of minute warts, 9 to 1 1 /x diam.

Plate XXXVI., B. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. capillitium and spores, x 280 ;
c. spores, x 600 (North Carolina, U.S.A.) ; d. sporangia, x 20 ; e. colurnella
and capillitium, x 50 ; /. spore, x 600 (Killary, U.S.A.).

The specimen figured (Plate XXXVI., B, d-f) was received from
Prof. Farlow, and is part of a gathering by Prof. Thaxter, Killery,
U.S.A. The sporangia are sessile, subcylindrical, crowded and some-
what angled by mutual pressure, iridescent, rising from an opaque
ochraceous common hypothallus, which extends into a membranous
pellicle ; the sporangium-wall is persistent, membranous, hyaline or
dull purple at the base ; the columella is a narrow, membranous,
wrinkled tube, dirty ochraceous or brown, reaching nearly to the apex
of the sporangium, empty above, with scanty deposits of lime some-
times present in the lower part ; the capillitium and spores are as in
D. Thomasii. Prof. Farlow has gathered this form more than once,
growing in tufts, on moss, always in poor condition, bat with the
ochraceous hypothallus, narrow columella, and capillitium and spores
similar to those in the gathering by Prof. Thaxter. A portion of
Prof. Thaxter' s specimen was submitted to Dr. Rex, who states that
it is the same species as one described by Dr. Sturgis as Comatricha
ccespitosa n. sp. in Bot. Gazette, xviii., p. 186 (1893). The mem-
branous columella almost free from lime, resembling some Ceylon
specimens of D. elegans, and the opaque ochraceous hypothallus, mark
the species as distinct from any of the Stemonitacece ; on the other
hand, it so closely resembles D. Thomasii that it appears to be a form
of that species, though less perfectly developed than the type.

Hal). On bark and moss. N. Carolina (L:B.M.70).

SPECIES NOT MET WITH IN THE QUOTED COLLECTIONS.

4. D. subsessilis Peck, Rep. N. York Mus. Nat. Hist., xxxi.,
p. 41. Sporangia gregarious or crowded, subglobose, sessile or
with very short white stalks; sporangium- wall delicate, iridescent;
columella obsolete ; capillitium and spores violet -brown ; spores
globose, rough, 10 to 12 /x diam.

Hab. On fallen leaves. Adirondack Mts., N.Y.

The spores of this species, according to Dr. Rex, are marked with
diffusely branched rows of minute papillae, ranged side by side in a
moniliform manner, and forming either a complete or broken reticu-
lation. (See Rex, in Proc. Acad. N. Sc. Phil., 1893, p. 368.)

SPECIES EXCLUDED FROM THE GENUS.

Diachcea Hookeri Mass. = Chondrioderma Hookeri List.

DIDYMIUM.] DIDYMIACE-E.

Order II. DIDYMIACE.E. Deposits of lime in crystals or
crystalline discs distributed over the sporangium-wall ; capillitium
without lime-knots; sporangia simple, except in Spv.ma.Tia, where
they are combined into an sethalium.

KEY TO THE GENERA OF DIDYMIACE^E.

Lime-crystals stellate, distributed over the sporangium -wall.

(12) DIDYMIUM.

Fig. 20. Didymium cffusum Link.

a. Two sporangia, one entire, the other showing

columella and capillitium. Magnified 12
times.

b. Capillitium and fragment of sporangium-

wall, with crystals of calcium carbonate
and two spores. Magnified 200 times.

Fig. 20.

Lime-crystals heaped together, at first concealing the confluent
hollow sporangia.

(13) SPUMARIA.

Fig. 21. Spumaria alba DC.

a. ^thalium. Natural size.

b. Capillitium and fragment of sporangium-wall,

with crystals of calcium carbonate and
two spores. Magnified 200 times.

a

Fig. 21.

Lime-crystals lenticular, marked with radiating strire, scattered
over the sporangium- wall.

(14) LEPIDODERMA.

Fig. 22. Lepidodevma tiyrinum Host.

a. Sporangium. Magnified 6 times.

b. Capillitium and spores. Magnified 140 times.

Fig. 22.

Genus 12. DIDYMIUM Schrader, Nov. Gen. Plant., p. 20
(1797). Sporangia stalked, sessile, or plasmodiocarps, not
forming an sethalium ; sporangium-wall membranous, beset with

94 ENDOSPORE^E. [DIDYMIUM.

superficial crystals of lime either scattered over the surface or
combined into a separable crust ; capillitium of branching threads,
which are often thickened at intervals with dark calyciform
nodes, without lime-knots.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF DIDYMIUM.

A. Superficial crystals closely combined to form a thin shell-like

crust :
Capillitium scanty, usually broad at the base.

1. D. diffbrme
Capillitium profuse, slender at the extremities.

2. D. dubium

B. Superficial crystals scattered or loosely combined :-

A. Plasmodiocarps, capillitium associated with large, olive-

coloured vesicles. 3. D. Serpula

B. Sporangia usually stalked, capillitium without large

vesicles

a. Sporangia disc-shaped, columella absent. 4. D. Clavus

b. Sporangia subglobose

Stalk and columella dark brown, stalk opaque and
granular. 5. D . farinaceum

Stalk olive-brown or orange, hornclear.

6. D. nigripes

Stalk and columella white ; crystals on sporangium-
. wall scattered or forming a wrinkled crust.

7. D. effusum

Coltimella nearly white, stalk when present mem-
branous ; crystals on sporangium-wall forming
a smooth, thick, deciduous envelope enclosing the
pale membranous stalk. 8. D. crustaceum

1. D. difforme Duby, Bot. Gall.,ii.,p. 858 (1830). Plasmodium
colourless or pale yellow. Sporangia pulvinate en a broad base
or irregularly elongated and forming plasmodiocarps, scattered,
0-4 to 2 mm. or more long, smooth, white ; sporangium-wall of
two layers, the outer a thin crust of densely combined minute
crystals of lime, separating from the iridescent membranous
inner layer, which is purplish or nearly colourless above, stout
and yellowish-brown at the base, thickened at the margin.
Columella none. Capillitium often very scanty, of coarse or
delicate, purple or colourless, flattened threads, usually broad at
the base, branching dichotomously and slender above. Spores
dark purple-brown, faintly warted, 11 to 14 /JL diam. Diderma
diffbrme Pers., Disp. Meth., p. 9 (1797). Chondrioderma diffbrme
Rost., in Fuckel, Symb., Nachtr., p. 73; Mon., p. 177; Cooke,
Myx. Brit., p. 39 ; Lister, in Ann. Bot., vol. iv., No. xiv., p. 282

DIDYMIUM.] DIDYMIACE.E. 95

Mass., Hon., p. 212; Blytt, Bidr. K. Norg., Sop. iii. (1892), p. 6.
Didymium Libertianum de Bary, Mycetozoa, p. 124. Diderma
liceoides, Fr., Syst. Myc., iii., p. 107. Licea macrospora Schwein.,
in Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. (1834), p. 258. Chondrioderma liceoides
Host., Mon., App., p. 17 ; Mass., Mon., p. 215.

Plate XXXVII. , A. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. capillitium attached to the
sporangium-wall, which shows the thickened margin of the base passing into
the membranous upper wall, x 280 ; c. portion of the crystalline crust of
lime, x 280; d. delicate capillitium, x 280; e. spore, x 600 (England).

This species is removed from Chondrioderma, where it was placed
by Rostafinski, on account of the crystalline character of the lime
forming the outer crust of the sporangium- wall. It is to be regretted
that there is no type of C. calcareum Host, in Strassb, Herb., for the
description in Rostafioski's Monograph answers well for the forms
of D. difforme with well developed capillitium ; as the latter species is
given by Rostafinski as being almost destitute of capillitium, it is
possible that C. calcareum is not entitled to specific rank. The type
specimen of Chondrioderma liceoides Rost. (K. 1206) from the Schweinitz
Herb., marked Licea macrospora by Schweinitz, is Didymium difforh ;
the structure of the sporangium-wall and the characters of the capil-
litium and spores are quite typical.

Hab. On dead leaves and herbaceous stems. "Wanstead, Essex
(L:B.M.71) ; Welshpool, Montgomery (B. M. 1062) ; France (K. 386) ;
Germany (B. M. 507, 521, 524, 529): Belgium (K. 401); Italy
(B. M. 527) ; India (K. 1466) ; Seychelles (K. 1467) ; Carolina (K. 1206).

2. D. dubium Rost., Mon., p. 152 (1875). Plasmodium watery
.white, among dead leaves. Sporangia rounded or irregular plas-
modiocarps, depressed, solitary, 1 to 12 mm. broad, - 13 mm.
thick ; sporangium-wall of two layers, the outer consisting of
large stellate crystals combined to form a fragile uneven crust,
more or less attached to the delicate membranous inner layer.
Coluniella none. Capillitium of profuse, rigid, erect, dark purplish-
brown threads, anastomosing chiefly above and below, and at-
tached at either end by colourless slender branches to the
sporangium-wall. Spores violet-grey, spinulose or nearly smooth,
8 to 15 /x diam. Cooke, Myx. Brit., fig. 167 ; Lister, in Journ.
Bot. (1891), p. 261 ; Mass., Mon., p. 246. Didymium Listeri
Mass., Mon., p. 244.

Plate XXXVII., B. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b, c, d, e. various forms of
capillitium, and spores, x 280 ; /. fragment of sporangium- wall, showing
the crystalline outer layer, x 280 ; g. spore, x 600 (England).

This species is abundant at Lyme Regis, where it presents consider-
able variation. In many gatherings the spores are nearly smooth,
measuring 8 to 10 /n diam., in others spinulose, 12 to 15 p diam. ; the
capillitium may differ from the usual form in being flexuose with
bead-like or irregular thickenings and with short free branches. Speci-
mens submitted to Rostafinski are pronounced by him t be distinct
from the original Hauenstein gathering in having smoother spores and
rrtore slender capillitium without thickenings ; considering the varia-
tion mentioned above, these distinctions cannot be accepted as sufficient
to mark the Lyme Regis form as a distinct species.

Hab, On dead leaves. Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.72)

96 ENDOSPORE.E. [DIDYMIUM.

3. D. Serpula Fries, Syst. Myc., iii., p. 126 (1829). Plasmodium
lemon-yellow, among dead leaves. Sporangia depressed effused plas-
modiocarps, 2 to 8 mm. broad, O'l to 0'15 mm. thick, or perforated
and net-like, or vermiform, grey ; sporangium-wall membranous,
colourless, with scattered superficial stellate crystals of lime.
Columella none. Capillitium of very slender, somewhat branching
and anastomosing, pale violet threads, connected with numerous
subglobose vesicles 20 to 50 ^ diam. filled with yellow, obscurely
granular matter. Spores pale violet-brown, minutely warted,
7 to 9 fj. diam. Host., Mon., App., p. 21. Lycoperdon compla-
natum Batsch, Elench. Fung., Cont. i., p. 251 (1786). Didymium
complanatum Host., Mon., p. 151 ; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 30.

Plate XXXVIII., A. a. plasmodiocarp, x 2 ; I. section of the same,
showing the capillitinm and large vesicles, x 80 \ c. capillitium and spores,
x 280 ; d. spore, x 600 (England).

The drawing of the capillitium in Mr. Massee's Monograph (fig. 56)
does not represent the characteristic vesicles of D. Serpula, and the
specimens from Kew, Batheaston, and Carlisle quoted by him (p. 234)
are plasmodiocarp forms of D. effusum, which D. Serpula superficially
resembles. These vesicles are frequently traversed by the capillitium
threads, and are apparently formed later ; they are minutely warted,
like the spores.

Hob. On dead leaves. Lyme Regis (L:B.M.73) ; Freiburg, Ger-
many (L:B.M.73) ; Germany (B. M. 534, Strassb. Herb.) ; America
(L:B.M. 73).

4. D. Clavus Host., Mon., p. 153 (1875). Plasmodium grey.
Total height 0'4 to O'Smm. Sporangium disc-shaped on a central
stalk, erect, scattered, 0'7 to 1 mm. diam., 0'2 mm. thick, greyish-
white ; sporangium -wall membranous, more or less spotted with
reddish-brown above, and beset with superficial clusters of stellate
crystals of lime, thicker and brown at the base. Stalk cylindrical,
longitudinally striate, pale brown or black. Columella none,
or represented only by the thickened base of the sporangium.
Capillitium profuse, of sparingly branched colourless or purple-
brown threads. Spores pale violet-brown, almost smooth, 6 to 8
/, diam. Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 30; Mass., Mon., p. 230; Blytt,
Bidr. K. Norg., Sop. iii. (1892), p. 6. Physarum Clavus Alb. &
Schw., Consp. Fung., No. 267 (1805). Didymium melanopus ft
Clavus Fr., Syst. Myc., iii., p. 114. Didymium neglectum Mass.,
Mon., p. 231. Didymium commutabile Berk. & Br., in Journ.
Linn. Soc., xiv., p. 83 ; Host., Mon., App., p. 21. Didymium
radiatum Mass., Mon., p. 229 (in part).

Plate XXXVIII., B. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. capillitium attached above
and below to the sporangium-walls, with spores, x 280; c. spore, x 600
(England).

The characters of the type specimen of D. commutabile Berk. & Br.
(B. M. 537) agree in all respects with those of D. Clavus, except that
the stalk is 1*5 mm. long, and is encrusted with deposits of lime. The
type of D. neglectum Mass., from Philadelphia, growing with Physa-
rella mirabilis in Herb. Massee, is a slender form of D. Clavus : in all

DIDYMIUM.] DIDYMIACE.E. 97

the specimen? the upper wall is broken and the spores are shed, but
sufficient remains to indicate the discoid form of the sporangia ; the
sporangium- wall is faintly mottled with brown ; the capillitium is
delicate, the spores pale violet-brown, 5 to 6 /z diam.

Bab. On dead leaves, etc. Batheaston, Somerset (B. M. 80) ; Lyme
Regis. Dorset (L:B.M.74) ; Wanstead, Essex (L:B.M.74) ;' Germany
(Strassb. Herb.) ; Ceylon (B. M. 537) ; Philadelphia (L:B.M.74).

5. D. farinaceum Schrad., Nov. Gen. PI., p. 26 (1797). Plas-
modium grey, among dead leaves, on bark, etc. Total height
0*5 to 1 mm. Sporangia subglobose or hemispherical, deeply
umbilicate beneath, stipitate, gregarious, 0*6 to 1 mm. diam., or
nearly sessile and confluent, white or grey ; sporangium -wall firm,
mottled with purple-brown, beset with stellate crystals of lime.
Stalk cylindrical with a broad base, striate, dark brown, rarely
rufous, 0'2 to 0'7 nun. long, 0'05 to 0'2 mm. thick, opaque and
granular when mounted in glycerine. Columella large, hemi-
spherical, umbilicate, dark brown, chambered, containing coarse
granules of lime. Capillitium of stout or delicate, sparingly
branched or simple, more or less flexuose threads, colourless or
purplish-brown, with dark calyciform thickenings. Spores dark
purplish-brown or purplish-grey, with a thick spore-wall, nearly
smooth or spinose, 7 to 11 /x, diam. Host., Mon., p. 154; Cooke,
Myx. Brit., p. 31 ; Blytt, Bidr. K. Norg., Sop. iii. (1892), p. 7 ;
Macbricle, in Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 146 ; Mass., Mon.,
p. 219. Spumaria physaroides Pers., Syn. Fung., p. 163.
~Didymium physaroides Fr., Symb. Gast., p. 21 ; Host., Mon.,
p. 158 ; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 33; Mass., Mon., p. 233.

a. genuiimm: threads of capillitium 2 /x thick; spores 9 to 11
/A diam.

(3. minus : threads of capillitium 1 /x thick ; spores 7 to 9 /x
diam.

Plate XXXIX., A. a. sporangia a. genuinum, x 20; b. capillitium and
spores, with fragment of sporangium-wall and lime-crystal, x 280 ; c. spore,
x 600 (England) ; d. sporangia /3. minus, x 20 ; e. the same with heads
confluent ; /. capillitium and spores, x 280 (England).

Intermediate varieties uniting vars. /3 and a are so frequent that
the former cannot be regarded as a distinct species. It is, however,
very constant in its characters from different parts of the world, being
marked by the smaller size and delicate capillitium. It often bears a
considerable resemblance to D. nigripes, and is named D. microcarpum
Host, in some specimens in Strassb. Herb. ; the opaque granular stalk
distinguishes it from that species and its allies. Rostafinski's specimen
of D. physaroides in Strassb. Herb, appears to be an imperfect develop-
ment of D. farinaceum, as indicated by the spores, many of which are
abnormal in shape and size, 15 to 50 p. long, combined in agglutinated
masses, and by the capillitium, which contains vesicular expansions
filled with lime-granules such as are not unfrequent in imperfect growths
of Didymium ; the sporangia are mostly clustered and confluent, but
in some cases they are solitary ; the columella is dark b .-own and
chambered, and the sporangium-wall is mottled with purple-brown.

98 ENDOSPORE^;. [DIDYMIUM.

The specimens K. 471 to 474, called D. physaroides, differ in no
respect from the common, nearly sessile form of D. farinaceum ; with
a few exceptions the sporangia are confluent at their margins, but
confluent sporangia are often met with in D. farinaceum.

Bab. On dead leaves, bark, etc. Highgate, London (B. M. 1068) ;
a. and |8. Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.75) ; a. Ascot, Berks (B. M. 70) ;
a. France (K. 6) ; a. Germany (B. M. 422) ; a. Maine, U.S.A. (K. 487) ;
a. and /3. Ohio (L:B.M.75) ; a. S. Carolina (B. M. 889) ; /3. S. Carolina
(B. M. 893).

6. D, nigripes Fries, Sysfc. Myc., iii., p. 119 (1829). Plas-
modium grey, among dead leaves. Total height 1 to 1 '5 mm.
Sporangia hemispherical, umbilicate beneath, stipitate, erect,
gregarious, 0'5 to 0'7 mm. diam., white; sporangium-wall mem-
branous, mottled with brown, or colourless, beset with stellate
crystals of lime. Stalk cylindrical, one to three times the height
of the sporangium, longitudinally striate, varying in colour from
dark olive-brown to orange, horn clear. Columella subglobose,
dark brown, orange, or white, filled with irregular angular
granules of lime. Capillitium of delicate colourless or purplish-
brown branching threads. Spores pale violet-brown, nearly
smooth, 8 to 11 fM diam. Berk., in Sm. Engl. Fl., Fungi, p. 313.
Physarum nigripes Link, in Berl. Mag., iii., p. 27 (1809); Ditm.,
in Sturm, Deutsch. Fl., iii., p. 35 (1816). P. microcarpon Fr.,
Symb. Gast., p. 23. Didymium microcarpon Host., Moil.,
p. 157 (1875); Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 32; Mass., Mon., p. 226;
Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 146. Cionium xanthopus
Ditm., I.e., p. 37. Didymium xanthopus Fr., Syst. Myc., iii.,
p. 120. D. pertusum Berk., I.e., p. 3 IB ; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 35 ;
Mass., Mon., p. 241. D. proximum Berk. & Curt., in Grev., ii.,
p. 52 ; Host., Mon., App., p. 23 ; Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist.
Iowa, ii., p. 145 ; Mass., Mon., p. 238. D. eximium Peck, in
Rep. N. York Mus., xxxi., p. 41 ; Mass., Mon., p. 241. D. ful-
vellum Mass., Mon., p. 237. D. elegantissimum Mass., Mon., p. 243.

a. genuinum : stalk and columella dark olive-brown.

(3. eximium : stalk dark orange, columella orange or buff.
D. eximium Peck, I.e.

y. xanthopus : stalk orange, columella white. D. xanthopus
Fr., I.e.

Plate XXXIX., B. a. small and large sporangia of a. genuinum, x 20;
&. sporangium of 7. xanthopus, x 20 ; o. sporangium of the same, broken
and showing the white columella, x 20 ; cl. capillitium and spores, with
fragment of sporangium- wall, x 280 ; e. coarse capillitium (of less frequent
occurrence), x 280 ; spore, x 600 (England).

Rostafinski's specific name, which he adopted from Fries, was given
by this author as a MS. synonym of his D. nigripes in Symb. Gast.,
p. 23, and was never afterwards introduced into his works. Obviously
Fries's name must be restored.

The above varieties have been distinguished by specific names,
depending on the colour of the stalk, columella, and capillitium. The

DIDYMIUM.] DIDYMIACE.E. 99

capillitium may vary from white to purplish-brown in the same group
of sporangia, and the colour of the stalk and columella is also inconstant.
The specimen B. M. 885, from Ravenel, S. Carolina, has some
sporangia with dark brown and others with deep orange ; stalks and
columella on the same leaf, representing the forms a and (3. D.
eximium Peck and D.fulvellum Mass, have orange-red stalks, with the
columella orange or pale buff. The type of D.proximum Berk. & Curt.
(K. 1493) has also orange-red stalks and a buff columella. The type
of D. pertusum Berk. (K. 463) has orange stalks and a white columella;
it corresponds with the description of D. xantliopus of Fries in all
essential characters, for the shape of the columella referred to by
Berkeley is a varying feature. D. elegantissimum Mass. (K. 1) is the
same variety. These forms blend into one another so completely that
they are here united under D. mgripes.

Hob. On dead leaves. a. Lynton, Devon (L:B.M.76) ; a. Lyme
Eegis, Dorset (L:B.M.76) ; y. Batheaston, Somerset (B. M. 59, 101) ;
y. Edinbro' (K. 440) ; a. France (Paris Herb.) ; Germany, a. & y.
(Strassb. Herb.) ; /3. (B. M. 436) ; a. Switzerland (B. M. 555) ; y. Sey-
chelles (Paris Herb.) : Ceylon, a. (B. M. 561) ; /3. (B. M. 559) ; y. (B. M.
577) ; y. Australia (B. M. 562) ; /3. New Jersey (B. M. 566; ; y. New
York (B. M. 564); S. Caronila, a. & /3. (B. M. 884, 885) ; y. (B. M.
857) ; a. Brazil (K. 319) ; a. Chili (Strassb. Herb.).

7. D. effusum Link, Obs., ii., p. 42 (1816). Plasmodmm
greyish-white, among dead leaves. Total height 0'5 to 1 mm.
Sporangia subgiobose, or hemispherical, umbilicate beneath,
stipitate, or sessile, or effused plasmodiocarps, gregarious, snow-
white from abundant stellate crystals, which often form a
wrinkled, deciduous, scaly, outer crust, or grey when the crystals
are more scanty ; in the plasmocliocarp forms the crystals are
sparsely distributed ; sporangium-wall membranous, sometimes
mottled with red-brown towards the base. Stalk white, cylindrical,
deeply furrowed, opaque and granular from deposits of lime, as
long as the sporangium, or very short or wanting. Columella
white, hemispherical ; wanting in effused plasmodiocarps. Capil-
litium variable, of delicate or coarse threads, almost simple, or
branching at an acute angle, usually with dark or pale calyciform
thickenings ; colourless, violet, or purplish-brown. Spores violet-
brown spinulose, 8 to 11 ft diam. Rost., Mon., p. 163; Mass.,
Mon., p. 236. D. squamulosum Fries, Symb. Gast., p. 19 (1818);
Host., Mon., p. 159; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 33; Mass., Mon.,
p. 223; Blytt, Bidr. K. Norg., Sop. iii., 1892, p. 6. Diderma
squamulosum Alb. & Schw. , Consp. Fung., p. 88 (1805). Didymium
leucopus Fries, Syst. Myc., iii., p. 121. D. costatum Fries, I.e., p. 118.
D. confluens Rost., Mon., App., p. 22. D. macrospermum Rost.,
Mon., p. 161; Mass., Mon., p. 228. D. Fuckelianum Rost.,
Mon., p. 161; Mass., Mon., p. 222. D. prcecox de Bary, in
Rab. Fung. Eur., No. 367; Rost., Mon., p. 163; Mass., Mon.,
p. 223. D. radiatum Berk. & Curt., in Journ. Linn. Soc., x.,
p. 348; Mass., Mon., p. 229 (in part). Chondrioderma Alexan-
dra wiczii Rost., Mon., p. 169. Didi/mium Alexandroiviczii Mass.,
Mon., p. 232. Chondrioderma Cookei Rost., Mon., App., p. 17.

100 ENDOSPORE^E. [DIDYMIUM.

Physarunl Tussilaginis Berk. & Br., in Ann, Mag. Nat. Hist.,
Ser. 4, xvii., p. 139. Didymium Tussilaginis Mass., Mon., p. 244.

Plate XL., A. a. sporangia, stalked forms, x 20 ; b. sessile sporangia,
one is broken and shows the white columella, x 20 ; c. plasmodiocarp form
without columella, x 20 ; d. various forms of capillitium and spores, with
fragment of sporangium-wall, x 280 ; e. spore, x 600 (England).

The varieties which, occur in this common species have led to different
forms receiving specific rank. Observations conducted for a length of
time on large growths among one heap of leaves show that the colour
of the capillitium varies from almost black to colourless in the same
locality ; a cluster on one leaf may present several shades, and even
in a single sporangium one-half of the capillitium may be dark and
the other half colourless ; this difference of colour is seen in all forms,
from the stalked sporangia to effused plasmodiocarps. The stalk and
columella may vary from white to bright orange. The characters given
as distinguishing D. squamulosum, D. macrospermum, D. discoideum,
D. prcBcox, and D. Fuckelianum are so inconstant that they cannot
be applied to mark even varieties of D. effusum. In the specimen
of D. effusum Host. (= D. confluens Rest., Mon., App., 22), in Strassb.
Herb., the sporangia are stalked or sessile, with delicate white capil-
litium. In the sporangium examined the threads in one portion are
without any thickenings ; in the remaining part there are numerous
small fusiform expansions apparently containing lime, as is not infre-
quent in this species ; the spores are minutely spinulose. The
specimen of D. macrospermum in Strassb. Herb, has colourless capillitium
springing from a large white columella ; the spores are strongly spinu-
lose, 10 to 11 ju, diam. ; the size of the columella in D. effusum is
very variable, and the large development in the Strassburg specimen
of D. macrospermum is by no means exceptional ; the roughness of the
spores is the only feature which deviates from the usual forms of
D. effusum, but as the spores of that species vary from nearly smooth
to spinose in the same heap of leaves, and present all intermediate
degrees of difference, this character cannot be taken as distinctive.
D. prwcox is described as having two walls ; the type specimen at
Strassburg is the frequent form of D. effusum, with the crust of
crystals on the sporangium- wall wrinkled and scaly, but the wall itself
is membranous and single. D. discoideum and D. Fuckelianum are
given as distinguished by the coloured stalk, columella, and capillitium,
and by the spotted sporangium- wall ; these characters are met with
in different degrees in sporangia of D. effusum, associated with
those having white stalks and those with colourless walls and capil-
litium. The type of D. radiatum Berk. & Curt. (K. 1516) is nearly
destroyed ; only the stalks remain, but these are characteristic of
D. effusum, being white and spreading at the base, deeply furrowed
and granular with deposits of lime ; Berkeley's description of the
capillitium and spores is not at variance with frequent forms of this
species. Chondrioderma Alexandrowiczii Rost., the type specimen of
which is in the Strassburg Herb., is probably a form of D. effusum ;
the sporangia are sessile, with the capillitium and spores of that species :
it differs from the type in the almost entire absence of lime. A
specimen from Lyrne Regis has the sporangium-wall similar to that
of the Strassburg specimen ; in both cases it is membranous with
cloudy spots of brown, and with calcareous deposits in the form of
scattered minute spicules ; the capiliitium in both is violet-brown,
beset with short spines, and colourless at the extremities ; the colu-
mella in both is represented by a brown thickening of the base without

DIDYMIUM.] DIDYMIACE.*:. 101

lime deposits ; the spores in the Strassburg specimen are minutely
roughened with warts on the hemisphere of the usual- number observed
in D. effusum ; the points of difference are that in the Strassburg
specimen the sporangia are subglobose or of irregular shape, on a
broad base, the sporangium- wall crumpled and whitish ; in the Lyme
Regis specimen the sporangium is a depressed plasmodiocarp, and
resembles a Lamproderma in the iridescent wall ; but it is associated
with other sporangia scantily furnished with lime, and also with those
of the usual form. Chondrioderma Cookei Rost., of which the gathering
by Mr. Th. Brittain is represented in Strassb. Herb, and Brit. Mus.
(B. M. 137), appears to be another form of D. effusum, differing
from the type with sessile sporangia in the absence of lime except in
minute spicules scattered over the sporangium-wall ; the capillitium
is an irregular network of dull violet threads, with expansions con-
taining nodules of lime such as are of frequent occurrence in imperfect
developments both in this species and its allies ; the spores are spinulose,
10 to 12 p, diam.

Hob. On dead leaves, etc. ; common. Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.
77) ; Batheaston, Somerset (B. M. 37) ; Sydenham, Surrey (B. M. 1070) ;
Welshpool, Montgomery (B. M.) ; France (K. 12) ; Germany (B. M.
530, 550) ; Austria (B. M. 567) ; Italy (B. M. 433) ; Ceylon (B. M. 456) ;
New Zealand (K. 1324) ; Philadelphia (L;B.M.77); S. Carolina (K. 89);
Cuba (K. 542) ; Chili (Paris Herb.) ; Paraguay (Paris Herb.).

8. D. crustaceum Fries, Syst. Myc., iii., p. 124 (1829).
Plasmodium white, .among dead leaves. Sporangia at first globose,
confluent, aggregated or scattered, shortly stipitate or sessile, 0'7
to 2 mm. diam., smooth and white from the thick fragile deci-
duous crust of loosely compacted crystals of lime in which they
are enclosed; when the crust has fallen away the sporangia are
seen to be grey, and reniform or hemispherical ; sporangium-
wall i membra nous, colourless, clothed with large stellate crystals
of lime. Stalks pale buff, 0'2 to 0'4 mm. high, membranous,
eight or ten often clustered together on an expansion of the
membranous hypothallus, at first concealed under the crust of
lirne enclosing the sporangia. Columella small, irregular, de-
pressed, or not evident in the sessile forms, white or pale buff,
charged with coarse granules of lime. Capillitium of colourless
or pale violet branching threads 4 5 to 1 //. diam., with numerous
minute fusiform thickenings. Spores purplish-grey, strongly
spinulose, 10 to 13 /x, diam. Rost., Mon., App., p. 22. D. confluens
Rost., Mon., p. 164 (non Rost., Mon., App., p. 22) ; Mass,, Mon.,
p. 235.

Plate XL., B. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. cluster of sporangia from which
the outer crust of lime has fallen away, arising from a common hypothallus,
x 20 ; c. capillitium and spores, x 280; d. crystals of lime from the
sporangium-wall, x 280 ; e. spore, x 600 (England).

Closely allied to D. effusum, differing chiefly in the deciduous
calcareous envelope of the sporangia, which is often 0'25 mm. thick,
and in the membranous stalks. It forms a connecting link between
D. effusum and Spujnaria alba.

Hab. On dead leaves, etc. Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M. 78) ; Poland
(Strassb. Herb.).

102 ENDOSPORE^E. [DIDYMIUM.

SPECIES NOT MET WITH IN THE QUOTED COLLECTIONS.

9. D. Mvipes Fries, Stirp. Fenasj., p. 83. Stalks compressed,
sulcate, orange-scarlet ; sporangia globose, grey, villous ; spores
blackish.

Hal). On rotten birchwood. Sweden.

Stalks and hypothallus, wken present, as in Trichia ruliformis,
2 mm. or more in lengtk ; sporangia often confluent, blackish, but
clothed with delicate grey down ; columella none, flocci brown.

The description suggests a mouldy specimen, possibly of Trichia
Botrytis.

10. D. versipelle Fries, Syst. Myc., iii., p. 117. Sporangia
lenticular, umbilicate beneath, at first whitish-pruinose, then
shining chestnut-brown ; stalk conical, rugose, pale yellowish-red ;
columella brown; spores black,

Hob. On dead stalks, etc. ; rare. Sweden.

Stalk 2 mm. long, arising from a vein-like hypothallus ; sporangium-
wall membranous, at first pruinose, then naked and shining, opening
by a longitudinal fissure ; columella as in Schrader's figure of D.
tigrinum, Nov. Gen. PL, t. 6, fig. 3.

This description applies to Lepidodcrma tigrinum Rost.

11. D. daedalium Berk. & Br., in Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., Ser. 2,
v., p. 366 (1850). Sporangia connate, labyrinthine-sinuous, pale
brick-red, of the same colour as the short connate stalks, sprinkled
with white meal ; flocci white ; spores purple-black, smooth,
globose.

Hal}. In great abundance in a cucumber frame. Milton, Norths.

Spreading far and wide in little globose masses ; stems reddish-
brown, inclining to orange, connate, as if composed of little flat
bran-like membranes, sporangia having a greyish tinge from the con-
tained spores, which are purple-black ; variegated with the white
flocci, which are frequently forked, and vary greatly in width, being in
parts flat, broad, and membranous.

This description of the connate sporangia, membranous stalks,
and white capillitium applies to some forms of Badhamia utricularis,
but the colour of the sporangia is against this determination.

12. D. angulatum Peck, in Rep. N. York Mus. Nat. His.,
xxxi., p. 41. Sporangia delicate, subglobose, whitish, clothed
with minute granules and crystals of lime; stalk short, whitish;
columella subglobose, pale yellowish ; capillitium scanty, delicate,
white, or slightly coloured ; spores irregular, angular, black, 9 to
12 p..

Hal. On dead leaves. Adirondack Mts., N.Y.

This description applies to specimens of D. effusum in which the
spores have shrunk.

13. D. coimatum Peck, in Bull. Buffalo Soc. Nat. Sc., i., p. 64
(1874). Peridium depressed or subglobose, cinereous, furfuraceous,

DIDYMIUM.] DIDYMIACE.E. 103

stipitate ; stems mostly connate at the base, tapering upwards,
longitudinally wrinkled, white or cream-colour ; spores subglobose,
black, 10 fji diam.

Hob. On decaying fungi. Portville, U.S.A.

This brief description would apply to connate forms of either
Plnjsarum globuliferum or P. compression var. 8 ; but the shape of
the sporangia is against its being reduced to P. polymorphum, as is done
by Berlese (in Sacc. Syll., vii., p. 346).

14. D. humile Hazslinszky in Oester. Bot. Zeitschr., xxvii., p. 84
(1877). Sporangia applanate, grey, pruinose, slightly umbilicate
above, deeply beneath ; stalk cylindrical, short, brown ; capilli-
tium brown, of smooth, simple, flexuose threads; spores brown,
6 to 7 p.

Halt. Hungary.

This description applies to D. farinaceum var. minus.

15. D. platypus Hazslinszky, I.e., p. 83 (1877). Sporangia
greyish -white, pruinose, scattered, convex above, deeply umbilicate
beneath ; stalk cylindrical, dilated into a disc at the apex ;
columella none ; capillitium scanty, consisting of black threads
combined into a net ; spores blackish, smooth, 8 ^ diam.

Hab. On rotten stalks. Hungary.

16. D. affine Raunk., in Bot. Tidsskrift, xvii., p. 88, t. v., figs.
3 and 4. Sporangia spherical-hemispherical, stipitate. Stem
thin, of equal length or longer than the sporangium, expanded
into a circular hypothallus at the base, light brown ; wall grey
under the microscope, after the lime has fallen away colourless.
Columella globose or semi-globose, the colour of the stem, or lighter.
Threads of the capillitium nearly hyaline, expanded into numerous
shortly fusiform, brownish-violet swellings. Spores smooth or
delicately warted, 8 to 9 /a diam.

Hab. On germinating seeds. Copenhagen.

This description applies to pale brown stalked forms of D. effusum.

17. D. longipes Mass., Hon., p. 236, fig. 226. Sporangia small,
globose, snow-white, frosted with a few scattered granules or
crystals of lime ; stem very long and slender, erect, snow-white,
very slightly attenuated upwards, almost smooth, expanding at
the base with a small circular white hypothallus ; columella
absent ; capillitium well developed, threads very thin, colourless,
branching and anastomosing irregularly to form, a network, nodes
usually triangular; spores globose, dingy lilac, smooth, 8 to 10 //,
diam.

Hal. On bark and wood. Britain (Yorks) ; South Carolina.

There is no specimen in Kew Herb, under this name as cited by
Mr. Masse e.

104 ENDOSPORE,. [SPUMARIA.

The following species are excluded by Rostafinski for what
appear to be sufficient reasons (see Host., Mon., p. 229-301) :

D. Lin Mi Fr.

D. muscicola Link.

D. nanum Fr. & Wein.

D. parietinum Schrad.

D. plicatum Corda.

D. Weinmannii Fr.

D. Sowerbyi Berk., in Sin. Eng. Flora, Fungi, p. 313, must also
be excluded, as the description is too imperfect to determine what
it is.

SPECIES EXCLUDED FROM THE GENUS.

D. australis Mass.

D. Barteri Mass.

D. echinospora Mass.

D. erythrinum Berk. & Curt.

D.flavicomum Mass.

D. granuliferum Phill.

D. obrusseum Berk. & Curt.
D. paraguayense Speg.
D. pezizoideum Mass.
D. sinapinum Cooke.
D. spumarioides Fr.

D. tenerrimum Berk. & Curt.
D. Zeylanicum Berk. & Br.

= Trichamphora pezizoidea Jungh .
= Physarum globuliferum Pers.
= Physarum compressum A. & S.
= Physarum pulchripes Peck.
= Physarum Berkeleyi Host.
= See note after Lepidoderma

Carestianum Host.
= Physarum polymorphum Host.
= Craterium rubescens Rex.
= Trichamphora pezizoideaJtingh .
= Physarum virescens Ditm.
= Chondrioderma spumarioides

Host.

= Physarum polymorphum Host.
= Trichamphora pezizoidea Jungh.

Genus 13. SPUMARIA Persoon, Obs. Myc., i., p. 92 (1796).
The sporangia are confluent to form an sethalium, otherwise the
characters are those of the genus Didymium.

1. S. alba DC., Fl. Fr., ii., p. 261 (1805). Plasmodium
opaque- white, among grass and dead leaves, ^thalia composed
of elongated, compressed and folded, lobed and confluent, grey
sporangia, arising in more or less loosely compacted clusters from
branching processes of the membranous hypothallus, clothed with
a thick but fragile and deciduous, white, universal covering of
crystals of lime ; 2 to 4 c.m. long, 1 to 2 c.m. wide, and about
1 c.m. thick. Sporangium-wall membranous, purplish or colour-
less. Columella membranous, hollow, compressed, following in
its branches the form of the confluent sporangia, sometimes
absent. Capillitinm a network of widely branching, anastomosing,
stout, purplish-brown threads, with numerous dark calyciform
thickenings, hyaline at the extremities where they are attached
to the sporangium-wall or columella ; these are accompanied
occasionally with tubular processes of the sporangium-wall, open
externally, and either completely perforating the flattened lobes

LEPIDODERMA.] DIDYMIACE.E. 105

of the sporangia or continued into the capillitium threads.
Spores dull purple, strongly spinulous, 10 to 13 /x diarn. Host.,
Mon., p. 191 ; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 45 ; Blytt., Bidr. K. Norg.,
Sop. iii. (1892), p. 7; Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii.,
p. 144. Reticularia alba Bull., Champ., p. 92, t. 326 (1791).

Plate XLL, A. a. gethaliuni, x 2 ; b. cluster of sporangia from an
sethalium ; in three places they are broken and show the hollow columellfe,
x 20 ; c. capillitium and spores, x 280 ; d. crystals from the investing
covering of lime, x 280 ; e. spore, x 600 (England).

Allied to Didymium through D. crustaceum, but separated by its
aethalial habit.

Hal). On grass, dead leaves, etc. Common in Europe. Highgate,
Middlesex (B. M. 161) ; Batheaston, Somerset (B. M. 171) : Oxford-
shire (B. M. 1083, 1084, 1085) ; Cromarty, Scotland (B. M. 1088) ;
Ireland (K. 584) ; France (B. M. 997) ; Belgium (B. M. 594) ; Germany
(B. M. 599) ; Finland (B. M. 597) ; Poland (Strassb. Herb.), Ohio
(L:B.M.79); Iowa (L:B.M.79).

The description of Spumaria Micheneri Berk., in Grev., vol. ii., p. 52,
is too brief in the absence of the type to be of value.

Genus 14. LEPIDODERMA de Bary, in Eost., Versuch, p. 13
(1873). Sporangia stalked, sessile, or plasmocliocarps ; sporangium-
wall cartilaginous, beset with superficial crystalline scales ; capil-
litium profuse, without linae.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF LEPIDODERMA.

Sporangia subglobose . . . . L. tigrinum.
Sporangia forming plasmodiocarps . L. Carestianum.

1. L. tigrinum Host., Versuch., p. 13 (1873). Plasmodium
yellow (teste Schroeter). Sporangia subglobose, flattened and
umbilicate beneath, stipitate or sessile, scattered, 1 to 1*5 mm.
diam., olive- or purplish-grey, glossy, more or less closely beset
with rounded or angular crystalline scales of lime, which are
sometimes wanting; sporangium- wall cartilaginous, of two
closely combined layers, orange-yellow. Stalk stout, cylindrical
0'2 to 04 mm. thick, furrowed, orange-brown, of a spongy texture
within, containing deposits of lime ; rising from a hypothallus
which is either vein-like, or effused and of a loose reticulated
structure. Columella hemispherical, brown, of the same texture
as the stalk, containing deposits of lime in rounded nodules.
Capillitium profuse, of straight or flexuose threads, sparingly
branched, dark purple-brown or grey. Spores dark purplish-
grey, minutely and closely spinulose, 8 to 13 /x diam. Mon.,
p. 187; Cooke, Myx. Brit,, p. 44; Blytt, Bidr. K. Norg.,
Sop. iii., 1892, p. 7 ; Mass., Mon., p. 253. Didymium tigrinum
Schrad., Nov. Gen. PL, p. 22 (1797). Lepidodermafulvum Mass.,
Mon., p. 253.

Plate XLL, B. a. sporangium, x 20 ; b. fragment of sporangium- wall
with crystalline discs, x 50 ; c. capillitium and spores, x 280 ; d. spore,
x 600 (Germany).

106 ENDOSPORE.E. [LEPIDODERMA.

The specimen from Ceylon, named by Berkeley Didymium leoninum
(K. 1554), which is given by Rostafinski as a synonym for
L. tigrinum (Mon., App., p. 23), is immature, the capillitium and
spores being undeveloped ; the deposits of lime on the cartilaginous,
orange sporangium-wall are in the form of large stellate crystals ;
those in the spongy tissue of the columella are in rounded masses as
in typical . tigr'mum. The type specimens of L.fidvum Mass., from
Scarboro' (Herb, Mass.), and from Belle Croix, France (K. 1555 ;
Paris Herb.), are immature specimens of L. tigrinum\ the spores appear
warted under a high magnifying power, though the warts are faint
from their unripe condition ; the French specimen is part of the
large gathering by Roussel, given as a t} 7 pe of L. tigr'mum by
Rostafinski (Mon., p. 188). Growing with stalked specimens of
L. tigrinum, Prof. Farlow has twice found, in Massachusetts, sporangia
of a sessile, depressed form, with capillitium and spores exactly as in
the type, but with the sporangium-wall of two layers, the outer
delicate, ochraceous, densely charged with irregular granules of lime,
separating more or less from the inner layer, which is yellow and
membranous above, orange and cartilaginous towards the base ; the
columella is small and depressed. Taken by itself this form would be
a Chondrioderma, but considering its association with sporangia of
L. tigr'mum, from which it differs only in shape, and the granular, not
crystalline, condition of the lime on the sporangium- wall, it appears
that it is a form of this species.

Hub. On bark, moss, etc. Leighton, Beds (L:B.M.80) ; Inverary,
Scotland (K. 568) ; France (K. 1555) ; Denmark (K. 1557) ; Germany
and Italy (Strassburg) ; Ceylon (K. 1554) ; Mass., U.S. A. (L:B.M.80) ;
S. Carolina (Paris).

2. L. Carestianum Host., Mon., p. 188 (1875). Plasmodium ?
Sporangia forming elongate, pulvinate plasmodiocarps, 10 to
15 mm. long, 1 mm. thick, brownish-grey, closely beset with
white crystalline scales of lime; sporangium -wall cartilaginous,
dark brown. Columella hardly evident, represented by the
thickened dark brown base of the sporangium-wall, enclosing
rounded nodules of lime. Capillitium of colourless, and pale-
brown, branching and anastomosing threads, 2 ^ thick. Spores
dark purplish-grey, minutely spinulose, 12 to 18 //, diam. Mass.,
Mon., p. 255. Reticularia Garestiana Rabenh., Fung. Eur.,
No. 436 (1862).

Plate XL!., B. e. part of plasmodiocarp, x 20 ; /. capillitium and
spores, x 280 (Italy).

This species appears to be represented by a single gathering, and
would seem to be a plasmodiocarp form of L. tigr'mum.

Hal. On twigs. Carestia, North Italy (B. M. 578).

The type specimen of Didymium granuliferum Phillips (Badhamia
granulifera Mass., Mon., p. 321) from Dr. Harkness, Blue Canon,
California (L:B.M.78), has the sporangia subglobose or extended,
somewhat depressed, sessile on a broad base, 2 to 3 mm. long, gre-
garious on an effused hypothallus, which, together with the sporangia,
is pale brown, and thickly studded with crystalline scales ; the
sporangium-wall is of two layers, the outer cartilaginous, pale-brown,
with deposits of lime in the form of closely set, angular, crystalline

LEPIDODERMA.] DIDYMIACE.E. 107

nodules, separating more or less from the membranous, pale-brown
inner layer. The columella is hemispherical or hardly evident, brown,
of spongy texture within, densely charged with rounded nodules of
lime ; the capillitium is a network of pale-brown, hyaline threads,
with numerous wide membranous expansions, containing scanty
deposits of lime in the form of rounded nodules 20 to 30 p. diam. ; the
spores are purplish-black, closely spinulose, 15 to 30 ^ diam. The
cartilaginous sporangium-wall, with its crystalline deposits of lime
and the structure of the columella, appears to mark this species, which
is represented by a solitary gathering, as a Lepidoderma. Although
lime does not occur in well-developed capillitium of the Didt/miacece,
it is occasionally found in nodular deposits in the threads ofDidymium
squarmdosum said D. farinaceum. It is possible, from its presence in
the capillitium of Dr. Harkness' gathering, that this is not a perfect
development, and this view is supported by the great variety in the
size of the spores.

Plate XLIL, A. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. capillitium and spores, with
fragment of sporangium-wall, x 280 (California).

SPECIES NOT MET WITH IX THE QUOTED COLLECTIONS.

3. L. Chailletii Host., Mon., p. 189, fig. 179. Sporangia hemi-
spherical, adnate on a broad base to the hypothallus or substratum,
violet-black, covered with many pearl- like, brown, protuberances ;
columella small, brownish- ochre ; capillitium of dull-violet threads
forming a dense net ; spores dull violet, warted, 10'8 to 12'5 (JL
diam.

Hal). Switzerland (Chaillet) ; Hammerstein (Opiz). The columella
is composed of fibres forming numerous false chambers filled with
crystalline nodules of lime.

This description applies to a sessile form of L. t'ujriiuun.

4. L. obovatum Mass., Mon., p. 254. Sporangia broadly
obovate, stipitate ; wall dirty ochraceous, thick, studded with
large innate patches of lime ; stem short, thick, dark brown,
wrinkled ; colum* lla none ; threads of capillitium 3 to 4 /x thick,
dingy violet, branching dichotomously with a swelling at the base
of each branch, the whole combined into an irregular net ; spores
clingy violet, minutely warted, 11 to 13 /x diam.

Hal. On grass and twigs. Sweden ; Kew Herb.

I have seen no specimen thus named in Kew Herb. The figures
(45 47) are given by Massee in the text of his Monograph as repre-
senting this species, but they refer to other species for which they are
elsewhere quoted.

The description of L. Kurzii Berk. (Mass., Mon., p. 255), taken from
the MS. in Berkeley's Herb., has no mention made of the capillitium,
and is too brief to be instructive.

SPECIES EXCLUDED FROM THE GENUS.

L. reticidatum Mass. = Badhamia decipiens Berk.
L. stellatum Mass. = Physarum compactum List.

108

ENDOSPORE.E.

[STEMONITACE^E.

Suboohort U.AMAUROCH^TINE^]. Sporangia single,
or combined into an sethalium, without deposits of lime ; capil-
litium and spores dark- brown or violet-brown, rarely pale.

Order I. STEMONITACE^E. Sporangia stipitate ; sporangium-
wall a simple delicate membrane, often evanescent ; stalk ex-
tending within the sporangium as a columella from which the
branching threads of the capillitium take their origin.

KEY TO THE GENERA OF STEMONITACEJE.

Sporangium-wall evanescent. Capillitium springing from all parts
of the elongated columella, ultimate branchlets united to form
a superficial net. (15) STEMONITIS.

Fig. 28. Stemonitis splendens Rost.

a. Group of sporangia. Natural size.

1). Portion of capillitium and columella. Magnified
42 times.

Fig. 23.

Sporangium-wall evanescent. Capillitium as in Stemonitis, but not
forming a superficial net, or only imperfectly towards the base
of the sporangium. (16) COMATRICHA.

Fig. 24. Comatricha olrtiisata Preuss.
a. Group of sporangia. Natural size.

&. Sporangium deprived of spores showing the
capillitium. Magnified 16 times.

Sporangium-wall evanescent. Columella reaching to the apex of
the sporangium, capillitium springing from beneath the super-
ficially expanded end of the columella. (17) ENERTHENEMA.

Fig. 2o. Enerthenema elegans Bowm.

a. Group of sporangia. Twice the natural size.

b. Sporangium. Magnified 16 times.

c. Sporangium deprived of spores, showing the

capillitium. Magnified 16 times.

Fig. 25.

STEMONITIS.] STEMONITACE.E. 109

Sporangium-wall somewhat persistent, columella about half the
height of the sporangium. (18) LAMPRODERMA.

Fig. 26. Lamproderma irideum Mass.
a. Group of sporangia. Magnified 2^ times.

I. Sporangium deprived of spores, showing capil-
litium. Magnified 25 times.

v^'//'-

f'
-

^

Fig. 26.

Sporangium -wall partly evanescent, persistent in the form of
minute discs at the apex of the rigid capillitium threads.
Columella short or hardly evident. (19) CLASTODERMA.

Fig. 27. Clastoderma Debaryanum Blytt.

a. Group of sporangia. Magnified 10 times.

I. Sporangia deprived of spores, showing capillitium.
Magnified 64 times.

Fie. 27.

Genus 15. STEMONITIS Gleditsch, Meth. Fung., p. 140, tab.
iv. (1753). Sporangia cylindrical, stipitate, fasciculate; the stalk
extending within the sporangium to near the apex as a columella;
capillitium formed of numerous threads radiating from all parts
of the columella and combined into a loose net-work, the ultimate
branches united into a superficial net attached to the evanescent
sporangium-wall.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF STEMONITIS.

Spores grey, violet-grey, or rufous-violet :-

a. Spores spinulose, more or less reticulated, surface net of

capillitium with angular meshes. 1. S. fusca

b. Spores minutely warted, almost smooth, surface net of

capillitium with usually rounded meshes

Meshes of surface net of capillitium 20 to 100 /x, or
more wide ; sporangia forming on wood.

2. S. splendens

Meshes of surface net of capillitium less than 20 /x
wide ; sporangia forming on herbaceous plants.

3. S. herbatica

110 ENDOSPOREyE. [STEMONITIS.

B. Spores pale ferruginous :-

Spores 7 to 9 //, diam., plasmodium yellow.

4. S. ferrugima.

Spores 4 to 6 /A diain., plasmodium white.

5. S. /Smithii.

1. S. fusca Roth, in Rom. & Ust. Mag. Bot., i., pt. 2, p. 26
(1787). Plasmodium white, in rotten wood, maturing at the place of
emergence. Total height, 2 to 5 mm. Sporangia cylindrical, obtuse,
stipitate, purplish-black, at first closely fasciculate. Stalk black,
shining, 1 to 4 mm. long, O3 to 0'7 mm. thick, rising from a well-
developed, brown, membranous hypothallus. Columella reaching
to near the apex of the sporangium. Capillitium of dark brown
threads springing from all parts of the columella, combined into
a loose network, the ultimate branches forming a delicate super-
ficial net, with angular, unequal meshes varying from 6 to 16 p.
wide. Spores grey or rufous-violet, spinulose, with more or less
reticulated sculpture, 6 to 10 /x diam. Host., Mon., p. 193 ; Cooke,
Myx. Brit., p. 46; Blytt, Bidr. K. Norg., Sop. iii. (1892), p. 8;
Mass., Mon., p. 72 ; Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii.,
p. 141. S. maxima Schweinitz, in Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. (1834),
p. 260 ; Macbride, I.e., p. 141. S. dictyospora Host., Mon., p. 195;
Mass., Mon., p. 83. S. nigrescens Rex, in Proc. Acad. Nat. Soc.
Phil. (1891), p. 392. S. Gastillensis Macbride, I.e., ii., p. 381,
Plate X., fig. 5. Amaurochcete speciosa Zukal, Verb.. Zool.-Bot.
Gesell. Wien, xxxv., p. 335, t. 15, f. 8.

a. genuina : spores grey or violet-grey, reticulated, 8 to 10 //,
diam.

p. rufescens : spores rufous-grey, faintly reticulated, 6 to 8 ^
diam.

y. confluens : sporangia confluent, lobed, without stalk, columella,
or superficial net.

Plate XLIL, B. a., I. sporangia, a. genuina, x 2 ; c. capillitium, x 180 ;
d. sporangia (3. rufescens, x 2 ; e . capillitium, y. confluens, x 180; /. spore,
a. genuina, x 600 : g. spore, (3. rufescens, x 600 ; h. three spores from one
sporangium uniting the characters of a. and /3., x 600 (England) ; i. three
spores from one sporangium (England) ; It. spore of 8. trecMspora Berk.,
x 600 (Venezuela).

Plate LXXVIL, A. . pendulous aethalium, y. confluens, x 20 ; I. pul-
vinate sethalium, x 3 ; c. capillitium of same attached to a fragment of
sporangium-wall, x 180 ; d. spores, x 600 (Epping Forest, England).

The spores of this very abundant species are never smooth, and
when magnified 1,200 diam. present the following modifications in
sculpture ; in a. this either consists of spines, thickened and connected
at their bases, forming a complete net with from 20 to 50 meshes on
the surface of the hemisphere, and giving a continuous border to the
spore; or the spines are less connected, forming a broken net, and
giving an irregular border to the spore ; or the spines are distinct,
arranged on a more or less reticulate plan, giving a spinulose margin
to the spore. In /3. the sculpture is usually less pronounced, but the

STEMOXITIS.] STEMONITACE.E. Ill

minute spines are arranged in the same manner as in a., either giving
a close or open reticulation on the surface of the spore or grouped
more or less in clusters (not evenly distributed as in the faintly warted
spores of S. splendens). These two varieties represent well-marked
centres, but there is no definite boundary between them denoting a
true specific difference ; sporangia widely differing in length and with
long or short stalks may have spores of either form ; y. occurs with
both large and small spores. Rostafinski's types of S. fusca from Yera
Cruz (B. M. 631) and from Ruda Guzowska (Strassb. Herb.) have the
spores not smooth, as he describes, but of a form intermediate between
a. and /3., 7 to 8 p, diam., with about 28 meshes of reticulation on the
hemisphere. S. dictijospora Rost. appears to be an unnecessary name ;
it is represented in Kew Herb, by the two types referred to in Rost.,
Mon., App., p. 27 ; one from Ceylon (K. 1622) bearing the signature
of Rostafinski is S. fusca #. and has small spores 5 to 6'5 ^ diam.,
reticulated in the same manner as in the Strassburg type of S. fusca,
but more faintly ; the other type is from Venezuela (K. 1620, B. M.
648) on a palm leaf, and in poor condition ; it was marked by Berkeley
S. trecli'spora ; the spores are 10 to 12 p. diam., with a strong complete
reticulation in the form of raised bands giving an even border to the
spore 1 fj. broad. These examples might be taken as representing the
extreme limits in size and reticulation of the spores of >'. fusca. The
specimen from Venezuela, however, differs so considerably from its
nearest allies in the strong and banded reticulation of the spores, that
it is a question whether it might not be retained for the present as a
distinct species under Berkeley's name of S. trechispora. A type speci-
men of S. maxima Schwein. received from Dr. Rex of Philadelphia (2697,
N. American Fungi, Ellis and Everhart, L:B.M.82), has the spores 7 p.
diam., with reticulation precisely of the form above described in
Rostafinski's type of S. fusca in Strassb. Herb. The type of S.
nigrescciis Rex, kindly furnished by Dr. Rex, has dark spores as in a.,
but only 7 p. diam. S. Castillensis Macbride, from Nicaragua (B. M.
1002) presents no characters by which it can be separated from S.
fusca j3. ; the spores are distinctly reticulated, and measure 6 to 7 p..
The confluent form of the sporangia is in some cases seen throughout
the whole development from one plasmodium, the capillitium con-
sisting of a profuse network of arching threads, with broad expansions
at the nodes, but sometimes only a part presents the confluent form,
and is associated with more or less perfect sporangia with the normal
superficial net. An exceptional form of y. confluens is figured in Plate
LXXVII. (L:B.M.82) ; it was found in Epping Forest developing
from white plasmodium on dead leaves near rotten wood. The
sporangia are combined into a convolute aethalioid mass, the mem-
branous sporangium- walls are to a great extent persistent ; no stalks
are developed, but in one case the whole aethalium is suspended by a
long slender thread of hypothallus ; the columellas are wanting, and
the capillitium is represented by a scanty network of irregular threads
with many wide expansions, attached at the extremities to the
sporangium - walls. The spores are perfectly formed, 6 p. diam.,
minutely warted, with the warts here and there connected by faint
lines suggesting the appearance of a reticulation. This development
is interesting as showing to what extent variation may occur ; if it
were not connected with the type with intermediate forms, the position
of the specimen might be difficult to determine. The description and
figure of Amaurochcete speciosa Zukal (I.e.} leave little doubt that his
species is the form y of S. fusca.

112 ENDOSPORE^E. [STEMONITIS.

Hob. On dead leaves, wood. a, ft, y. Leytonstone,Essex (L:B.M.82) ;
a, /3, y. Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.82); ft. Batheaston, Somerset
(B. M. 208) ; y. Edinburgh (K. 796) ; a. and ft. France (Paris Herb.) ;
Germany, a. (B. M. 623) ; y (B. M. 650) : a. Austria (B. M. 626) ; a.
Italy (B. M. 621); ft. Poland (Strassb. Herb.); ft. Russia (Paris Herb.) ;
ft. Ceylon (K. 1622) ; a. and ft. Java (K. 1591) ; ft. Australia (B. M.
635) ; ft. New Zealand (K. 666) ; ft. New Caledonia (Paris Herb.) ;
a. Tonga (L:B.M.82); a. Philadelphia (L:B.M.82) ; ft. Iowa (L:B.M.
82); |8. Texas (B. M. 919); ft. Nicaragua (B. M. 1002) ; a. French
Guiana (Paris Herb.) ; ft. Vera Cruz (B. M. 631) ; 8. Para, Brazil
(K. 686) ; Venezuela (Stemonitis trechispora), (B. M. 648).

2. S. splendens Host., Mon., p. 195 (1875). Plasmodium
creamy white, on fir stumps, etc., maturing at the place of
emergence. Total height 6 to 12 mm. Sporangia cylindrical,
obtuse, stipitate, purplish-brown, at first closely fasciculate.
Stalk black, shining, slender, 1 to 4 mm. long, rising from a well-
developed silvery or purplish hypothallus. Columella reaching
to near the apex of the sporangium, rigid, sometimes weak and
flexuose in the upper half. Capillitiurn of purplish-brown
threads, the principal branches varying in intricacy, but usually
springing at distant intervals from the columella, at first almost
simple, suddenly branching to form a superficial net with
smooth, rounded, variously shaped meshes, 20 100 /x, wide. Spores
pale reddish-purple, nearly smooth, or minutely and closely
warted, 7 to 9 /x, diam. Stemonitis Morgani Peck, in Bot. Gaz. ?
v., p. 33 ; Mass., Mon., p. 86 ; Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist.
Iowa, ii., p. 142. S. maxima Mass, (non Schwein.), Mon., p. 74.
S. Bauerlinii Mass., Mon., p. 79 ; Rex, in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc.
Phil. (1890), p. 36. S. Webberi Rex, I.e. (1891), p. 390.
S. acuminata Mass., Mon., p. 78. S. confluens Cke. & Ellis in
Grev., v., p. 51 ; Mass., Mon., p. 77.

a. genuina : superficial net of capillitium complete, with
rounded meshes, 20 to 70 /x diam.

/?. Webberi : sporangia stiff, erect ; superficial net complete,
with meshes 80 to 100 /x wide.

y. flaccida : sporangia weak, adhering ; capillitium lax, scarcely
forming a superficial net ; membranous flakes of sporan-
gium-wall always present.

8. eonfluens : sporangia confluent, without superficial net.

Plate XLIIL, A. a, b, c, sporangia, a. genuina, x 2 ; d. capillitium of
Kostafinski's type from Texas, x 180 ; e. capillitium with membranous
expansion, from Rostafmski's type (Cuba), x 180; /. capillitium of type of
S. Morgani Peck, x 180 ; g. sporangia, y. flaccida, x 2 ; h. capillitium of
the same, with membranous expansion, x 180 (England) ; i. spore, x 600.

Var. 8. corresponds with the confluent form of S.fusca ; the capilli-
tium forms a dense intricate network, connected with indefinite
branching columellas, with frequent membranous saucer-shaped ex-
pansions, without stalks or superficial net. The specimen from N.
Carolina (Curtis, 419), named Lachnobolus cribrosus (B. M. 935) appears
to be this variety, and the note by Fries following his description of

STEMONITIS.] STEMONITACE.E. 113

L. cribrosus (Syst. Myc., iii., p. 87) implies that he probably had the
confluent form of a Stemonitis before him. S. confluens Cke. & Ellis,
from New Jersey, Ellis (K. 665 ; and L:B.M.83, part of the same
gathering, furnished by Dr. Rex), appears also to be a confluent form
of S. sphndens ; the spores in both the N. Carolina and New Jersey
specimens have the typical sculpture, but are darker than usual, and
measure 9 to 10 /j. diam. A specimen from Meudon in the collection of
the Paris Museum closely resembles that from New Jersey in the
character of the capillitium ; the spores have also the same dark tint,
and measure 10 to 11 /n ; but the sporangia are more normal, having in
some cases a simple columella and a nearly complete superficial net
with a wide mesh. Only three or four European gatherings of this
species are represented in the Strassburg, Brit. Mus., and Kew Collec-
tions ; it is plentiful in India, America, Australia, and the Pacific
Islands, from which regions there are numerous specimens in the
collections, which were classed under S. fusca, until Rostafinski
detected the specific characters and gave the name of S. sphndens.
The capillitium in this species exhibits wide differences, but the spores
are remarkably constant in colour, size, and in the minute, evenly
distributed warts, which are sometimes scarcely apparent, even when
magnified 1,200 diam. ; their distribution resembles that on the spores
of Physarum nutans. The superficial net of the capillitium appears
to be continuous with the evanescent sporangium-wall, which is not
merely attached by short spines projecting from the net as in S. fusca;
this character is illustrated by a remarkable form described by Dr.
Rex (Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil., 1890, p. 36) under the name
S. Bauerlimi Mass., /. fenestrata. He records the appearance of suc-
cessive growths of the Stemonitis at considerable intervals of time, on a
limited area of a decaying log, apparently from one original source.
Through the courtesy of Dr. Rex the gatherings are represented in the
mountings in the Brit. Mus. In mounting (a) the sporangium-wall
is persistent except in approximate circular perforations 10 to 20 p, wide,
or in other words the superficial net is expanded to form a perforated
wall to the sporangium. Mounting (b) is from a later gathering, with
much of the character of (a), but approaching nearer to the normal
form. Mounting (c) is from a crop appearing a month later than (5),
in which there is a still more marked return to the usual habit, with
the meshes of the net 30 to 60 p, wide. The width of the mesh varies
in Rostafinski's types from Cuba and Texas (referred to Rost., App.,
p. 27) ; in that from Cuba (B. M. 630) the average width of the mesh
is 70 p, in that from Texas (K. 1631) it is 20 ju. S. Morgani Peck,
N. Am. Fungi, Ellis & Everh. 2088, and S. Bauerlimi Mass., from
New Guinea (K. 726), are essentially the same form as the Cuba type,
the mesh of the superficial net averaging about 60 p in width,
S. Webberi Rex (/. /3) has a wider mesh than the Cuba type, and is
described (I.e. 1891, p. 391) as distinguished from S. sphndens by the
spores being ferruginous-coloured in mass, and by the pale surface
capillitium ; the mounted specimens do not show this difference of
colour. The form gathered at Lyme Regis in 1891 (Journ. Bot. 1891,
p. 263), var. y, has even more lax and broken capillitium than var. /3,
and the spores in mass are rich purple-brown ; the growth has appeared
on the same fir stumps in abundance in 1892 and 1893, with much the
same characters as in the first gathering. It has also been obtained
from the New Forest, Hants, from the Black Forest near Freiburg,
and from Ohio. The type specimen of S. acuminaia Mass. (K. 698)
is a. genuina^ the spores measuring 7 to 8 p. diam. In looking through

8

114 ENDOSPOREJ5. [STEMONITIS.

a large series of specimens of this group there is a general character
which runs through them all in the constant type of the spores and
in the smooth purple-brown capillitium, which points to the conclusion
that however widely the size of the mesh of the surface-net may vary,
they are all forms of one species.

Hob. On dead wood. y. Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.83) ; 6\ Meu-
don, France (Paris Herb.) ; a. Germany (B. M. 619) ; y. Black Forest
(L:B.M.83) ; a. Italy (B. M. 999) ; a. Natal (K. 694) ; a. Australia
(K. 716) ; a. New Zealand (K. 688) ; a. Isle of Pines, New Caledonia
(B. M. 1093); a. Samoa (L:B.M.83) ; a. Iowa (B. M. 820) ; 8. New
Jersey (L:B.M.83) ; /3. and y. Ohio (L:B.M.83) ; u. S. Carolina
(B. M. 918) ; a. Darien (B. M. 916) ; a. Cuba (B. M. 630) ; a. French
Guiana (Paris Herb.) ; a. Brazil (B. M. 1089).

3. S. herbatica Peck, in Rep. N. York Mus., xxvi.,p. 75 (1874).
Plasmodiurn ? Sporangia cylindrical, in densely fasciculated
clusters, 5 to 7 mm. high, red-brown. Stalk 0'8 mm. high,
arising from a membranous hypothallus. Capillitium of dark
brown threads, springing from the columella and forming a very
loose network, uniting at the surface into a net with rounded
meshes, 7 to 17 /A diam. Spores pale reddish-purple, minutely
spinulose, 6 to 9 /x diam. Mass., Mon., p. 87.

Plate XLIIL, B. a. sporangia on leaf, x 2 (Java, leg. Zollinger) ;
&. capillitium of same, x 170 ; c. sporangia, Peck's type, x 2 (U.S.A.) ;
d. capillitium of same, x 170 ; e. sporangia on leaf, natural size (Ran-
goon) ; /. sporangia, x 2 ; g. capillitium of same, x 170 ; li. spore, x 600.

The above description is made from Peck's type, kindly furnished
by "Dr. Rex. The species is allied to S. ferruginea and to S. splendens,
having the capillitium, and the habit of fruiting on herbaceous stems,
of the former, and the purplish spores of the latter. It holds an
intermediate position, different gatherings showing a tendency towards
one or the other of its allies ; but it is a useful centre under which to
place forms possessing a distinct general character which were difficult
to locate before Peck gave them a specific rank. It does not appear
in the collections as a British species, and European gatherings are not
frequent. The specimen figured from Java was given by Rostafinski
as a type of S. fusca, from which it is distinguished by the nearly
smooth spores and wandering habit of the plasmodium. Peck's type is
nearly identical with the Java specimen (see PI. XLIII., B., c and <7.).

Hob. On leaves, etc. France (K. 706) ; Germany (Strassb. Herb, as
Stemonitis fusca var. minor leiosperma de Bary); Switzerland (K. 1606) ;
Pondicherry, India (B. M. 84) ; Ceylon (K. 1624) ; Rangoon (K. 1612) ;
Java (B. M. 1091) ; Borneo (L:B.M.84) ; Australia (K. 711); New
York (L:B.M.84) ; Carolina (K. 1581) ; S. Domingo (B. M. 640).

4. S. ferruginea Ehrenb., Sylv. Myc. Berol., p. 25 (1818).
Plasmodium citron-yellow, in rotten wood, usually creeping from
the place of emergence, arid maturing on surrounding herbage.
Total height 5 to 7 mm. Sporangia cylindrical, obtuse, in
closely fasciculate clusters, stipitate or nearly sessile, cinnamon-
brown. Stalk black, 0'5 to 1'5 mm. high. Columella often
reaching the apex of the sporangium and expanding as a funnel-
shaped membranous cap, or ceasing far below the summit,

STEMONITIS.] STEMONITACE.E. 1 1 5

Capillitium of ferruginous or brown threads, springing from the
columella, and forming a loose network with numerous broad
membranous expansions ; meshes of the delicate, superficial net,
angular, varying from 6 to 16 /x, diam. Spores pale ferruginous,
faintly warted, 6 to 9 /u, diam. Rost., Mon., p. 196 (in part);
Cooke, MYX. Brit., p. 46 (in part) ; Blytt, Bidr. K. Norg.,
Sop. iii. (1892), p. 9 ; Mass., Mon., p. 85 (in part).

Plate XLIV., A. a. sporangia, x 2 ; b. capillitium, x 180 ; c. capillitium
and columella expanded to form a membranous cap at the apex of the
sporangium, x 180 ; d. spore, x 600 (England).

Hob. On leaves and dead wood. Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.85);
Leighwood, Somerset (B. M. 206) ; Hartham, Wilts (B. M. 210) ;
France (Paris Herb.) ; Germany (K. 778) ; Freiburg (Strassb. Herb.) :
Hungary (K. 1616).

5. S. Smithii Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 381,
fig. 4 (1893). Plasmodium white. Total height 7 to 12 mm.
Sporangia cylindrical, densely fasciculate, stipitate, cinnamon-
brown. Stalk black, 3 to 6 mm. long, arising from a mem-
branous hypothallus. Columella ceasing below the apex of the
sporangium. Capillitium as in S. ferruginea, but the superficial
net has rounded, more regular meshes, 5 to 10 /A diam., and the
threads of the meshes are often rather stout. Spores pale
ferruginous, nearly smooth, 4 to 6 /JL diam. Stemonitis ferruginea
Rost., Mon., p. 196 (in part) ; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 46 (in part);
Mass., Mon., p. 85 (in part) ; Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa,
ii., p. 142. S. microspora List., Morgan, in Cine. Soc. Nat. Hist.,
xiv., p. 54 (1894).

Plate XLIV., A. e. sporangia of various sizes, x 2 (England) ; /. capil-
litium, x 180 (Central America) ; g. spore, x 600.

The type specimen from Nicaragua has smaller and more delicate
sporangia than the usual form, which is found throughout the world.
The longer stalks and minute spores characterise all gatherings, and
distinguish this species from S. ferruf/inea. The twenty-six specimens
in the Kew Herb, are marked S. microspora Lister, but the description
of S. Smithii is the first published account of the species.

Hob. On dead wood. Epping Forest, Essex (L:B.M.86) : Dudley,
Stafford (L:B.M.86) ; Luton, Beds (L:B.M.86) ; Berlin (B. M. 622) ;
Freiburg, Germany (Strassb. Herb.) ; Bohemia (K. 729) ; Mauritius
(K. 752); Ceylon (B. M. 646); New Zealand (K. 771)- Australia
(K. 758) ; Mass., U.S.A. (B. M. 641) ; Iowa (B. M. 819, 1005) ; S. Caro-
lina (B. M. 644) ; Nicaragua (B. M. 1004) ; Darien (B. M. 643) ; Chili
(Paris Herb.) ; Brazil (B. M. 1092).

SPECIES NOT MET WITH IN THE QUOTED COLLECTIONS

6. S. Tubulma Alb. & Schw., Consp., p. 102. ^Ethalium at
first white, soft, 1^ to 2 inches broad, 4 to 6 lines high, orbicular,
rarely suboblong, basal membranes stout, silvery, pellucid,
iridescent, easily removable from the substratum ; surface smooth,
shining, with hemispherical warts above, corresponding to the

116 ENDOSPOREJE. [COMATRICHA.

apices of the component sporangia ; columella brown, slender,
capillary, aggregated, but for the most part individually free ;
capillitium loosely interwoven into a common mass ; mass of
spores brown.

Hob. On decorticated pines. Germany.

This description applies to S. splendens, y.flaccida ; but without the
character of the spore -markings, which could not be discerned by the
older authors, no certain conclusion as to the species can be arrived at.

7. S. fluminensis Speg., in Ann. Soc. Cient. Argent, xii., p. 255
(1881). Hypothallus very thin, broadly effused, mucedmous,
black, rather shining ; stem erect, rather rigid, black, shining,
O5 to 1 mm. long, 0*6 to 0*7 mm. thick; smooth when moist,
rugulose when dry, subcontorted, extending into the sporangium
as a columella, not reaching to the apex ; sporangium cylindrical,
rarely subclavate, rounded at both ends, 0*8 to 1*2 mm. long,
0*2 to O3 mm. thick, black, opaque, wall persistent for a long
time; capillitium arising from the columella, forming a rather
dense network, the superficial meshes equal to or twice the
diameter of the spores, with uncinate incurved tips ; spores 5 to
8 fj. diam., smooth, smoke-brown.

Hab. On old bark and moss. Brazil.

This description applies to a small form of Comatricha typhoides.

SPECIES EXCLUDED FROM THE GENUS.

S. cequalis Mass. = Comatricha obtusata Preuss.

S. affinis Mass. = Comatricha typhoides Host.

S. atra Mass. = Comatricha typhoides Host.

S. Carlylei Mass. = Comatricha typhoides Eost.

S. Friesiana de Bary = Comatricha obtusata Preuss.

S. laxa Mass. = Comatricha laxa Eost.

S. longa Mass. = Comatricha longa Peck.

S. pulcliella Bab. = Comatricha pulchella Eost.

S. subccespitosa Mass. Comatricha obtusata Preuss.

S. tenerrima Berk. & Curt. = Comatricha pulchella Eost.

S. typhina Mass. = Comatricha typhoides Eost.

S. Virginiensis Eex = See note under Comatricha

typhoides Eost.

Genus 16. COMATRICHA Preuss, in Linnsea, xxiv., p. 140
(1851). Sporangia cylindrical, ovoid or globose, gregarious or
scattered ; sporangium-wall evanescent (subpersistent in C.
typhoides], stipitate, the stalk extending within the sporangium as
a columella for half its length or more, branching above, and
continued into the crisped or flexuose capillitium, which consists
of numerous threads rising from all parts of the columella,
combined into a more or less uniform network, not forming
a superficial net.

COMATRICHA.] STEMOXITACE-E. 117

The genus Comatricha is a somewhat artificial one ; it includes
species which agree with Lamproderma in all characters but the per-
sistent sporangium-wall, and with Sf> ///</// <v;x in all but the presence of
the superficial net of the capillitium ; in C. typhoides the surface net is
often developed on the lower half of the sporangium ; at the same
time it is a useful genus, typically marked by the uniform network of
the capillitium and by the isolated, not fasciculate, growth of the
sporangia.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF COMATRICHA.

A. Spores dark, brownish-violet, or grey :

a. Spores nearly smooth

Capillitium dense, crisped, and flexuose throughout ; on
wood. 1. C. obtusata

Capillitium large, primary branches stout and nearly
straight ; 011 wood. '2. C. laxa

b. Spores spinulose

Sporangia globose ; on leaves. 3. C. lurida

Sporangia much elongated, slender and cylindrical ; on
wood. 4. C. longa

B. Spores pale, lilac, or reddish-lilac :

a. Spores marked with a few widely scattered warts, the

remaining surface nearly smooth or delicately reti-
culated, 4 to 6 /A diam. ; on wood. 5. C- typhoides

b. Spores spinulose, 6 to 10 //, diam.

Sporangium-wall completely evanescent ; on leaves.

6. C. Persoonii

Sporangium-wall persistent at the base as a membranous
cup ; on leaves. 7. C. rubens

1. Comatricha obtusata Preuss, I.e., p. 141 (1851). Plas-
niodium wat-ry-whitf. in rotten wood, maturing at the place of
emergence. Total height 1 to 6 mm. Sporangia globose, ellipsoid
or cylindrical, stipitate, scattered or gregarious, about 0'6 mm.
diam., purplish-brown ; sporangium-wall evanescent. Stalk
subulate, slender, black, shining; in the globose form usually
2 to 6 times the length of the sporangium ; equalling the length
of the sporangium, or shorter in the cylindrical form ; rising
from a more or less distinct hypothallus. Columella reaching to
half the height, or nearly to the apex of the sporangium, branch-
ing above and continued into the capillitium. Capillitium a more
or less dense tangle of purplish-brown, threads, springing from all
parts of the columella, anastomosing and branching in semi-
circular curves; of nearly equal thickness throughout, the
ultimate branches looped, showing few free ends, but connected

118 ENDOSPORE^E. [cOMATRICHA.

with the evanescent sporangium -wall, by short points. Spores
brownish -violet, nearty smooth, or minutely and closely spinulose,
7 to 11 /x, diam. Stemonitis obtusata Fr., Symb. Gast., p. 17
(1818). Comatricha alta Preuss, in Linnsea, xxiv., p. 141.
Stemonitis nigra Pers., in Gmel., Syst. Nat., p. 1467 (1791).
Comatricha nigra Schroet., Pilze Scales., i., p. 118 (1889) ; Blytt,
Bidr. .K. Norg., Sop. iii, p. 8. Stemonitis Friesiana de Bary, in
Rabenh., Fungi Europ., No. 568 (1863) ; Mass., Mon., p.' 82.
Comatricha Friesiana Rost., Mon.,' p. 199 (1875); Cooke, Myx.
Brit., p. 48. C. subccespitosa Peck, in Rep. N. York Mus., xliii.,
p. 25. Stemonitis subccespitosa Mass., Mon., p. 80. Comatricha
cequalis Peck, in Rep. N. York Mus., xxxi., p. 42. Stemonitis
cequalis Mass., Mon., p. 80. Comatricha Suksdorfii Ellis & Everh. ;
N. Am. Fungi Exs. Stemonitis Suksdorfii Mass., Mon., p. 76.

Plate XLIV., B. a. sporangia of various forms, x 3^ ; b. sporangia with
spores dispersed, showing capillitium. x 20 ; c. capillitium with flexuose
threads, forming a loose tangled network, x 180 ; d. capillitium with much
branching flexuose threads forming a close network, x 180 ; e. capillitium
with threads uniting to form a superficial net more or less parallel with the
surface, x 180 ; /. spore, x 600 (England).

A very abundant species in Europe, and subject to much variation
in the shape and size of the sporangium. C. cequalis Peck has
cylindrical sporangia about 3 mm. long, and stalks of the same length ;
the capillitium and spores, 7 /* diam., agree with those of C. obtusata,
from elongated forms of which C. cequalis cannot be distinguished.
C. subccespitosa Peck is a small delicate form, 2 mm. in height, with
sporangia ellipsoid, and capillitium a network of slender flexuose violet-
brown threads, forming a more or less distinct superficial net in the
lower part ; the spores are almost smooth, and measure 10 to 11 /u ;
although an unusually short-stalked delicate form, it presents no
characters by which it can be separated from C. obtusata. C. Suks-
clorjii Ellis & Everh. is about the same height as C. cequalis ; the
capillitium is very dense, but not more so than is frequently seen in
globose sporangia of C. obtusata ; the spores are unusually dark and
large, 10 to 11 n ; the tone of colour and the distribution of the minute
warts are, however, the same as in the last-named species, from which
it is not otherwise to be distinguished ; a similar form has been found
in England, with spores 8 to 10 p diam. C*. wqualis Peck, C. sub-
ccespitosa Peck, and C. Suksdorfii are represented in the British Museum
by glycerine jelly mountings from type specimens furnished by
Dr. Rex.

Hab. On dead wood. Batheaston, Somerset (B. M. 220) ; Lyme
Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.87) ; Boynton, Yorkshire (B. M. 1095)'; France
(Paris Herb.) ; Germany (B. M. 605) ; Finland (B. M. 612) ; Poland
(Strassb. Herb.) ; Philadelphia (L:B.M.87).

2. C. laxa Rost., Mon., p. 201 (1875). Plasinodmm watery-
white, in rotten wood. Total height, 1'5 to 3'5 mm. Sporangia
subglobose or shortly cylindrical, obtuse, scattered or gregarious.
Stalk black, shining, often stout, 0*3 to 0-6 mm. long. Columella
reaching nearly to the apex of the sporangium, narrowed up-
wards. Capillitium lax, the primary threads springing somewhat
distantly from all parts of the columella, at first straight or

COMATRICHA. j STEMONITACK-E. 119

slightly curved, branching towards the surface to form a loose
network of slender threads, either looped or with numerous
straight free ends. Spores as in C. obtusata. Stemonitis laxa
Mass., Mon., p. 79. Badhamia penetralis Cooke & Ellis, in
Grev., v., p. 49. Comatricha Ellisiana Ellis & Everhart, N. Am.
Fung., 2nd series, 2696. Comatricha Sommerfeltii Blytt, Bidr. K.
Norg., Sop. iii. (1892), p. 8.

Plate XL IV., B. g. sporangia of various forms on wood and bramble, x
8 ; h. sporangia with spores dispersed, showing capillitium. x 20 ; i. apex
of columella, and capillitium threads, x 180 ; k. spore, x 600 (England).

Intermediate forms connect this species with C. obtusata, of which
it is hardly more than a marked variety. The type in the Strassburg
collection is well rendered by the photographic figure in Rostafinski's
Monograph ; it is a globose form with coarse and lax capillitium. A
similar form is found at Lyme Regis, together with growths having
more elongated sporangia ; among these there occur forms which
are identical with C. Ellisiana Ellis & Everh. (K. 1590), and with
specimens furnished by Dr. Rex under the same name (L:B.M.8S).
C. Sommerfeltii Blytt has the lax capillitium of Rostafinski's type of
C. la .i'n. with larger spores, 11 to 14 p. diam. ; the size of the spores,
which in other respects are those of C. laxa, can scarcely support a
separate specific rank being given to this gathering. I am indebted
to Prof. Blytt for kindly submitting the type of C. Sommerfeltii for
examination.

Nab. On dead wood, twigs, etc. Leytonstone, Essex (L:M.B.S8) ;
Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.88) ; Germany (Strassb. Herb.) ; Norway
(L:B.M.88) ; Philadelphia (L:B.M.88) ; S. Carolina (B. M. 922).

3. C. lurida Lister, sp. nov. Plasmodium ? Total height
1*25 mm. Sporangia globose or subovoid, erect, 0'5 mm. diam.,
stipitate, scattered, purplish-brown ; sporangium-wall evanescent.
Stalk setaceous, black, shining, 0'75 mm. long, rising from a
circular brown hypothallus. Columella cylindrical, reaching to
half the height of the sporangium, dividing into stout branches
at the ap.-x, and continued into the capillitium. Capillitium
dark purplish-brown throughout, spreading from the upper part
of the columella in flexuose anastomosing threads, with slender,
brown, free ends. Spores spherical or subovoid, purplish-grey,
coarsely warted, 8 to 10 ^ diam.

Plate XLV., B. a. sporangia, x 3| ; b. columella and capillitium, with
a fragment of sporangium- wall, to which spores adhere, x 180 ; c. spore, x
600 (England).

This species has occurred at Lyme Regis during several years, with
constant characters : it has the habit of Lamproderma irideum, from
which it is distinguished by the more branching columella, the uniform
colour of the flexuose capillitium, and also in the larger and move
strongly warted spores. It resembles some forms of C. obtusata,
differing essentially in the spores and habitat.

Hob. On dead leaves. Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.89).

4. C. longa Peck, in Rep. N. York Mus., xliii., p. 24 (1890).
Plasmodiuni ? Total height 4 mm. to 4 cm. Sporangium

120 ENDOSPORE^. [COMATRICHA.

cylindrical, elongated and slender, flexuose or drooping, stipitate,
at first fasciculate, greyish-black; sporangium-wall evanescent.
Stalk very slender, 1 to 3 mm. long, black, rising from a well-
developed, membranous hypothallus. Columella continued to
near the apex of the sporangium, very slender, and wavy with
angular flexures in the upper part, tapering in breadth from
20 /u, at the base to 2 /x, near the summit. Capillitium a lax
network of dark brown threads, the terminal branches rigid, free,
forking at an acute angle. Spores dark grey, spinulose, the
spines usually connected by faint lines forming a reticulation,
8 to 9 fj. diam. Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 140 ;
Morgan, Cine. Soc. Nat. Hist., xvi., p. 50. Stemonitis longa
Mass., Mon., p. 83.

a. genuina : capillitiurn rigid ; spores spinulose, reticulated.

ft. irregularis : capillitiurn with flaccid terminal branchlets ;
spores spinulose. Comatricha irregularis Rex, in Proc. Acad.
N. Sc. Phil. (1891), p. 393. Comatricha crypta Macbride, in Bull.
Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 139.

Plate XLV., A. a., b. sporangia, a. genuina, x 3^ ; <?. capillitium from
upper part of sporangium, with slender flexuose columella, x 180 ; d.
capillitium from lower part of another sporangium, x 180 ; e. spores of
same, showing varying amount of reticulation, x 600 ; /. sporangia of
j8. irregularis, x 3^ ; g. capillitium, x 180; h. spore of same, x 600;
i. spore of C. crypta Macbride. showing faint indication of reticulation, x
600 (U.S.A.).

From the absence of any superficial net in the capillitium this
species is placed in Comatricha, though in its fasciculate habit it
resembles a Stemonitis. In a, the capillitium varies in different gather-
ings ; in some the threads are comparatively short, rigid throughout,
and anastomosing but little ; in others they form a profuse network
with many membranous expansions, and very slender free ends, but
the character of the dark spinulose spores remains constant in all
forms. j3 is described by Dr. Rex (I.e., p. 393) under the name of
Comatricha irregularis ; the terminal branches of the capillitium are
produced into a network of pale flaccid threads with many free ends ;
Dr. Rex (in litt.) states that this form is constant in the character of
the capillitium, and that it has been obtained from five states in North
America ; the total length of the sporangia varies from about 4 to
7 mm., but the close resemblance in the capillitium and spores to
forms of C. longa leads to the conclusion that it is a varietal develop-
ment of that species. It is the form described under the name of
C. crypta Macbride, I.e. (teste Rex). The type specimen of Stemonitis
crypta Schwein. is, Dr. Rex states, utterly lost, and the description is
too vague to be of value.

Hal>. On the bark of fallen trees (teste Macbride). a. and /3. Ohio
(L:B.M.90) ; a. Philadelphia (B. M. 900) ; /3. Philadelphia (L:B.M.90) ;
/3. Iowa (B. M. 1006) ; a. S. Carolina (B. M. 915) ; a. Cuba (K. 1603) ;
a. Nicaragua (K. 718).

5. C. typhoides Host., Yersuch, p. 7 (1873). Plasmodium
watery-white, in rotten wood. Total height 2 to 3 mm. Sporangia
cylindrical, obtuse, at first silvery-grey from the presence of the
soon evanescent wall, then brown ; stipitate, aggregated, 1 '5 to

COMATRICHA.] STEMONITACE.E. 121

2 '3 inm. long, O5 mm. broad. Stalk black, often clothed with
the grey membranous continuation of the sporangium-wall ',
0*5 to 1'3 mm. long, 0'06 mm. thick, rising from a well-developed
hypothallus. Columella reaching nearly to the summit of the
sporangium, branching at the apex. Capillitium a close network
of flexuose, pale-brown threads, springing from all parts of the
columella, the ultimate branches more slender, free, or continuous
and looped in the lower half, resembling the superficial net of
Stemonitis. Spores pale lilac-brown, marked with 3 to 5 dark,
flattened warts on the hemisphere; otherwise almost smooth,
minutely warted or faintly reticulated, 3 '5 to 7 ^ diam. Trichia
typhoides Bull., Champ., p. 119 (1891). Stemonitis typhoides DC.,
Fl. Franc., ii., p. 257. Stemonitis typhina Wiggers, Prim. Fl. Hols.,
p. 110 (1780) ; Pers., Obs., i., 57 ; Mass., Mon., p. 74. Comatricha
typhina Host., Mon., p. 197 (1875); Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 47. G.
affinis Rost., Mon., p. 202. Stemonitis affinis Mass., Mon., p. 76.
S. atra Mass., Mon., p. 78. S. Carlylei Mass., Mon., p. 84.

a. genuina : sporangium-wall subpersistent ; spores 6 to 7 /x
diarn., surface almost smooth, or minutely warted between the
larger warts.

/?. heterospora Eex, in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil., 1893, p. 367 :
sporangium- wall evanescent ; spores 5 to 6 //, diam. ; surface
marked with faint, broken reticulation between the warts.

y. microspora : sporangium-wall evanescent; spores 3'5 to
4 - 5 /x diam., sculpture of spores as in /?.

Plate XLVL, A. a. sporangia, a. gi-nuina, x 3^ ; b, c. dense and lax
forms of capillitium, x 180 ; d, e. spores of the same, showing widely
scattered warts, x 600 (England);/, sporangia, /3. heterospora, x 3^;
g. spore, faintly reticulated between the warts, x 600 (U.S.A.) ; h. sporangia,
y. )iin'r<isj)ora, x 3 ; i. capillitium, x 180 \ j. spore, x 600 (England);
li. spore of Stemonitis I V/v//'///V//.v/.\- Rex, x 600 (U.S.A.).

Plate XLVL, B. a. sporangia intermediate between a and /3, x 3 ; I.
capillitium, x 180; c. spore, minutely warted between the large scattered
warts, x GuO (Iowa).

The capillitium varies in the closeness of the network ; forms occur
in which the threads are less flexuose, and bear nearly the same
relation to the type as C. la.ca to C. ol)tn.<<it<i. The scattered warts on
the spores, the existence of which was first pointed out by Dr. Rex,
is a character which, although requiring a high magnifying power to
identify, is present in all the varieties given above, and is additional
evidence that they all belong to a single species, y. microspora
is represented by a gathering in perfect development from Lyme
Regis ; in form and colour it resembles /3, but the spores are uni-
formly minute. A specimen received from Mr. Morgan, Ohio, is
almost identical, with spores of the same size. Specimens of C.
typhoides, a., have been received from Prof. Macbride, Iowa, under the
name of C. pulchella (B. M. 1007) ; the sporangia are cylindrical, and
the spores, which measure 6 to 7 /A, are marked with minute warts,
and a few inconspicuous larger warts. This form is connected with
the more usual type by other specimens from Iowa with minutely
warted spores in which the few larger warts are well developed
(L-.B.M.91 ; Plate XLVL, B., a. to c.). The type of C. affinis Rost..

122 ENDOSPORE.E. [COMATRICHA

from Freiburg, in the Strassburg collection, is not well developed, as
shown by the abundance of immature spores ; but the capillitium is
that of C. typhoides, and the spores have the characteristic scattered
warts. Stemonitis atm, Mass., from New Zealand (K. 727), has spores
6 to 8 /it diam., and appears to be the usual form of C. typhoides.
S. Carlylei Mass. (Herb. Massee) is also C. typlioides, a. genuina, with
almost colourless spores 6 to 7 ju diam., marked with the scattered
warts. Stemonitis Viryiniensis Rex, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil. (1891),
p. 391 (L:B.M.91)is represented by a single extensive gathering in the
Alleghany Mountains, Virginia. The minute sporangia, 3*5 mm. in
total height, are clustered but not fasciculated ; the capillitium is an
intricate network of delicate threads with an indefinite superficial net
and numerous free ends ; the spores measure about 6 ^ diam., and
show a distinct reticulation when magnified 1,200 diam. The more
clearly reticulated spores appear to afford the only distinctive cha-
racter separating it from C. typhoides var. heterospora ; a high magnifying
power shows the dark scattered warts before referred to.

Hob. On dead wood. Common. a. Leytonstone, Essex (L:B.M.91) ;
y. Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.91) ; France (Paris Herb.) ; a. Germany
(Strassb. Herb., B. M. 629) ; a. Poland (Strassb. Herb.) ; a. Italy
(B. M. 628) ; a. India (K. 1580) ; a. New Zealand (K. 727) ; a. and /3.
Philadelphia (L:B.M.91) ; Iowa (L:B.M.91); a. S. Carolina (B. M.
633).

6. C. Persoonii Host., Mon., p. 201 (1875). Plasmodium watery-
white, among dead leaves. Total height 0*7 to 2 mm. Sporangia
ovoid or cylindrical, stipitate, scattered, lilac- or rufous-brown;
sporangium-wall evanescent. Stalk black, 0'2 mm. high or more,
rising from a circular, membranous hypothallus. Columella
reaching nearly to the apex of the sporangium. Capillitium
a network of flexuose, anastomosing, brown threads springing
from all parts of the columella, looped at the surface, with few
free ends. Spores pale lilac-brown or flesh-coloured, minutely
warted, 6 to 8 /A diam. Stemonitis pulchella Church. Bab., in Proc.
Linn. Soc., 1839, p. 32 ; Berk, in Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., Ser. 1, vi.,
p. 431, PI. 12, f. 11 ; Mass., Mon., p. 86. Comatricha pulchella
Host., Mon., App., p. 27; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 49; Macbride in
Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 139. Stemonitis tenerrima Curt,
in Sill. Journ., vi., p. 352; Berk. & Curt., in Grev., ii., p. 69.

a. genuina: sporangia shortly cylindrical, 0'7 to 1 mm. high,
on short stalks ; spores pale brown with a lilac tinge.

(3. tenerrima : sporangia narrowly ovoid, 0-4 to 0-7 mm. high,
on stalks of the same length, capillitium threads very delicate ;
spores flesh-coloured. /Stemonitis tenerrima Curtis Lc.

Plate XLVL, B. d. sporangia, a. genuina. x 3 ; c. capillitium. x 180 ;
/. spore, x 600; g. sporangia, p. tenerrima, x 3 ; k. capillitium, x 180;
*. spore, x 600 (England).

The description of S. tenerrima Mass., Mon., p. 81, with spores black
in mass, 13 to 14 p, diam., can only be accounted for by some confusion
of specimens, as it agrees neither with Berkeley's type (K. 1588), nor
with his description in Grevillea.

COMATRICHA.] STEMONITACE.E. 123

a. genuina is the type most abundant in Europe.

/3. tenerrima is the type of Stemonitis tenerrima Berk. & Curt., from
S. Carolina ; it occurs in Ravenel's Coll. (B. M. 902) under the name
of Comatricha pulchella : it has also been found at Lyme Regis.
Comatricha graciUs Wing. (No. 2094, Ellis & Everhart, 2nd Series, K.
1589) is similar to specimens furnished by Dr. Rex as a small form of
C. Persoonil (L:B.M.92) ; it differs from the usual type in the very
faintly and closely warted spores.

Hal>. On dead leaves, etc. a. and y. Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.92);
a. Leytonstone, Essex (L:B.M.92) ; a. Luton, Beds. (L:B.M.92) ;
/3. Philadelphia (L:B.M.92) ; a. S. Carolina (B. M. 9045) ; y. S.
Carolina (B. M. 902).

7. C. rubens Lister, sp. iiov. Plasmodium watery- white. Total
height 1 to 2 mm. Sporangia obovoid, ellipsoid, or subglobose,
stipitate, erect or inclined, scattered, (J-5 to O8 niin. long, 0'3
to 0'5 broad, pinkish -brown, shining below; sporangium-wall
evanescent above, membranous and persistent in the lower
quarter, pinkish-brown. Stalk setaceous, black, shining, O6 to
1'3 mm. long, rising from a circular brown hypothallus. Colu-
mella reaching to about two-thirds the height of the sporangium,
branching at the apex. Capillitium of brownish-violet threads,
springing from all parts of the columella, broad at the base, more
or less flexuose, anastomosing and branching at wide angles, often
with flat expansions, gradually narrowing to the delicate straight
free ends ; the persistent base of the sporangium-wall is connected
with the lower part of the columella by capillitium threads with
broad attachments. Spores pale lilac-brown, minutely spinulose,
7 to 8 /x diani.

Plate XLV., B. d. sporangia, x 3 ; e. columella and capillitium, with the
basal part of sporangium- wall persistent, x 180; /. spore, x 600 (England).

This species has occurred at Lyme Regis two years in succession,
and has also been obtained in Yorkshire and Bedfordshire. Specimens
from America supplied by Dr. Rex are of precisely the same form as
the English gatherings. The spores are similar to those of C. Persoonii,
to which species it appears to be allied. The persistent wall at the
base of the sporangium is a constant character, showing an approach
to the genus Lamproderma.

Hab. On dead leaves. Lyme Regis, Dorset (L-.B.M.93) ; Phila-
delphia (L:B.M. 93).

SPECIES NOT MET WITH IN THE QUOTED COLLECTIONS.

8. C. macrosperma Racib., in Rozpr. Mat. Przyr. Akad. Krak.,
xii., p. 76 (1884). Sporangia obovate, or oblong, naked, stipitate;
columella tapering upwards, ceasing below the apex ; capillitium
arising from the columella, its branches combined into a not dense
net, becoming gradually more slender towards the circumference,
where, especially in the lower part of the sporangium, their curved
extremities unite to form a superficial net. Spores pale violet,
verruculose," 9'9 to 12 /JL diam. Var. obovata, sporangia 0'5 to

124 ENDOSPORE^E. [ENERTHENEMA.

0'75 mm. broad. Yar. oblonga, sporangia 0'75 to 1 mm. long,
0*3 to 0*5 mm. broad.

Hab. Near Cracow.

This description applies to a form of C. obtusata with spores rather
more distinctly warted than usual.

Genus 17. ENERTHENEMA Bowman, in Trans. Linn. Soc.,
xvi., p. 152 (1830). Sporangia stipitate ; columella reaching to
the apex of the sporangium ; capillitium springing from beneath
the superficially extended end of the columella.

1. E. elegans Bowm., I.e., p. 152, tab. 16 (1830). Plasmodiuni
watery-white. Total height 1 to 1*5 mm. Sporangia globose,
stipitate, erect, gregarious, 0'5 to 0'75 mm. diarn., dull black,
crowned with the small iridescent salver-shaped apex of the
columella ; sporangium-wall evanescent. Stalk conical, black.
Columella slender, cylindrical from a conical base, traversing the
sporangium and expanding on the surface into a membranous
umbilicate disc O'l to 0'2 mm. broad. Capillitium threads
spreading from the expanded apex of the columella, long, slender,
black, sparingly branched, straight or flexuose. Spores greyish-
brown, spinufose, 8 to 10 /x- diam. Mass., Mon., p. 105. Stemo-
nitis papillata Pers., in Rorner, N. Mag. Bot., p. 90; Berk, in
Eiig. El., vol. v., ii., p. 317. Enerthenema papillata Host., Mon.,
App., p. 28; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 51. E. elegans Berk. & Br.
in Ami. Mag. Nat. Hist., Ser. 2, vol. v., p. 366. E. Berkley ana
Rost., Mon., App., p. 29; Mass., Mon., p. 106. Ancyrophorus
crassi2)es Raunkiser, in Bot. Tidssk., xvii., p. 93, t. v., figs. 8, 9 ;
Mass., Mon., p. 107.

Plate XLVII.,A. a. sporangia, x 20 ; &. sporangia with spores dispersed,
showing capillitium arising from under the apical disc of the columella, x
35 ; c. sporangia with capillitium arising from the whole length of the
columella, and anastomosing to form more or less of a network ; found in
company with sporangia with normal capillitium, x 35 ; d. spore, x 600
(England).

Occasionally the capillitium threads are much branched and spring
from all parts of the columella, which may then terminate below the
apex of the sporangium ; but all conditions between this and the normal
form occur in the same group of sporangia. The account with the
figure of Ancyrophorus crassipes Raunkiasr, I.e., well describes this
variety. In what remains of the type of E. Berkeley anu in Host., from
S. Carolina (K. 1643), no spores of an Enerthenema can be detected ;
the specimen is beset with clusters of brown spores or dividing cells of
a parasitic fungus. Berkeley and Broome describe this specimen as
having the " spores produced in little heads surrounded by a common
vesicle at the free apices of the flocci," and of this being " almost the
only case in which the spores of a Myxogaster have been observed in
situ ; Ptychogaster is the single exception." The sporangia are of the
typical form of E, elegans, and it appears possible that the mould was
mistaken by Berkeley and Broome for the true spores.

Hab. On dead wood. Wanstead, Essex (L:B.M.94) ; Lyme Regis,
Dorset (L:B.M.94); Portbury, Somerset (B. M. 236); Batheaston,
Somerset (B. M. 238) ; Edinburgh (K. 1642) ; Germany (Strassb.
Herb.) ; 8. Carolina (K. 1643).

LAMPRODERMA.] STEMONITACE^E. 125

SPECIES EXCLUDED FROM THE GENUS.

E. muscorum Lev. = Lamj)roderma irideum Mass.

Genus 18. LAMPRODERMA Kostafinski, Versuch, p. 7
(1873). Sporangia stalked, globose or ellipsoid ; sporangium-wall
membranous, somewhat persistent, shining with iridescent colours ;
stalk black ; columella cylindrical or clavate, reaching to half or
more than half the height of the sporangium ; capillitium con-
sisting of branched anastomosing threads, radiating from the
upper part of the columella.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF LAMPRODERMA.

A. Total height 2 to 3 mm.

Capillitium purplish throughout, spores spinulose, 10 to 13 //,.

1. L. physar aides
Capillitium black or grey, spores echinulate, 15 to 20 //,.

2. L. echinulatum

B. Total height 1 to 1'5 mm.

a. Columella branching at the apex. 3. L. arcyrionema

b. Columella obtuse or truncate.

Threads of capillitium dark, pale at the base.

4. L. irideum

Threads of capillitium dark or pale, not paler at the base.

5. L. violaceum

1. L. physaroides Host., Mon., p. 202 (1875), and App., p. 25.
Plasmodium ? Total height 2 to 3 mm. Sporangia globose or
ellipsoid, stipitate, erect, rarely sessile, gregarious, 0'5 to 0-8 mm.
diarn., purplish-black with broken iridescent reflections, or shining
like burnished brass ; sporangium-wall membranous, persistent,
purplish in the lower part, usually mottled with darker shades.
Stalk cylindrical, usually T5 mm. high, 0-15 mm. thick, purplish-
black, shining, longitudinally striate or rugose, rising from a dark
purplish hypothallus. Columella cylindrical with a conical apex,
or clavate, reaching to more than half the height of the spor-
angium. Capillitium of purple-brown threads, rarely pale,
radiating chiefly from the upper part of the columella, sparingly
forked and anastomosing ; towards the surface branching and
forming a delicate, nearly colourless network. Spores purple -
grey, closely spinulose, 11 to 14 //, diam. Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 49 ;
Blytt, Bidr. K. Norg., Sop. iii. (1892), p. 7 ; Mass., Mon., p. 103.
Stemonitis physaroides Alb. & Schw., Consp. Fung., p. 103 (1805).
Physarum columbinum Pers., Obs. Myc., i.. p. 5. Lamproderma
columbinum Host., Versuch, p. 7 \ in Fuckel, Symb., Nachtr, p. 69 ;
Mon., p. 203 ; Mass., Mon., p. 100. Physarum iridescens Berk.,
in Hook. Journ. (1851), p. 20. Lamproderma iridescens Host.,
Mon., App., p. 25.

126 ENDOSPORE^E. [LAMPRODERMA.

a. genuinum : sporangia stalked.
ft. sessile : sporangia sessile.

Plate XLVIL, B. a. sporangia, x 3 ; b. sporangia, a. genuinum, x 20 ;
c. coluTnella and capillitium, x 80 ; d. columellre of various shapes, from
one group of sporangia, x 20 ; e. sporangia, j3. sessile, x 20 ; /. capillitium of
same, x 80 ; g. spore, x 600 (England).

The form sessile is represented by five separate gatherings. One from
the Pyrenees, on ffepaticce, is the type of Stemonitis iridescens Berk. (K.
1318) ; the sporangia, now broken, were globose, and either sessile or
on short stalks ; the capillitium is described by Rostafinski as colourless,
but in the sporangium examined, the few threads that remain are dark-
brown ; the columella is absent, but the base of the sporangium is
thickened by a tissue of interwoven bands ; the spores are purple-grey
as in the type of L. physaroides. The second gathering is from
Christiania, named L. columbinum, kindly furnished by Professor Blytt
(L:B.M.95); it is on moss in company with the long stalked form of
L. physaroides ; the globose sporangia are each seated on a horny base
of dried plasmodium ; there is no stalk or columella ; the capillitium
rises from the broad base of the sporangium and resembles that of the
stalked form ; the spores measure 16 to 19 /x ; in the accompanying
stipitate sporangia they measure 12 to 13 p.. Two other gatherings
are from near Leighton Buzzard, one on fir bark, the other on dead
leaves ; the sporangia are entirely without stalk or columella ; the
capillitium rises from the broad membranous base of the colourless
sporangium-wall, the threads are much branched and colourless at the
base, dark purple-brown, forked and anastomosing above ; the spores
are as in the type, 10 p. diam. The fifth is a gathering on fir bark by
Mr. Saunders, at Flitwick, Beds : the sporangia are dull-brown ; the
sporangium-wall pale amber, subcartilaginous, thickened at the base
by interwoven folds as in the specimen from the Pyrenees ; the
capillitium is abundant, of almost simple purple-brown threads, pale at
the points of attachment to the sporangium-wall ; the spores are of the
typical colour and roughness, 9 to 11 /A diam. The form genuinum of
this species is very constant in its main characters, yet it is met with in
the collections almost as frequently under the name of L. columbinum
as of L. physaroides. It is probable that both names were originally
given to the same species, and that Albertini and Schweinitz were not
acquainted with Persoon's type of Physarum columb'mum when they
gave the name of S. physaroides. The Strassburg collection does not
here assist us. There are three specimens in that collection marked as
Rostafinski's types of L. columbinum ; one is L. physaroides, one is
the pale form of L. violaceum, and the third is L. irideum. The type of
L. physaroides at Strassburg is the species described above in the
text, and the same 'as that supplied by de Bary to Professor Bay ley
Balfour under that name ; this nomenclature having become esta-
blished, L. columbinum is here placed as a synonym for L. physaroides.

Hab. On fir-wood, moss, etc. a. Hanham, Gloucester (B.M. 204,205) ;
a. |8. Leighton, Beds (L:B.M.95) ; a. Moffat, Scotland (L:B.M.95) ; a.
France (K. 628) ; a. Germany (B M. 603, 604) ; /3. Pyrenees (K. 1318) ;
a. and |8. Norway (L:B.M 95) ; a. Mass., U.S.A. (L:B.M.95).

2. L. echmulatum Eost., Mon., App., p. 25 (1876). Plas-
rnodium ? Total height 2 to 2 '5 mm. Sporangia globose, stipitate,
erect, gregarious, P 5 to 1 mm. diam., steel-blue, iridescent ;
sporangium-wall membranous, somewhat persistent, purplish or

LAMPRODERMA.] STEMONITACEyE. 127

fuliginous. Stalk subulate or cylindrical, 1 to T5 mm. long, black,
rising from a well-developed hypothallus. Columella cylindrical,
obtuse, about half the height of the sporangium. Capillitium
black or cinereous, spreading chiefly from the upper part of the
columella, threads stout, sparingly forked and anastomosing,
colourless and slender at the tips. Spores dark grey, echinulate
with black spines, 15 to 20 /JL diam. Lister, in Journ. Bot. (1891),
p. 261 ; Mass., Mon., p. 97. Stemonitis echinulata Berk, in Hook.
Fl. Tasm., p. 268 (1860). Lamproderma Listeri Mass., Mon., p. 97.

Plate XLVIIL, A. a. sporangia, x 3^ (New Zealand) ; b. columella of
same, x 80 ; c. sporangia, x 3^ (Tasmania) ; d. columella and capillitium
of same, x 80 ; e. sporangia, x 3i- (Moffat) ; /. columella and capillitium,
x 80 ; g. spore, x 600.

In the type specimen from Tasmania many of the stalks are mis-
shapen and tumid, and the primary branches of the capillitium are soon
lost in a flaccid network of grey threads with broad expansions at the
nodes ; somewhat similar appearances are met with both in the stalks
and capillitium of L. violaceum when matured under unfavourable
conditions, and it appears probable that this specimen is not a perfect
development ; the primary threads in some parts are continuous and
branched towards the surface in the manner usual in Lamproderma.
The specimen from New Zealand is mouldy and difficult to examine,
but the capillitium forms less of a network, and more nearly approaches
the Moffat gathering, which is in perfect development, and is that
described in the text and in the Journ. Bot., I.e. The remarkable
spores are of the same character in all the specimens, and until further
examples are obtained it would seem well to include them under one
species.

Hab. On dead wood. Moffat, Scotland (L:B.M.96) ; Tasmania
(K. 1621) ; New Zealand (L:B.M.96).

3. L. arcyrionema Host., Mon., p. 208, App. p. 26 (1875).
Plasmodium watery-white, in rotten wood. Total height 1 to
1-5 mm. Sporangia globose, stipitate, erect, aggregated, - 5 mm.
diam., steel-grey or bronze with iridescent reflections ; sporangium-
wall membranous, falling away in large fragments, often persis-
tent as a collar round the base of the sporangium. Stalk
subulate-setaceous, about 1 mm. high, black, shining. Columella
slender, smooth, cylindrical, about 12 ^ broad, reaching to one-
third or one-half the height of the sporangium, suddenly dividing
at the apex into the primary branches of the capillitium. Capilli-
tium of dark purple-brown threads arising from the apex of the
columella, branching repeatedly and anastomosing to form a close
crisped network, with very short free ends. Spores lilac-grey,
smooth or very faintly warted, 6 to 7 //, diam. Mass., Mon.,
p. 96. /Stemonitis physaroides var. subaeneus Berk., in Mass.,
Mon., p. 95. Lamproderma subaeneum Mass., I.e. Comatricha
Shimekiana Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 380,
PL x., fig. 3.

Plate XLVIIL, B. a. sporangia, x 3i (United States) ; b. capillitium of
same, x 180 ; c. sporangia, x 20 (England) ; d. columella and capillitium,
x 80 ; e. spore, x 600,

128 ENDOSPORE^E. [LAMPRODERMA.

This species is not unfrequent in the United States, where it is
described by Dr. Rex as sometimes occurring in vast abundance, " cover-
ing one entire side of a fallen log about 3 feet in diameter for a
length of about 10 feet with the steel-coloured sporangia." The
specimens named by Berkeley Stemonitis physaroides var. subaeneus,
from Ohio (K. 1560, 1562), correspond in every respect, in size, capilli-
tium, and in the spores, which measure 6 to7 /u, with Rostafinski's type
of Lamproderma arcyrionema in Strassb. Herb. Comatricha Shimekiaiia
Macbride, from Nicaragua (B. M. 1008), is a typical form of L. arcyrio-
nema.

Hal. On dead wood. Epping Forest, Essex (L:B.M.97) ; France
(Paris Herb.) ; Poland (L:B.M.97) ; Borneo (L:B.M.97) ; Philadelphia
(L:B.M.97) ; Ohio (L:B.M.97) ; Nicaragua (B. M. 1008).

4. L. irideum Mass., Mon., p. 95 (1892). Plasmodium watery-
white, among dead leaves. Total height 1 to 1*5 mm. Sporangia
globose, stipitate, erect, scattered or gregarious, 0'3 to 0'5 mm.
diam., steel-blue or bronze, brilliantly iridescent ; sporangium-
wall delicately membranous, colourless, soon falling away in large
fragments. Stalk setaceous, black, shining, rising from a purple-
brown circular hypothallus. Columella cylindrical, truncate,
scarcely reaching to half the height of the sporangium. Capillitium
of rigid threads, radiating from, the apex of the columella,
dichotomously branching and anastomosing, black, purple-brown,
rarely pale brown, pale at the base, rigid and coloured to the
free extremities ; the threads connecting the apex of the columella
with the somewhat persistent base of the sporangium-wall usually
delicate and colourless. Spores violet-grey, minutely warted,
6 '5 to 8 //, diam. Stemonitis scintillans^&rk. & Br., in Journ. Linn.
Soc., xv., p. 2 (1877). Lamprodermaarcyrioides\&Y. iridea Cooke,
Myx. Brit., p. 50 (1877). Enerthenema muscorum Lev., in Ann.
Sc. Nat., Ser. iv., xx., p. 289.

Plate L., A. a. sporangia, x 3^ ; b. sporangia, x 20 ; c. columella and
capillitium, x 80 ; d. branching thread of capillitium, showing the colour-
less base, x 180 ; e. spores, x 600 (England).

This species resembles some forms of L. violaceum, but is marked by
the colourless base of the capillitium threads where they spring from
the truncate apex of the columella ; apart from the character of the
capillitium, which is liable to some variation, it can always be distin-
guished by the spores, which instead of being minutely and closely
spinulose, as in the pale-spored form of L. violaceum, are beset with
scattered warts, which can easily be counted when magnified 1,500
diam., and number about thirty on the hemisphere. It is a most
abundant species in England ; in heaps of dead leaves it appears in
countless numbers, and in a dark fir plantation near Lyme Regis the
stones and herbage by the side of a rivulet appeared hoary over an
area of many square yards with the young rising sporangia, and a little
search showed the mature forms in equal abundance. The specimen
in the Kew Collection from Ceylon (K. 1634) has the same character
as the English gatherings, and is accurately described by Berkeley
under the name of Stemonitis scintillans (I.e.). There are several
specimens of this species in the Kew Collection, named L. arcyrioides
var. iridea Cke. (K. 615 619) ; these are referred to in Mr. Massee's

r

LAMPRODERMA.] STEMONITACE/E. 129

Monograph, p. 95, and described as having smooth spores measuring
11 to 16 /x, which is misleading. Specimens received from the United
States, representing several gatherings, agree in all respects with the
type. The type of Enerthenema musconnn Lev. from New Granada
(B. M. 1023) is a form of L. irideum with scattered sporangia on
setaceous stalks, and dark capillitium ; the spores measure 8 to 9 p,
and are marked with 20 to 24 strong warts on the surface of the
hemisphere, not including those seen on the margin. The warting is
unusually pronounced, but in all other respects the specimen corre-
sponds with frequent English gatherings.

Hab. On dead leaves. Common. Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.91) ;
Batheaston, Somerset (B. M. 194, 201) ; Highgate, London (B. M. 1111) ;
France (B. M. 617) ; Poland (Strassb. Herb.) ; Ceylon (K. 1634) ;
Philadelphia (L:B.M.98) ; Ohio (L:B.M.98) ; Iowa (B. M. 1000) ; S.
Carolina (B. M. 846) ; New Granada (B. M. 1032).

5. L. violaceum Host., Versuch, p. 7 (1873). Plasmoclium
watery-white. Total height 0*6 to 1*5 mm. Sporangia sub-
globose, more or less flattened and umbilicate beneath, or shortly
ellipsoid, stipitate, erect, scattered or aggregated, 0*4 to 0'9 mm.
cliam., violet or bronze with iridescent reflections; sporangium-
wall membranous, somewhat persistent, pale violet-brown. Stalk
varying from very short to one and a half times the height of
the sporangium, black, rising from a red-brown membranous
hypothallus. Coluniella one-third to two-thirds the height of
the sporangium, cylindrical, obtuse, or sometimes narrowing to
the apex. Capillitium of almost colourless, pale brown or dark
violet-brown threads, springing from the upper part of the
columella; in the pale form branching and anastomosing in a
flaccid network, becoming very slender towards the surface, vary-
ing in density in the same group of sporangia ; in the dark form
the threads are either lax, or coarse and rigid, or flexuose and
forming a close network. Spores purplish-grey or purple-brown,
nearly smooth or minutely or strongly spinulose, 8 to 15/udiam.
In Fuckel, Symb. Nachtr., p. 69 ; Mon., p. 204 ; Cooke, Myx, Brit.,
p. 50; Blytt, Bidr. K. Norg., Sop. iii. (1892), p. 8; Mass., Mon.,
p. 94. Stemonitis violated Fr., Syst. Myc., iii., p. 162 (1829).
Stemonitis arcyrioides Somm., in Mag. Nat., vii., p. 298 (1827).
Lamproderma arcyrioides Host., Mon., p. 206 ; Blytt, I.e., p. 8 ;
Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 50; Mass., Mon., p. 102. /Stemonitis Carestice
Ces. & de Not., Erb. Crit. Ital., No. 888. Lanwrod&rma Banter i
Host., Mon., p. 205 ; Mass., Mon., p. 100. Lamproderma robusta
Ellis & Everh., in Mass., Mon., p. 99. Tilmadoche Berkeleyi
Mass., Mon., p. 332.

a. gen.uin.um : sporangia globose, flattened beneath ; stalk
slender ; capillitium nearly colourless, sometimes brown, flaccid ;
spores 8 to 10 /x diam., minutely spinulose.

/3. Sauteri : sporangia globose or subovoid ; thickened below ;
capillitium brown ; spores 11 to 15 ^ diana., nearly smooth or
spinose.

9

130 ENDOSPORE.E. [LAMPRODERMA.

y. Carestiae : sporangia subovoid ; stalk short, stout ; capilli-
tium dense, dark violet-brown ; spores 8 to 15 /x diam., nearly
smooth or spinose.

Plate XLIX., A. a. sporangia, a. fjenmnum, x 3^ ; b. sporangia, x 20 ;
c. capillitium, x 80 ; d. spore, x (500 (England) ; e. small sporangia, x 3
(United States) ; /. capillitium, /3. Sauteri, x 80 ; (j. spore of same, x 600
(Tyrol : Bostafinski's type of L. Sauteri') ; li. sporangia, 7. Carcstia, x 3^ ;
i. capillitium, x 80 ; j. spore of same, x 600 (Italy : type of Stemonitis
Carestifc Cesati) ; k. spore, x 600 (Jura Mts. : Fuckel, Fung. Rhen., 1447,
one of Rostafinski's types of L. arcyrioides').

Plate XLIX., B. a. sporangia, type of Stemonitis arcyrioides Somm.,
x 20 ; b. columella and capillitium, x 50 ; c. capillitium and spores,
x 280 ; d. spore, x 600 (Norway).

The three varieties given above are well-marked centres, round
which intermediate forms group themselves, and are essentially repre-
sented under their respective names by specimens in the Strassb.
Herb.; but neither the size of the spores, the colour of the capillitium,
nor the shape of the sporangia can be taken as giving constant specific
characters. In some gatherings with dark and coarse capillitium the
spores measure 9 p, diam., in others 11 to 14 p diam. ; they are either
minutely or strongly spinulose. The original gathering on which
Sommerfelt founded his S. arcyrioides, of which, through the courtesy
of Prof. Blytt of Christiania, a mounting is in the Brit. Mus. Coll., has
globose sporangia, with brown capillitium and nearly smooth spores
8 to 9 /* diam. The measurement " 12 '5 to 16'5 JJL ' given by Rosta-
hnski, and repeated in other works, is erroneous, but is corrected by
Prof. Blytt, I.e. It is a form of a. genuinum with dense capillitium.
L. Sauteri Rost. has the same form of sporangium and brown capilli-
tium as S. arcyrioides Somm., but has spinulose spores 11 to 14 p diam.;
it is the type of /3. In Lyme Regis gatherings with pale, minutely
spinulose spores, 8 to 10 p. diam., the capillitium is either almost
colourless and flaccid, or brown and rigid, sometimes varying in
sporangia on the same leaf. The characters on which specific differ-
ences can be based being so unstable, it appears reasonable to consider
the three forms as varieties of one species. Lamproderma robusta
Ellis & Everh., No. 39, N. Amer. Fun., as represented by the
specimen received by Mr. Massee from Mr. Wingate, is /3, with
dark, strongly spinulose spores 11 to 13 /x diam.; it is almost identical
with the type of L. Sauteri in the Strassb. Herb. The type of
Tilmadoche Berkeley i Mass., from the United States (K. 1563A),
appears to be an immature specimen of L. violaceum.

Hab. On dead wood, leaves, etc. a. Twycross, Leicester (B. M. 203p,);
Brockley, Somerset (B. M. 202) ; a,/3. Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M. 99) ;
a. France (Paris Herb.) ; a, /3, y. Germany (Strassb. Herb.) ; /3, y. Ger-
many (B. M. 607) ; a. Norway (L:B.M.99) ; y. Switzerland (B. M. 608);
y. Italy (B. M. 606) ; a. Mass., U.S.A (L:B.M.99) ; /3. Philadelphia
(L:B.M.99) ; y. Iowa, Ohio (L:B.M.99).

SPECIES NOT MET WITH IN THE QUOTED COLLECTIONS.

6. L. Schimperi Host., Mon., p. 203. Sporangia globose, irides-
cent, greenish-black or reddish. Stalk black, shining, rigid,
subulate, 3 to 4 mm. high, 0'6 mm. thick below, 0'15 mm. above.
Columella obovate, hardly attaining half the height of the
sporangium. Capillitium dusky, as in L. physaroides. Spores
dull violet, delicately warted, 10 to 11 ^ diam. Differing from

LAMPRODERMA.] STEMONITACE^E. 131

L. pliysaroides, which it very closely resembles, in the shape of
the columella, and the smaller size and less strong warting of the
spores.

Hob. Alsace (Schimper).

The characters above given are frequently met with in typical
developments of L. physaroides.

7. L. leucosporum Host., Mon., App., p. 26. Sporangia globose,
0*5 mm. diam., iridescent. Stalks black, shining, subulate, slender.
Columella cylindrical, truncate. Capillitium dusky after the dis-
persal of the spores ; composed of variously branching threads
combined into a very dense network. Spores violet, smooth,
8 to 9 fj. diam. L. niyrescens Host., Mon., p. 205.

Hob. Eberbach, Germany (Fuckel) ; Paris (Roze). The specimen
from Roze has colourless capillitium.

This description applies to L. violaceum.

8. L.Fuckelianum Host., in Fuckel, Symb., Nachtr., p. 69 (1873).
Sporangia globose, almost sessile, O75 mm. diam., iridescent red,
slightly umbilicate beneath. Stem, short, inconspicuous, pene-
trating the sporangium as a short conical columella. Capillitium
loosely branching, combined into a network by transverse
branchlets. Spores pale violet, marked with minute ridges uniting
to form a reticulation, 8 to 9 yu, diam. Mon., p. 207, tab. xiii.,
fig. 6.

Hal). On the twigs and leaves of oak. Eberbach, Germany (Fuckel).

9. L. minutum Host., Mon., App., p. 26. Sporangia globose, 0*6
mm. diam., somewhat iridescent. Stalks black, slender, cylindrical.
Columella cylindrical, slender, truncate. Capillitium threads
colourless, branching in a fasciculate manner ; fascicles few.
Spores violet, delicately verruculose, 6*6 //, diam.

Hab. Near Paris (Roze).

This description applies to a form of L. irideum with pale
capillitium.

10. L. nigrescens Sacc., in Mich., ii., p. 262 (non Host.) Sporan-
gia gregarious, stipitate, globose, not umbilicate, smooth, erect, at
first yellowish, then opaque black. Stalks filiform, 0'5 mm. high,
40 fji thick, black, with a small reddish hypothallus. Columella
cylindrical, reaching half the height of the sporangium, giving
rise at the obtuse apex to the radiating, dichotomously branching,
filiform, dusky threads of the capillitium. Spores dull violet, very
minutely echinulate, 9 to 10 /x, diam. L. Saccardianum Mass.,
Mon., p. 101.

Hab. On heaps of dead leaves and twigs. N. Italy.

From the size of the spores it is probable that this is a minute form
of L. violaceum.

11. L. Ellisiana Cooke, in Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. York, xi.,
p 397. Sporangia globose, stipitate, minutely rugulose, blackish-

132 ENDOSPORE.E. [CLASTODERMA.

purple, rather dull. Capillitium originating from the apex of
the short colurnella, threads blackish-purple, very slender, equal
throughout, repeatedly forking from the base, angles very acute.
Stem coloured like the sporangium and twice as long, slender
above, becoming very thick downwards, and expanding into a
small circular hypothallus. Spores in clusters of five to seven,
globose when free, pale lilac, minutely warted, 15 to 16 /x diam.
About 1 mm. high. Mass., Mon., p. 98. Badhainia penetralis
Cooke & Ellis, Grev., v., p. 49.

Hal>. On pine boards. New Jersey.

Nothing now remains in the Kew Herb. (K. 614) of the specimens
first issued by Ellis under the name of B. penetralis but a few subulate
stalks. The specimens issued as Comatricha Ellmana syn. Lamproderma
Ellisiana Cke., Badhamia penetralis Cke. & Ellis, 2nd series, No. 2696
(K. 1590), are Comatricha laxa.

12. L. Lycopodii Raunk,, in Bot.Tidssk.,xvii., p. 109. Sporangia
scattered, globose, sessile on a violet-brown hypothallus ; wall,
columella, capillitium, and spores violet-brown ; the lower part of
the wall remains with tattered margin. Columella cylindrical,
reaching nearly half the height of the sporangium, giving rise in
the upper part only to the capillitium, whose threads fork more
and more towards the surface of the sporangium, where they are
combined into a net by transverse branches, the extremities
almost colourless. Spores furnished with a delicate network of fine
thickenings, 12 to 18 ^ diam. Stemonitis cribrarioides Fr., Syst.
Myc., iii., p. 163. Cribraria Lycopodii Fr, Nees, in Raunk. I.e.

Hab. On the leaves of Lycopodium. Zealand.

SPECIES EXCLUDED FROM THE GENUS.

L. Hookeri Rost. Chondrioderma llookeri List.

Genus 19. CLASTODERMA Blytt, in Bot. Zeit., xxxviii.,
p. 343 (1880) ; sporangia stalked, without lime ; columella very
short or hardly evident ; capillitium arising from the apex of the
columella in solid lilac or ochraceous threads, repeatedly forking,
sparingly anastomosing ; sporangium-wall dividing into sub-
hyaline, membranous, rounded oblong or subpolygonal fragments,
attached to one or from two to five of the ultimate branches of
the capillitium ; spores pale lilac. ORTHOTRICHIA Wingate,
in Journ. Myc., ii., p. 125 (1886).

1. C. Debaryaimm Blytt, Bot. Zeit., xxxviii., p. 343 (1880).
Plasmodium ? Total height 1 to 1'25 mm. Sporangia globose,
stipitate, gregarious, 0'15 to - 2 mm. diam., brown; sporangium-
wall membranous, persistent only in circular or polygonal plates
attached to the ultimate branches of the capillitium. Stalks
slender, rugose below, suddenly smooth and filiform in the upper
fifth, brown. Columella short, dividing into the primary branches
of the capillitium. Capillitium of pale brown threads, forking
three or four times, sparingly anastomosing at the surface or free,

CLASTODERMA.] STEMONITACE^. 133

the ultimate branches attached singly or two or three together
to the membranous plates of the sporangium -wall. Spores pale
lilac, smooth, 7 to 10 /x, diam. Christ. Vidensk. Forh., No. 4(1882);
Bidr. K. Norg., Sop. iii. (1892), p. 7. Orthotrichia microcepliala
Wing., I.e. ; Mass., Mon., p. 109.

Plate L., B. a. sporangia, x 20 ; TJ. apex of stem, capillitium, and
spores, x 280 ; c . part of capillitium from another sporangium, x 280
(United States) ; d. capillitinm with expanded membranous plates, x 280
(Norway) ; e. spore, x 600 ; /. sporangium, x 20 (Norway).

This species was discovered by Prof. Blytt in 1879, near Christiania,
growing on dead Pohfporus. In the United States it has been re-
peatedly found, and described by Mr. Wingate as Orthotrichia micro-
cephala. In these gatherings the threads anastomose more freely than
in the Norwegian specimen, and the disc-shaped fragments of the
sporangium-wall are usually less pronounced. In some sporangia,
however, they agree essentially with the type kindly submitted for
examination by Prof. Blytt, and it cannot be doubted that they are
the same species.

Hal}. On dead wood. Norway (Christiania Herb.) ; Borneo
(L:B.M.100) ; Philadelphia (B. M. 874) ; Ohio (LrB.M.lOO).

ALLIED GENERA NOT MET WITH IN THE QUOTED COLLECTIONS.

RACIBORSKIA Bcrl., in Sacc. Syll., vii., p. 400 (1888). Spor-
angia naked, globose, stipitate. Stem produced into a columella
one-third or half the height of the sporangium, bearing at its apex
short, slender, secondary columellae, which branch again in a
similar manner, the ultimate branches combining to form a net-
work without free ends. Rostajmskia Racib., in Rozpr. Mat.
Przyr. Akad. Krak., xii., p. 77 (1884).

1. R. elegans Berl., I.e. Sporangia naked, globose, 0*5 mm.
broad. Stalks erect, 1 to 2 mm. high, subulate, furrowed, black.
Columella cylindrical, 8 to 10 /JL wide. Capillitium blackish-
violet, the branches becoming gradually more slender outwards,
the ultimate branchlets furnished with scattered spines. Spores
dull violet, 9 to 10 /x diam. Eostafaiskia elegans Racib., I.e., p. 78.

Hal). Botanical Gardens, Cracow.

This description applies to Comatrlclia obtusata, in which the
columella frequently branches in a dichotomous manner.

ECHINOSTELIUM de Bary, in Rost., Yersuch, p. 7 (1873).
Sporangia stalked, minute, naked, without columella. Capillitium
arising from the apex of the stalk, its branches forming a
network.

1. E. minutum de Bary, in Rost., Mon., p. 215, figs. 53, 54,
58, 68. Sporangia scattered, stipitate, globose, 37 to 57 ^ diam.,
naked, whitish. Stalk 0'28 to 0'46 mm. high, brownish below,
pale above. Capillitium of curved branching threads, with acute
free branches. Spores entirely colourless, 6'7 to 8'3 /x, diam.

Hab. Frankfort-on-Maine.

134

ENDOSPORE.E.

[AMAUROCH^ETE.

Order II. AMAUROCHLETACE^E. Sporangia combined into an
rethalium. Capillitium dark purple-brown, of irregular strands
and threads, or of complex structure.

KEY TO THE GENERA OF AMAUROCH^TACE^.

Capillitium of irregularly branching threads.

(20) A MAUROCHyETE.

Fig. 28. Amaurochcete atra Eost.

a. ^Ethalium. Half natural size.

b. Capillitium. Magnified 10 times.

Fig. 28.

Capillitium of horizontal threads, with many- chambered vesicles.

(21) BREFELDIA.

a

Fig. 29. Brefeldia maxima Rost.

a. jEthalium. Natural size.

b. Capillitium and spores. Magnified 50 times.

Fig. 29.

Genus 20. AMATJROCHJETE Eostafinski, Versuch, p. 8
(1873). .ZEthalia pulvinate, composed of elongated closely com-
pacted confluent sporangia ; sporangium -walls not developed.
Capillitium rising from the broad membranous base, consisting
of dark purple-brown irregularly flattened ragged strands,
dividing into many anastomosing branches, which vary much in
length and thickness.

o

1. A. atra Rost, Versuch, p. 8 (1873). Plasmodium creamy-
white, emerging from recently felled fir- wood. ^Ethalium pulvinate
or variously shaped, 2 mm. to 4 cm. or more broad, black, covered
with a silvery evanescent membrane ; individual sporangium-
walls undeveloped. Columella none. Capillitium as described in
the genus, often very scanty. Spores dull purple, spinulose, 11
to 13 ^ diarn. Mon., p. 211 ; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 52; Blytt,
Bidr. K. Norg., Sop. iii. (1892), p. 9; Mass., Mon., p. 89.
Lycogala atrum Alb. & Schw., Consp. Fung., p. 83 (1805).
Reticularia atra Fr., Syst. Myc., iii., p. 86.

Plate LI., A. a. Capillitium, x 20 ; b. spore, x GOO (England).

Hal. On fir- wood . Halse House, Somerset (B. M. 17) ; Scotland
(Edin. Herb.) ; Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.101) ; Poland (Strassb.
Herb.) ; Maine, U.S.A. (K. 800).

BREFELDIA.] AMAUROCH^TACE.E. 135

SPECIES NOT MET WITH IN THE QUOTED COLLECTIONS.

2. A. minor Sacc. & Ellis, in Michelia, ii., p. 566. Effused,
varying, oblong, adnate-applanate, the margin almost naked,
externally clay-colour, very minutely punctate, internally blackish.
Gapillitium threads filiform, sparingly branched and anastomosing,
very pale brown. Spores blackish, minutely warted, then quite
smooth, 15 /x diam.

Hal). On twigs. Utah.

This description suggests an imperfect specimen of DictydicBthalium
plumbeum.

Genus 21. BREFELDIA Rostafinski, Versuch, p. 8 (1873).
^Ethalia pulvinate, consisting of subcylindrical, somewhat branched
and confluent sporangia, rising from a base of spongy barren
tissue, which is continued, chiefly among the lower portions of
the sporangia, in irregular folds, sometimes forming imperfect
sporangium-walls and central columella3. Capillitium of numerous
horizontal threads, uniting at the surface of the sporangium to
form many-chambered vesicles.

1. B. maxima Host., Yersuch, p. 8 (1873). Plasmodium white,
in rotten stumps of fir, beech, etc. ^thalia 2 to 16 cm. broad,
5 to 10 mm. thick, purplish-brown, composed of elongated
branching sporangia O3 to 0*5 mm. diam., extending upwards
from the spongy basal tissue, which is continued among them
as irregularly branching, purple-brown membranous folds, usually
forming distinct rigid columellse. Capillitium consisting of
numerous threads radiating from near the central part of the
sporangium ; each thread expands at the boundary of the
sporangium into a many-chambered vesicle, which is continued
into a corresponding radial thread of the adjoining sporangium.
The proximal ends of the threads are slightly attached in clusters
of three or four by a fragile membrane. The vesicles are of firm
structure, often containing a spore in several of the chambers,
w T ith no appearance of forming part of the sporangium-wall,
except where they occasionally coalesce in fewer or greater numbers
to form vertical scalariform strands. Spores purplish-brown,
minutely spinulose, 9 to 12 ^ diarn. Mon., p. 213; Cooke, Myx.
Brit., p. 53; Mass., Mon., p. 91; Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist.
Iowa, ii., p. 389. Iteticularia maxima Fr., Syst. Orb. Yeg., i.,
p. 147 (1825). Licea perreptans Berk., in Gard. Chron. (1848),
p. 451.

Plate LI., A. c. subdiagrammatic view of portions of four columnar
sporangia from an aethalium ; each sporangium has a central columella,
and is clothed on the surface with numerous vesicles, from which short
capillitium threads pass into the adjacent sporangia ; at a? is seen a
scalariform strand, formed by vertical union of a row of vesicles, x 50 ;
cl. capillitium threads and vesicles, x 180 ; c. spore, x 600 (England).

136 ENDOSPORE.E. [BREFELDIA.

The complex structure of the capillitium is difficult to follow in
the lower part of the ssthalium ; towards the surface the sporangia
are often separated from each other by a narrow interval. The sides
of the sporangia are then seen to glitter with the numberless vesicles
of the capillitium. The threads penetrate the adjacent sporangia to
the distance of 0'07 to (H mm., or about half the radius. The entire
length of the threads, including the central vesicle, is 0*15 to 0'23 mm.
The spores in the central part of the sporangium do not seem to be
traversed by any threads. In the lower strata the threads are some-
times attached at each extremity to folds of the membrane arising
from the spongy base ; but the rigid collumellse, throughout the upper
part at least, appear to be free from the capillitium.

Hob. On dead wood. Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.102) ; Darenth,
Kent (B. M. 1110); Wanstead, Essex (L:B.M.102) ; Luton, Beds
(L:B.M.102) ; near Birmingham (L:B.M.102) ; Boynton, Yorkshire
(B. M. 1159); France (Paris Herb.); Sweden (K. 781); Germany
(Strassb. Herb.) ; Mass., U.S.A. (L:B.M.102) ; Iowa (B. M. 1020).

RostafinsJcia austral is Speg., in Ann. Soc. Cient. Argent., x., p. 151
(1880), is described as forming an aethalium and having the surface
composed of softly velvety tomentum, breaking up into powdery
filaments ; the capillitium tubes of the lower stratum septate ; the
spores lilac, ovoid or irregular, 8 to 10 x 5 to 6 ju. It does not appear
to be a Mycetozoon.

Cohort Il.LAMPROSPORALES. Spores variously coloured,
never violet.

Subcohort ~L.ANEMINEjE Host, (extended). Capillitium
not forming a system of uniform threads; either wanting, or
represented by modifications of the sporangium-wall, which may
be perforated or laciniated in sethalioid sporangia, or produced
into tubular extensions in exceptional forms in the order
Tubulinaceae.

Order I. HETERODERMACE.E Host, (extended). Sporangium-
wall membranous, beset with microscopic round granules (plasmodic
granules), and, except in Lindbladia, forming a net in the upper
part ; capillitium wanting ; spores 4 to 7 /x diam.

KEY TO THE GENEHA OF HETERODERMACEsE.

Sporangia sessile, compacted or sethalidid, the wall not forming a
net in the upper part. (22) LINDBLADIA

ig. 30. Lindbladia Tubulina Fries.

a. ^Ethalium. Natural size.
. Vertical section of sethalium. Magnified 6 times,

I

Fig. 30.

LINDBLADIA.]

HETERODERMACE/E.

137

Sporangia stalked; sporangium- wall with thickenings in the form
of a delicate persistent net expanded at the nodes.

(23) CRIBRARIA.

Fig. 31. Crilraria anrantiaca Schrad.

a. Group of sporangia. Twice natural size.

b. Sporangium after dispersion of the spores. Mag-

nified 20 times.

Sporangia stalked; sporangium-wall with thickenings in the form
of nearly parallel ribs extending from the base to the apex,
connected by delicate threads.

(24) DICTYDIUM.

Fig. 32. Dictyflium iimbilicatum Schrad.

a. Group of sporangia. Twice natural size.

b. Sporangium after the dispersion of spores. Mag-

nified 20 times.

a

Fig. 32.

Genus 22. LINDBLADIA Fries, Summa Veg. Scand., p. 449
(1849). Sporangia minute, either combined to form an sethalium,
or closely compacted ; rarely free, sessile, or stalked ; sporangium-
wall membranous, uniform, beset with microscopic, dark, plas-
modic granules.

1. L. Tubulina Fries, I.e. (1849). Plasmodium? Sporangia
minute, combined to form a more or less complex, effused or
pulvinate sethalium, 1 to 10 mm. thick, black with a cortex of
imperfectly developed spores, or umber-brown with the surface
formed by the membranous walls of the convex summits of the
component sporangia ; hypothallus strongly developed, of mem-
branous, more or less spongy tissue ; sometimes the sporangia are
shortly cylindrical and closely compacted, sessile, 0*3 to 0'5 mm.
broad ; in rare instances they are free and shortly stalked ;
sporangium- wall membranous., yellow-brown, uniform, beset with
scattered clusters of dark, round, plasmodic granules, 1 /z cliam.
Stalk, when present, short, dark brown, rugose. Spores och-
raceo as-brown, faintly warted, 4 to 6 /x diam. Licea effusa Ehr.,
Sylv. Myc. Berol., p. 26 (1818). Lindbladia effusa Host., Mon.,
p. 223 (1875); Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 55; Macbride, in Bull. Nat.
Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 115 ; Rex, in Bot. Gaz., xvii., p. 201. Tubulina

138 ENDOSPOREvE. [CRIBRARIA.

ejfusa Mass., Mon., p. 41. Licea spermoides Berk. & Curt., in
Grev., ii., p. 68. Tubulina spermoides Mass., Mon., p. 37.
/'hysarum ccespitosum Peck, in Rep. N. York Mus., xxvi.,
p. 75. P&richwna Cfespitosa Peck, in Rep. N. York Mus., x>xi.
p. 57. Tubulina cwspitosci Mass., Mon., p. 43.

o. genuina : sporangia combined into an sethalium.

6. simplex Rex : sporangia shortly cylindrical, closely com-
pacted, sessile, rarely free and stalked.

Plate LI., B. a. vertical section of part of a pulvinate lethalium, x 1) ;
b. fragment of sporangium-wall and spores, x 280 ; c. closely compacted
tubular sporangia, j3. simple,!', x 9 ; d. sessile and stalked sporangia, /3.
.<simple,v, closely allied to Cribraria argillacea, x 9 ; c. fragment of spo-
rangium-wall, and spores of same, x 280 ; /. spore, x GOO (United States).

The form ft. simplex has hitherto been recorded only from the
United States, and has been described by Dr. Rex (/.c.), where he gives
a full account of the genus Lindbladia and of the relationship which
exists between L. effusa and Cribraria argillacea. His gatherings show
a complete series of intermediate forms between the two species.
Licea spermoides Berk. & Curt, is var. simplex of Rex ; it is repre-
sented by several specimens in the Kew Collection, including the type
from Alabama referred to by Rostafinski in his App., p. 32, and given
by him as a synonym for Cribraria argillacea (K. 1695) ; the spo-
rangium-wall is bestrewn with dark plasmodic granules, but there is no
indication of a net to warrant its being placed under C. argillacea.

flab. On dead wood, etc. a. Buhner, Yorks (L:B.M.103); a. Aboyne,
Scotland (B. M. 244) ; a. Sweden (K. 1658) ; a. and /3. Philadelphia
(L:B.M.103) ; /3. Iowa (B. M. 822) ; /3. S. Carolina (B. M. 948).

Genus 23. CEIBRARIA Persoon, in Homer, Neues Mag. Bot.,
i., p. 91 (1794). Sporangia globose or subpyriform, stipitate ;
sporangium-wall persistent, and forming a cup in the lower half,
or reduced to a basal disc, continued above in a net of slender
threads more .or less expanded and thickened at the nodes; the
wall membranous and evanescent in the meshes of the net.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF CRIBRARIA.
A. Nodes of the net not expanded :

A. Sporangia clay-coloured, cup imperfectly defined,* spo-

rangium-wall subpersistent above. 1. C. argillacea

B. Sporangia crimson. 2. C. rubiginosa

c. Sporangia rufous or nut-brown, cup well-defined or
obsolete

Sporangia 0'6 mm. diam. 3. C. rufescens

Sporangia O'l to 0-2 mm. diam. 4. C. minutissima

CRIBRARIA.] HETERODERMACE.E. 139

B. Nodes of the net expanded :

A. Sporangia nut-brown

a. Cup perforated at the margin, merging into the

branching nodes. 5. C. macrocarpa

b. Cup well-defined, nodes flattened, angular, branching,

continued into the connecting threads.

6. C. aurantiaca

c. Cup replaced by strong ribs, nodes flattened.

7. C. S'j)lendens

d. Cup well-defined or absent, nodes thickened, pro-

minent, numerous

Nodes with many free rays, connected by more or
less parallel delicate threads. 8. C. intricata

Nodes rounded in outline, with few or no free
rays, connected by three to five delicate threads.

9. C. tenella

B. Sporangia purple- or red-brown

a. Stalk two to three times the height of the spo-

rangium, plasmodic granules 2 ^ diam.

10. C. pijriformis

b. Stalk four to six times the height of the spo-

rangium-
Cup one-third of the sporangium, nodes polygonal,
plasmodic granules 0'5 to 1 //, diam.

11. C. languescens

Cup minute or absent, nodes rounded, prominent,
plasmodic granules 1'5 to 2 /JL diam.

12. C. microcarpa
c. Sporangia purple

Cup one-third the sporangium, O7 mm. diam.

13. C. pur pur ea

Cup one-half the sporangium, 0*5 mm. diam.

14. C. elegans

D. Sporangia violet-blue-, sporangium O25 mm. diam.

15. C. violacea

1. C. argillacea Pers., in Homer, N. Mag. Bot., i., p. 91 (1794).
Plasm odium lead-coloured, in rotten wood. Total height O75 to
1-5 mm. Sporangia globose, crowded, stipitate, erect, or sessile,
0-5 to OS mm. diam., clay-coloured ; cup imperfectly defined ;
sporangium -wall subpersistent throughout, delicately membranous
above, stouter towards the base, reticulated with strongly or
faintly thickened bands, which are beset with dark plasmodic
granules 1 //, diam., and form a net with hardly expanded nodes
and subquadrangular meshes about 0*1 mm. wide. Stalk

140 ENDOSPORE^E. [CRIBRARIA.

cylindrical, 0*1 to 0'8 mm. high, furrowed, dark brown, arising
from a well-developed hypothallus. Spores or-hraceous, nearly
smooth, 5 to G /x diaru. Rost., Mon., p. 238; Cooke, Myx. Brit.,
p. 59; Blytt, Bidr. K. Norg., Sop. iii., p. 10; Mass., Mon., p. G5.
Stemonitis argillacea Pers., in Grnel., Syst. Nat., ii., p. 1469
(1791).

Plate LIL, A. a. sporangia, x 20 ; 1. net of sporangium-wall and stalk,
x 50 ; c. spores and plasmoclic granules, x 600 (England).

This species varies much in the extent to which the net of the
sporangium-wall is developed. In the usual form the bands are dark
brown, well-defined, hardly expanded at the nodes, often stouter
towards the base ; but in some gatherings the thickenings are faint
and broad, and the wall of the sporangium is nearly uniform in texture,
in which case it closely resembles the form /3. simplex of Lindbladia
Tubulina.

Hal. On dead wood. Richmond, Surrey (L:B.M.104) ; Birmingham
(L:B.M.104); Leighton, Beds (L:B.M.104) ; Boynton, Yorkshire
(B. M. 1044) ; Aboyne, Scotland (B. M. 243) ; Leicestershire
(B. M. 244A); Germany (Strassb. Herb.); Norway (L:B.M.104) ;
Philadelphia (L:B.M.104); Mass., U.S.A. (L:B.M.104).

2. C. rubiginosa Fries, Syst. Myc., iii., p. 172 (1829). Plas-
moclium ? Total height 2 mm. Sporangia ellipsoid, shortly
stalked, crowded, erect, l - 7 mm. high. 1 mm. broad, crimson; cup
reaching to half the height of the sporangium, beset with minute
dark plasrnodic granules arranged in isolated clusters towards
the base of the membranous wall, and in a reticulated pattern
upwards, the lines becoming thickened and continued into the net
at the somewhat perforated margin ; net of delicate, dark brown,
rigid threads with a mesh about 1 mm. diam., without conspicuous
expansions at the nodes. Stalk rugged, dark brown, 0'3 to
0*5 mm. long, - 2 mm. thick. Spores rufous, almost smooth,
5 to 6 /x, diam.

Plate LIL, B. a. sporangia, natural size ; b. sporangium after dispersion
of spores, from a mounting in Canada balsam, x 20 ; c. net of sporangium-
wall with margin of cup, x 180 ; d. spore, x 600 (Sweden).

This handsome species appears to be represented by the solitary
Swedish gathering.

Hob. On fir needles. Sweden (Edin. Herb. ; L:B.M.105 slide).

3. C. rufescens Pers., in Romer, N. Mag. Bot., i., p. 91 (1794).
Plasmodium ? Total height 1-5 to 2 mm. Sporangia subglobose or
turbinate, scattered, stipitate, erect, 0-6 to 0'7 mm. diam., rufous-
brown; cup one-third the height of the sporangium, with a regularly
toothed margin, more or less ribbed, the thicker ribs continued
into the wide-meshed net ; the plasmoclic granules of the spo-
rangium-wall hardly 1 /x cliani. ; nodes of the net hardly expanded,
or narrow triangular, flattened, connected by three or four firm
threads. Stalk cylindrical, the length of the sporangium or more,
0'2 mm. thick, longitudinally rugose, black. Spores pale

CRIBRARIA.] HETERODERMACE.E. 141

yellowish-red, minutely warted, 5 to 7 /z diam. Pers., Syn
Fung., p. 193. Stemonitis rufa Roth, Fl. Germ., i., p. 548 (1788)
Cribraria rufa Host., Mon., p. 232 (1875); Cooke, Myx. Brit,
p. 58 ; Blytt, Bidr. K. Norg., Sop. iii., p. 9 ; Mass., Mon., p. 63
Cribraria intermedia Schrad., Nov. Gen. PL, p. 4 (1797). C.fulva
Schrad., I.e., p. 5.

Plate LIIL, A. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. net and cup of sporangium-wall,
x 50 ; c. spore and plasmodic granules, x 600 (Scotland).

Hal. On dead wood. Moffat, Scotland (L:B.M.106) ; Baden Baden,
Germany (L:B.M.106).

4. C. minutissima Schwein., in Trans. Am. Phil. Soc., New
Series, iv., p. 260 (1834). Plasmodium ? Total height O5 to
0*7 mm. Sporangia globose, gregarious, stipitate, erect or inclined,
O'l to O2 mm. diam., nut-brown ; cup half the height of the
sporangium, or more, or less, or wanting, pale nut brown, nearly
even at the margin, faintly striate longitudinally with lines of
plasmodic granules 1 /x diam ; nodes of the net hardly expanded,
or narrow and flattened, connected by three to five delicate
threads. Stalk filiform, one and a half to four times the height
of the sporangium, brown. Spores ochraceous, almost smooth,

5 to 6 - 5 //,. Host., Mon., App., p. 31. Cribraria minima Berk.

6 Curt., in Grev., ii., p. 67 ; Mass., Mon., p. 59. C. microscopica
Berk. & Curt,, in Grev., ii., p. 67; Host., Mon., App., p. 31;
Mass., Mon, p. 62.

Plate LIII., A. d. to g. sporangia after dispersion of spores; k. spore
and plasmodic granules, x 600 (United States).

In the large gatherings obtained by Dr. Rex of this species, great
variety is found in the size of the cup and in the extent to which
nodes of the net are enlarged. Nothing now remains in this country
of the type specimen of C. microscopica Berk. & Curt. ; but from
Berkeley's description and figure it differs from C. minutissima only
in having the nodes of the net rather more expanded, a character
so variable that the organism is here included under C. minutissima.

Hob. On dead wood. Philadelphia (L:B.M.107) ; S. Carolina
(B. M. 671).

5. C. macrocarpa Schrad., Nov. Gen. PI., p. 8 (1797).
Plasmodium ? Total height 2 mm. Sporangia globose or
turbinate, gregarious or scattered, stipitate, erect, 0'6 to 0'8 mm.
diam., rufous-brown ; cup about one-third of the sporangium,
orange-brown, with numerous dark longitudinal ribs, perforated
above, margin irregularly and deeply toothed, merging into the
branching nodes of the net ; nodes flattened, elongated, confluent
and irregular in the low T er part, branching and polygonal, with
the angles continued into the connecting threads above ; the
nodes and ribs of the cup beset with dark plasmodic granules
1 to 2 /x, diam. Stalk cylindrical, O8 to 1 mm. high, O'l mm.
thick, furrowed, dark brown. Spores ochraceous, nearly smooth,
4 to 6 fji diam.-- Rost,, Mon,, p. 238 ; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 59;
Blytt, Bidr. K. Norg., Sop. iii., p. 10 ; Mass., Mon., p. 56.

142 ENDOSPORE^E. [CRIBRARIA.

Plate LIIL, B. a. sporangia after dispersion of spores, x 20 ; b. part of
net and cup of sporangium, x 50 (Freiburg, Germany : Rostafinski's type) ;
c. net and cup of sporangium, x 50 (Black Forest, Germany) ; d. spore,
and plasmodic granules, x 600.

Specimens from America from low elevations have usually more
numerous and delicate connecting threads, and more prominent nodes in
the upper part of the net ; they approach forms of C. intricate^ while
the European type is coarser and more nearly resembles bold forms
of C. aurantiaca. A gathering made by Dr. Rex at an elevation of
6,200 feet on Roan Mount, N. Carolina, exactly corresponds with
Rostafinski's type in the Strassburg collection..

Hal}. On dead fir-wood. Baden Baden (L:B.M.108) ; Germany
(Strassb. Herb.) ; Geneva (K. 1679) ; Norway (L:B.M.108 slide) ;
New York (L:B.M.108) ; N. Carolina (L:B.M.108).

Heterodictyon Bieniaszii Racib., in Hedw., xxviii., p. 121 (1889).
Sporangia solitary ; stalk T5 to 2'5 mm. high, furrowed, thick below,
narrowed upward ; sporangia globose, brown, 0'8 to 1 mm. broad ;
cup one- third the height of the sporangium, bright brown, with
net-like granular thickenings on the inner side as in C. argillacea ;
net dense with thickened nodes 3 to 4 angled, with concave sides,
united with one another by thin connecting strands ; the upper edge
of the cup toothed, the teeth running into long linear parallel ribs
as in Dictydium, which are bound together by thin horizontal threads ;
the ribs are 30 to 40 in a sporangium, and lose themselves at
the summit in a Cribraria-like net with 3 to 6 angled concave-sided
knots and ray-like connecting threads ; spores bright yellow, smooth,
5 to 7 mm. diam.

Hal}. On dead trunks in the Zoological Gardens of Tenczynek,
Galicia.

This description suggests Cribraria macrocarpa.

6. C. aurantiaca Schrad., Nov. Gen. PL, p. 5 (1797). Plas-
modium sap-green. Total height 1 to 2 mm. Sporangia globose,
gregarious, stipitate, erect or nodding, 0'4 to 0*7 mm. diam.,
nut-brown ; cup one -third the height of the sporangium,
irregularly and deeply toothed at the margin, beset with round
plasmodic granules 0'5 to 1 /x diam., arranged in close lilies
radiating from the base of the sporangium ; nodes of the net
flattened, broad, or narrow, branching, angular, the angles
continued into the delicate connecting threads, and often into
a few free rays. Stalk subulate, dark brown, two to four times
the height of the sporangium. Spores golden-yellow or ochraceous,
smooth, 5 to 6 ^ diam. Rost., Mon., p. 233 ; Cooke, Myx. Brit.,
p. 58; Blytt, Bidr. K. Norg., Sop. iii. (1892), p. 10; Mass.,
Mon., p. 57. Cribraria vulgaris Schrad., I.e., p. 6 ; Rost., Mon.,
p. 234; Cooke, Myx., Brit,, fig. 26; Mass., Mon., p. 61.
C. vulgaris var. aurantiaca Pers., Syn. Fung., p. 194.

a. Stalk one and a half times the height of the sporangium ;
nodes broad, polygonal.

(3. Stalk two to four times the height of the sporangium;
nodes triangular, narrow.

CRIBRARIA.] HETERODERMACE^E. 143

Plate LIV., A. a. to c. sporangia of various forms, with spores dispersed,
x 20 ; d. part of net and margin of cup of sporangium, var. a, x 180 ;
e. part of net and margin of cup, var. /3, x 180 ; /. spores and plasmodic
granules, x 600 (England).

Rostafinski's specimens of C. vulgar is in Strassb. Herb., differ in no
respect from his types of C. aurantiaca. In describing three forms
of the first-named species, " a. genuina, /3. aurantioides, y. delicatula"
he recognises the great variability to which it is subject, and points
out how closely his form /3 approaches C. aurantiaca. Gatherings of
this species at Lyme Regis, from the same fir logs, in consecutive
years, show variations in the cup, net, and colour, which illustrate
the characters given in Rostafinski's description and figures of both
C. aurantiaca and C. rulyaris ; it would therefore appear necessary to
place the latter name as a synonym for the wide species C. aurantiaca.

Hob. On dead fir- wood. Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.109) ; Luton,
Beds (L:B.M.109) ; Glamis, Scotland (B. M. 24S, 247) ; France (Paris
Herb.) ; Germany (B. M. 673, 674) ; Poland (Strassb. Herb.) ;
Philadelphia (L:B.M.109).

7. C. splendens Pers., Syn. Fung., p. 191 (1801). Plasmodium 1
Total height 1*5 mm. Sporangia globose, stipitate, erect or
inclined, scattered, 0*3 mm. diarn., nut-brown; sporangium-wall
consisting in the lower half of about nine free ribs with little
trace of a persistent cup, continued into a loose net with narrow,
somewhat triangular nodes. Stalk slender, brown, four or five
times the length of the sporangium. Spores pale ochre, almost
smooth, 5 fj, diam. Rost., Mon., p. 236 ; Mass., Mon., p. 64.
Dictydium splendens Schrad., Nov. Gen. PL, p. 14 (1797).

Hate LIIL, B. c. sporangia after dispersion of spores, x 50 ; /. part
of net of sporangium, x 180 ; g. spore and plasmodic granules, x 600
(Germany : Rostafinski's type).

The description given above is drawn from the specimen from the
Feldberg near Freiberg, in Strassb. Herb., referred to by Rostafinski,
I.e. It differs from C. aurantiaca, j3, in the strong ribs taking
the place of a hemispherical cup ; in one sporangium the ribs branch
into a broad net from the apex of the stalk. The persistent
membranous wall mentioned by Rostafinski has almost disappeared
in this somewhat injured specimen ; but as the permanence of the
membrane is met with occasionally in nearly every species of Cribmria,
the character is not of great value.

Ha b. On dead fir- wood. Feldberg, Germany (Strassb. Herb. :
L:B.M.110 slide).

8. C. intricata Schrad., Nov. Gen. PL, p. 7 (1797).
Plasmodium? Total height 1'5 to 3 mm. Sporangia globose,
stipitate, nodding or erect, gregarious, 0'5 to O7 mm. diam.,
ochraceous-brown ; cup one-third the height of the sporangium,
or wanting, yellow-brown, beset with brown plasmodic granules
0'5 to 2 /x diarn., arranged in close lines radiating from the base
of the sporangium ; margin more or less irregularly toothed ;
net close, regular ; nodes numerous, dark brown, thickened,
prominent, polygonal, often branching, with many free rays, and

144 ENDOSPORE.E. [CRIBRARIA.

connected by very slender more or less parallel threads. Stalk
subulate, two to four times the height of the sporangium, dark
brown. Spores ochraceous, nearly smooth or faintly warted,
5 to 6 /a diam. Host., Mon., p. 237; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 59;
Mass., Mon., p. 59; Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii.,
p. 119. Cribraria dictydioides Cooke & Balf., in Rav. Fung.
Amer., p. 475 ; Mass., Mon., p. 65. C. Balfourii de Bary,
in Herb.

a. genuina : cup about one-third the height of the sporangium.

(3. dictydioides : cup almost or quite obsolete ; the nodes in
the lower part of the net elongated and confluent, forming ribs
converging to the apex of the stalk.

Plate LIV., B. a, b. sporangia after dispersion of spores, a. f/enwhia,

x 20 ; c. part of net and cup of sporangium, x 180 (Borneo) ; ^.sporangium

after dispersion of spores, (3. dictydioides^ x 20 (S. Carolina, U.S.A. : type

of C. dictydioides Cooke & Balf.) ; e. spore and plasmodic granules, x GOO.

The specimens in the Strassburg and Kew Herbaria (K. 963, 1673)
named Cribraria Balfourii de Bary, on Sphagnum from the hot
stoves of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, are small develop-
ments of /3. dictydioides. Nearly similar forms have been obtained in
orchid-houses at Lamberhurst, Kent.

Halj. On dead wood. /3. Bristol (L:B.M.l 11 slide) ; |3. hot stove R.
Bot. Gardens, Edinburgh (L:B.M.lll) ; ft. Java (B. M. 1107); a.
Borneo (LrB.M.lll) ; a. and /3. Philadelphia (L:B.M.lll) ; a. S.
Carolina (B. M. 677) ; /3. S. Carolina (B. M. 680, 681, 940).

9. C. tenella Schrad., Nov. Gen. PL, p. 6 (1797). This species
resembles C. intricate*/ in size, shape, colour, and spores. Cup
one-third the height of the sporangium, or more or less obsolete.
Net close, regular ; nodes numerous, dark brown, rounded,
rarely elongated, prominent, with few or no free rays, connected
by three to six very slender threads. Rost., Mon., p. 235 ;
Mass., Mon., p. 58. C. elata Mass., Mon., p. 61.

Plate LIV., B. /. sporangium after dispersion of spores, x 20 ; g. part of
net of sporangium, x 180 (Ceylon: Eostafinski's type); k. part of net
and margin of cup, x 180 (Philadelphia, U.S.A.) ; -/.. spore and plasmodic
granules, x 600.

Both C. tenella and C. intricata are abundant in the United States,
where frequent intermediate forms occur connecting them with
one another. The specimen figured from Ceylon (K. 1684), referred
to by Rostafiuski, Mon., App., p. 31, as a type of C. tenella, has
a small cup, rounded or elongated prominent nodes, with no free rays ;
it is similar to the specimens received from Dr. Rex from the United
States under that name. Mr. Massee has raised it to the rank of
a species as C. elata.

Hab. On dead wood. Orchid house, Lamberhurst, Kent (L:B.M.112);
Ceylon (K. 1684); Philadelphia (L:B.M.112) ; N. Carolina
(L-.B.M.112).

CRIBRARIA.] HETERODERMACE.E. 145

10. C. pyriformis Schrad., Nov. Gen. PL, p. 4 (1797).
Plasmodium? Total height 1 to 1'7 mm. Sporangia turbinate
or globose, stipitate, erect, gregarious, 0*3 to O5 mm. diam.,
purplish-brown; cup about one-third the height of the sporangium,
pale brownish -yellow, perforated and irregularly toothed at the
margin, or equally toothed, beset with large round purple-brown
plasmodic granules, 2 to 2*5 ^ diam., arranged in broad lines
radiating from the base or evenly distributed; nodes of the net
vaiying in shape and size, charged with dark round plasmodic
granules and connected by pale brownish-yellow threads. Stalk
stout or slender, 0'5 to 1 mm. high, dark purple-brown. Spores
pale ochraceous or pinkish, almost smooth, 5 to 6 /JL diam. Rost.,
Mon., p. 237; Cooke, Myx. Brit., % 14; Mass., Mon., p. 55.

a. genuina : sporangia pyriform ; nodes flat, polygonal, often
branching; stalks stout, furrowed.

(3. notabilis : (Rex, in litt.) sporangia globose; nodes convex
and prominent, rounded or irregular ; stalks slender.

Plate LV., A. a. sporangia after dispersion of spores, a. f/enidna, x 20 ;
b. part of net and cup of sporangium, x 180 (Shrewsbury. England) ; c.
sporangium from mounting in Canada balsam, x 20 (Germany, Rostafinski's
type) ; d. part of net and cup of same, x 180 ; e. sporangia after dispersion
of spores, ft. notabilis, x 20 ; f. g. part of net and cup of bro\vn and dark-
brown sporangia, x 180 ; h. spore and plasmodic granules, x 600 (United
States) .

The variety /3. notabilis appears to be the American form of
C. pyriformis ; it differs from the European gatherings in the globose
sporangia, the slender stalks^ the delicate threads of the net, and in
the nodes, which, though variable in shape, are usually prominent and
convex, often approaching forms of C. tendhi and C. intrkata. It has
been obtained from several of the American States. The abundance
of plasmodic granules varies in different gatherings.

Hal). On dead fir- wood. a. France (Paris Herb.) ; a. Berlin
(B. M. 672) ; a. Germany (Strassb. Herb.) ; /3. New York (L:B.M.113) ;
Virginia (L:B.M.113) ; N. Carolina (L:B.M.113).

11. C. languescens Rex, in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil. (1891),
p. 394. Plasmodium 1 Total height 2*5 to 3 mm. Sporangia
globose, stipitate, drooping, scattered, O25 to O35 mm. diam.,
dull red ; cup one-third the height of the sporangium, red-brown,
shining; beset with purple-brown plasmodic granules, 0'3 to 1
fji diam., arranged in close lines radiating from the apex of the
stem ; margin toothed ; nodes of the net purplish-brown, thickened,
rather prominent, charged with dark granules, polygonal, with
few free rays, and slender connecting threads ; meshes of the net
triangular. Stalk very slender, subulate, somewhat sinuous or
wavy, dark red-brown. Spores pale red, almost smooth, 5 to 6'5
fj. diam.

Plate LV., B. a. sporangia after dispersion of spores, x 20 ; b. part of
net and margin of cup of sporangium, x 180; c. spore and plasmodic
granules, x 600 (United States).

10

140 ENDOSPOREyE. [CRIBRARIA.

This species has hitherto been found only in America ; the spores in
mass are described by Dr. Rex as a dull red, the colour of the paler
forms of C. pur pur ca"

I fab. On dead wood. New York (L:B.M.114) ; Ohio (L:B.M.114) ;
S. Carolina (K. 1689).

12. C. microcarpa Pers., Syn., p. 190 (1801). Plasmodium ?
Total height 0'7 to 2 mm. Sporangia globose, gregarious,
stipitate, erect or nodding, 0'2 to 0'25 mm. diam., purple-brown;
cup rudimentary or wanting; net close, regular; nodes of the
net subglobose, prominent, about 10 /x diam., densely charged
with purple-brown plasmodic granules 1 to 2 /x diam., connected
by five or six delicate pink threads. Stalk slender, four to ten
times the height of the sporangium, purple-brown. Spores pale
red, minutely spinulose, 5 to 6 /x, diam. Host., Moil., p. 235 ;
Mass., Mon., p. 63. Cribraria capillaris Fr., Stirp. Femsj., p. 84.
Dictydium microcarpum Schrad., Nov. Gen. PL p. 13 (1797).

Plate LV., B. d, e. sporangia after dispersion of spores, x 20 (d. Germany,
Kostafmski's type, e. United States) ;/. part of net with cup of sporangium,
x 180 (Germany); g. the same, x 180 (United States); li. spore and
plasmodic granules, x 600.

Hob. On rotten wood. Germany (B. M. 676) ; Freiburg, Germany
(Strassb. Herb.) ; Philadelphia (L:B.M.115).

13. C. purpurea Schrad., Nov. Gen. PI., p. 8 (1797).
Plasmodium ? Total height 2*5 mm. Sporangia globose, stipitate,
erect or inclined, gregarious, 1 mm. diam., purple; cup one-third
of the sporangium, margin deeply toothed ; net of slender threads
with mesh of varying size, about 1 mm. diam., only a few of the
nodes expanded, flat, and angular ; the cup and net thickly
studded with round purple plasmodic granules, 2 to 2'5 /x. diam.
Stalk cylindrical, furrowed, T5 mm. long, O'l mm. thick, purple-
black. Spores purplish, minutely warted, 5 to 6 /x. diam. Host.,
Mon., p. 233; Blytt,Bidr. K. Norg., Sop. iii.,p. 10; Mass., Mon.,
p. 57.

Plate LVL, A. a. sporangium after dispersion of spores, x 20 ; I. part
of net of same, x 180 ; c. spore and plasmodic granules, x 600 (Salzburg,
Tyrol).

Hob. On rotten wood. Salzburg, Tyrol (L:B.M.116); Norway
(L:B.M.116 slide)-, Philadelphia (L:B.M.116).

14. C. elegans, Berk. & Curt., in Grev., ii., p. 67 (1873).
Plasmodium? Total height 0'7 to 1-3 mm. Sporangium globose,
stipitate, erect or inclined, gregarious, 0'3 to 0'4 mm. diam.,
red-purple ; cup about half the height of the sporangium, with
the margin deeply toothed and perforated; net of very slender
threads, with numerous branching flat expansions at the nodes,
the cup and nodes thickly studded with round purple plasmodic
granules, 2 to 2-5 /x, diam. Stalk subulate, nearly smooth, 0*6 to
1 mm. long, purple-black. Spores pale violet, almost smooth,
4 to 6 /x diam. Rost., Mon., App., p. 31 ; Mass., Mon., p. 55.

CRIBRARTA.] HETERODERMACE^E. 147

Plate LVT., A. d. sporangia after dispersion of spores, x 20; c. part of
net and margin of cup, x 180; /. spore and plasmodic granules, x G<u
(United States).

This species is nearly allied to C. purpurea.

Hal. On rotten wood. New York (L:B.M.117); S. Carolina
(B. M. 675, 941).

15. C. violacea Rex, in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil. (1891),
p. 393. Plasmoclium " deep violet-black, in rotten wood " (Rex,
I.e.). Total height O5 to 1 mm. Sporangia globose or ellipsoid,
stipitate. erect or slightly nodding, gregarious, about O2 mm.
cliam., dark violet with a metallic sheen ; cup varying in extent
of development, two-thirds the height of the sporangium or more,
or reduced to one-third, membranous, violet-blue, the margin
scalloped with few short teeth ; net of delicate threads connected
with broadly expanded, flat, angular nodes ; " exceptionally the
apical portion is nearly entire, being simply perforated with
three or four oval or rounded openings " (Rex). The cup and
nodes are beset with minute purple plasmodic granules 0*5 to 1
[j, diam. Stalk slender, subulate 3 to 5 mm. long, violet-black.
Spores lilac, minutely and closely warted. 6 to 8 /JL diam.

Plate LVI., A. g. sporangium after dispersion of spores, x 20 (England) ;
//. part of net and margin of cup of same, x 180 ; i. sporangia after dis-
persion of spores, x 20 (United States) ; A', part of net and cup of same,
x ISO ; spore and plasmodic granules, x 600.

In July, 1893, and in September, 1894, fine gatherings of this beautiful
and minute species were obtained by Mr. J. Saunders from the under
side of a rotten fir-log near Ivinghoe, Bucks ; the colour of the spor-
angia, stalks and spores is violet-blue, and they resemble the American
specimens received from Dr. Rex in all respects except that in many
cases the cup of the sporangium-wall is one-third to one-half the
height of the sporangium instead of two-thirds or more. It differs
from C. elcc/ans in the longer stalks, the smaller sporangia, in the
blue-, not red-purple colour, in the smaller plasmodic granules in the
knots and sporangium-wall, and in the larger violet-blue spores with
a thicker epispore.

Hab. On fir- wood. Ivinghoe, Bucks (L:B.M.118) ; Philadelphia

SPECIES NOT MET WITH IX THE QUOTED COLLECTIONS.

16. C. tatrica Racib., in Hedw. (1885), p. 170. Sporangia
globose, red-brown, | to 1 mm. diam., stalked ; stalk dull red,
straight, 2 mm. long ; cup irregularly crenate-dentate, closely
perforated at the margin ; nodes of the net not enlarged ; spores
smooth, yellow, 6 to 7 ^ diam.

Hab. On rotten wood. Tatra, Hungary.

This description suggests C. aurantiaca /3., in which the nodes of the
net are only slightly enlarged.

C. stellata Schuni., C. didermoides Schum., C. badia Chev., are
excluded by Rostafinski on what appear to be sufficient grounds.

ENDOSPORE^E. [pK'TYDTUM.

SPECIES EXCLUDED FROM TIIE GENUS.

C. mirabilis Mass. = Dictydium uinbilicatum Sclirad.
C. exilis Macbride = Dictydium umbilicatum Sclirad.

Genus 24. DICTYDIUM Schrader, Nov. Gen. PL, p. 11 (1797).
Sporangia globose, stipitate ; sporangium-wall formed of parallel
ribs extending from the base to the apex, connected by slender
transverse threads, the intervening wall evanescent.

1. D. umbilicatum Sclirad., I.e., p. 11 (1797). Plasmodium
purple. Total height 1 to 2 mm. Sporangia globose, cernnous,
0*5 to 0'7 mm. diam., dark red-brown ; sporangium-wall forming
a net with nearly square meshes, composed of numerous rigid
longitudinal ribs 5 ^ thick, connected by delicate transverse
threads ; basal cup scarcely developed. Stalk subulate, bent or
twisted at the slender apex, rich purple -brown, one to three
times the length of the sporangium. Spores pale red, minutely
warted, 4 to 7 /A diam., usually with two to four purple plasmodic
granules on the spore wall. Fr., Syst. Myc., iii., p. 165. Mucor
cancellatus Batsch, El. Fung., ii., 137 (1786). Stemonitis can-
cellata GmeL, Syst. Nat., p. 1468. Cribraria cernua Pers., Obs.
Myc., i., p. 91 (1796). Dictydium cernuum Nees, Syst. Pilze.,
p. 120 (1816); Host., Mon., p. 229; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 57;
Blytt, Bidr. K. Norg., Sop. iii., p. 9 ; Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist.
Iowa, ii., p. 118. Heterodictyon mirabile Rost., Mon., p. 231.
Cribraria mirabilis Mass., Mon., p. 60. C. exilis Macbride, in
Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 378.

Plate LVL, B. a. to d. sporangia of various forms after the dispersion of
the spores, x 36; a. typical form ; b. form with cup ; c. form with irregular
net, found with sporangia of usual type (England) ; d. erect sporangium
(United States) ; e. spore, x 600 ; /., g. type of Heterodietyon mvraUle
Host., x 70 (Freiburg, Germany) ; h. spores of same, x 600.

The ribs of the sporangium-wall are inflexed at the summit in
maturity, and break the ball of enclosed spores by vertical pressure ;
they consist of two layers, the outer smooth and shining, the inner
beset with purple plasmodic granules 1 p. diam. ; they are usually free
at the base of the sporangium, but are sometimes connected by
an irregular basal disc. A form is occasionally found with a well-
developed cup having an evenly toothed margin from which the ribs
take rise ; associated with this character the stalk is more erect, and
of a browner colour than in the usual type ; the variety, however,
appears to be too inconstant to be marked as distinct. A careful
examination of the type specimen of Heterodictyfm mirabile Host.,
in the Strassb. Herb., leads to the conclusion that it is a form of
Dictydium umbilicatum. It is no doubt a remarkable development ;
the basal cup is large and irregular, and the ribs in many parts are
expanded and form a loose, imperfect net with broad and angular
nodes ; in other parts the ribs are connected by the usual delicate
transverse threads, and though fewer in number and coarser than in
the type, are essentially of the same character ; they are thickly beset
on the inner side with purple plasmodic granules, the cup is also
studded with the same ; the spores are precisely similar to those of

LICE ACE JE.

149

Dictydium umbilicatum, with two to four minute purple granules on
the spore wall ; the stalks are stout and rugged, but of the same
purple-brown colour as in the latter species. The type of Cribraria
exilis Macbride, from Nicaragua (B. M. 1026), is an almost typical
form of Dictydium umbilicatum, with a shallow cup connecting the
slender parallel ribs at the base.

Hob. On dead wood. - -Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.119) ; Wan-
stead, Essex (L:B.M.119) ; Luton, Beds (L:B.M.119) ; Glamis,
Scotland (B. M. 241) ; France (Paris Herb.) : Germany (B. M. 660,
663) ; Italy (B. M. 659) ; Ceylon (B. M. 670) ; Borneo (L:B.M.119) ;
Maine (B. M. 1105) ; Philadelphia (L:B.M. 119) ; Iowa (B. M. 821) ;
S. Carolina (B. M. 666) ; Nicaragua (B. M. 1026).

SPECIES NOT MET WITH IN THE QUOTED COLLECTIONS.

2. D. venosum Schrad., Nov. Gen. Plant., p. 14, pi. iii., fig. 6
(1797). Scarcely a line high; sporangia spherical, cernuous,
more or less as in D. umbilicatum, yellowish-brown, when the
spores are shed, colourless ; veined with nine to twelve ribs of
rather a brighter colour, the final branches of the ribs lateral,
usually not anastomosing; stalk slender, flexuose, brownish.

Hob. On rotten pine wood.

Possibly a form of D. umbilicatum, with an irregular net.

Order II. LICEACE.E. Sporangia solitary, sessile or stalked;
sporangium-wall cartilaginous; capillitium and colurnella wanting.

KEY TO THE GENEPvA OF LICE AGE M

Sporangia sessile, globose or plasmodiocarps. (25) LICEA.

Fig. 33. Lieea Jlt'.mosa Fers.

a. liroup of plasmodiocarps. Twice natural size.

b. riasmoJiucarp. Magnified <> times.

c. Spores. Magnified 200 times.

Fig. So.

Sporangia stalked, furnished with a lid of thinner substance.

(26) ORCADELLA.

Fig. 34. Orcadella operculata Wingate.

a. Group of sporangia. Magnified 8 times.

b. Sporangium with open lid. Magnified 80

times.

a

Fig 34.

150 ENDOSrOUEvE. [LICEA.

Genus 25. LICEA Schrader, Nov. Gen. PI., p. 16 (1797).

Sporangia sessile ; sporangium-wall cartilaginous dark brown ;
spores olive brown.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF LICEA.

A. Spores spinulose :

Sporangia forming elongate plasmodiocarps, spores 11 to 14 /x.

1. L. flexuosa

Sporangia subglobose, spores 9 to 11 /A. 2. L. minima

B. Spores smooth, 16 to 20 //,. 3. L. pusilla

1. L. flexuosa Pers., Syn. Fung., p. 197 (1801). Plasmodium
dull yellow. Sporangia pulvinate depressed, or forming elongated
plasmodiocarps, scattered, 2 to 4 mm. long, opaque, dark brown,
dehiscing irregularly; sporangium-wall of two closely combined
layers, the outer opaque from granular deposits of refuse matter,
the inner cartilaginous, translucent, olive-brown. Spores pale
olive-brown, spinulose, 11 to 14 JJL diarn. Rost., Mon., p. 218.
Tubulina flexuosa Poiret, Ency. Meth., vol. viii., p. 131 (1808) ;
Mass., Mon., p. 37.

Plate LVIL, A. a, plasmodiocarp, x 20; I. fragment of sporangium-
wall and spores, x 280 ; c. spore, x 600 (Germany).

The spores in this species are free, and thicker and rougher on one
side. There is a specimen from Capt. Carmichael, Appiu, Argyle
(K. 1670), named by Berkeley Licea flexuosa, and by Rostafinski
Enteridium olivaceum (Mon., App., p. 30), which is a simple plasmodio-
carp form without capillitium, resembling L. flexuosa, but the spores
are in clusters of 6 to 8 ; it holds an intermediate position between the
two species, which appear to be closely allied ; specimens of typical
a3tbalioid Enterkliuui. oliraceum are occasionally found having free
spores.

Hab. On dead wood. Aboyne, Scotland (K. 16 U) ; Germany
(Strassb. Herb. ; L:B.M.120) ; Norway (L:B.M. 120).

2. L. minima Fr.,- Syst. Myc., iii., p. 199 (1829). Plasmodium
yellow (teste Rex). Sporangia hemispherical on a broad base,
depressed, scattered, 0'2 to 0*5 mm. diam., brown or nearly black,
dehiscing in lobes; sporangium-wall cartilaginous, opaque, dark
brown, the margin of the lobes dotted with minute granules
1 to 2 fjL diam. Spores olivaceous-brown, thicker on one side,
spinulose, 9 to 11 /x, diam. Tubulina minima Mass., Mon., p. 36.

Plate LVIL, A. d. sporangia, x 20 ; e. spores, x 280 (Finland) ;/, spores,
x 280 (Sweden); g. sporangia, x 20 (United States); h. fragment of
sporangium-wall and spores of same, x 280 ; i. spore, x 600.

Hab. On dead pine-wood. Finland (B. M. 654) ; Sweden (K. 1 646) 5
Norway (L:B.M.121) ; New York (L:B.M.121).

LICEA.] LICEACE.E. 151

3. L. pusilla Schrad., Nov. Gen. PL, p. 19 (1797). Plasmodium?
Sporangia hemispherical orpulvinate, scattered, 0'6 to 1 mm.cliam.,
dark brown, glossy, dehiscing in lobes ; sporangium- wall cartila-
ginous, olive-brown, the margin of the lobes dotted with minute
granules, 1 to 2 //, diam. Spores olive-brown, smooth, 16 to 20
/A diam. Protoderma pusilla Host., Mon., p. 90. Protodermium
pusillum Berl., in Sacc., SylL, vii., p. 328 ; Mass., Mon., p. 43.

Plate LVIL, B. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. fragment of sporangium-wall, and
spores, x 280 ; c. spore, x GOO (Scotland).

This species was separated by Rostafinski from Licea, and placed in
the division Amaurosporece as the type of a new genus Protoder///<
on account of the colour of the spores. The examination of several
specimens in Strassb. Herb, and British Museum shows that the colour
of the spores is essentially olive-brown ; Schrader's original place for
the species is therefore retained.

Hab. On dead wood. Glamis, Scotland (B. M. 100) ; Kiel, Germany
(Strassb. Herb.).

SPECIES NOT MET WITH IX THE QUOTED COLLECTIONS.

4. L. variabilis Schrad., Nov. Gen. PL, p. 18, pi. 6, figs. 5, 6.
Sporangia scattered, depressed, reddish -brown, hemispherical,
ovate, oblong or ilexuose, of varying shape and size ; sporangium-
wall thin, dehiscing above, composed of a double membrane, the
outtr rough, the inner smooth, shining; spores dull yellow.

Hab. On pine- wood, rarely on beech.

The description and figures suggest that this species was a form of
Perichcena populina Fr., with scanty or no capillitium.

5. L. brurmea Preuss, Linnea, xxvi., p. 709 (1853). Sporangia
gregarious, globose, subdepressed, ochraceous-brown ; the wall
parchment-like, breaking irregularly, evanescent above ; spores
minute, ochraceous, conglobate ; capillitium none.

Hab. On pine-wood. Hoyerswerda, Silesia.

This brief description probably refers to Cribraria argillacea Pers.

6. L. incarnata Preuss, I.e. (1853). Sporangia minute, flesh-
coloured, smooth, round, somewhat depressed; spores flesh-coloured,
globose.

Hab. On dried tincture of rhubarb. Hoyerswerda, Silesia.
This description is too imperfect to be of value.

7. L. antarctica Speg.,mBoletin Acad.Nac. Cienc.Cord. Arg., xi.,
p. 5. Sporangia in groups of from 5 to 20, rarely solitary, sessile,
obovate, 0'5 to 0'7 mm. diam., smoke-brown, glabrous, smooth ;
wall simple, brown, rugulose ; capillitium very scanty of slender,
scarcely branching, papillose tubes, I ^ thick, dull yellow-brown ;
spores globose, closely and minutely warted, rosy-fulvous.

Hab. On dead trunks of Fayus antarctica.

The description suggests a form of Perichcena populina Fr.

152

ENDOSPOREyE.

[ORCADE LLA

SPECIES EXCLUDED FROM THE GENUS.

L. ccespitosa Peck. = Lindbladia Tubulina Fr.

L. Lindheimeri Berk. = Fuligo septica Gmel.

L. perreptans Berk. = Brefeldia maxima Host.

L. rubiformis Berk. = Tubulina frayiformis Pers.

L. spermoides Berk. & Curt. = Lindbladia Tubulina Fr.

Genus 26. OKCADELLA Wingate, in Proc. Acad. K Sc. Phil.
(1889), p. 280. Sporangia stipitate ; sporangium-wall opaque,
granular, except in the upper part, where it forms a mem-
branous lid.

123. Orcadella operculata Wing., Lc. (1889). Plasmodium?
Total height O4 to 0'7 mm. Sporangia urn-shaped or subglobose,
stipitate, erect, scattered, O'l to O2 mm. diam., nearly black, lid
flattened, circular, dull yellow, shining ; sporangium-wall cartila-
ginous, opaque from deposits of refuse matter ; lid membranous,
beset with minute granules 0'5 to 1 /x, diam. Stalk cylindrical,
subulate, nearly black, filled with dark coarse refuse matter.
Spores yellowish in mass, almost colourless and smooth, 8 to 11
^ diam. Mass., Mon., p. 49,

Plate LVIL, B. d. sporangia, x 20 ; e. fragment of sporangium- wall and
papillose lid, with spores, x 280 ; /. spore, x 600 (United States).

Hab. On dead wood. Philadelphia (L:B.M.123).

Order III. TUBULINACE^E. Sporangia tubular, compacted,
stalked or sessile ; sporangium- wall membranous, pale rufous,
without granular deposits : spores minutely reticulated, 4 to 7 /x
diam.

KEY TO THE GENERA OF TUBULINACEJE.

Sporangia without tubular extensions. (27) TUBULINA.

Fig. 35. Tubulina frag if ormis Pers.
Cluster of sporangia. Magnified 2 times.

Fig. 35.

Sporangium-wall with tubular extensions connecting it with a
hollow pseudo-columella. (28) SIPHOPTYCHIUM.

Fig. ^.SipJioptychw/m Casparyi Rost.
a. Cluster of sporangia. Magnified 3 times.

1). Upper part of two sporangia, their walls
partially removed, showing the columella.
Magnified 10 times.

Fig. 36.

TUBULINA.]

TUBULINACE^:.

153

Sporangium -wall with tubular extensions springing from the
apex, without a pseudo-colurnella ; sporangia stalked.

(29) ALWISIA.
Fig. 37. Alwisia Bombarda Berk. & Br.

a. Three clusters of sporangia. Twice natural

size.

b. Immature sporangium, showing capillitium

through the transparent walls. (Drawn
from a glycerine mounting.) Magnified 12
times.

c. Upper portion of three capillitium threads,

showing attachment to the sporangium-wall.
Magnified 70 times.

Fig. ST.

Genus 27. TUBULINA Persoon, in Rom. N. Mag. Bofc., i. p. 91
(1794). Sporangia cylindrical, crowded on a common hypothallus ;
capillitium none.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF TUBULINA.

Sporangia clustered on a broad hypothallus, spores 5 to 8 /*,.

1. T.fragiformis

Sporangia clustered on a stalk-like hypothallus, spores 3 to 5 //,.

2. T. stipitata

1. T. fragiformis Pers., I.e. (1794). Plasrnodium watery-white,
in rotten wood. Sporangia cylindrical, angled, convex above,
3 mm. long, O4 mm. broad, densely crowded on a common spongy
hypothallus forming <i honeycomb-like rufous-brown mass, 2 to 7
cm. in breadth ; s^ ^angium-wall membranous, pale rufous-
brown. Spores pale rufous-brown, minutely reticulated over the
greater part of the surface, the remaining part smooth, or
marked with broken ridges, 5 to 8 /x, cliam. Lam. & DC., Syn.
PL, p. 52 (1806). Sphcerocarpus cylindricus Bull., CLarnp.,
PL 470, fig. 3. Tubulina cylindrica Lam. & DC., Syn. PL,
].. 52 (1806); Rost., Mon., p. 220; Cooke, Myx. Brit,, p. 54;
Blytt, Bidr. K. Norg., Sop. iii., p. 9; Rex, in Bot. Gaz., xv.,
p. 315; Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 114; Mass.,
Mon., p. 39. T. nitidissima Berk., Journ. Linn.- Soc., xviii.,
p 387. Licea rubiformis Berk. & Curt., Fung. N. Pac., in
Proc. Amer. Acad. Art and Sci. (1859), p. 125.

Plate LVIII., A.. a. tubular sporangia clustered on a spongy barren
base, x 3 ; b. spores ; in two the side is shown on which the reticulation
is imperfect, x 600 (England) ; c. part of a cluster of sporangia with
conical summits, x 3 (United States).

On examination of the sporangium-wall with a high magnifying
power, it is seen to be more or less beset with minute papillae ; small
pouches may also be occasionally observed extending inwards to a
greater or less degree, which in some forms are produced into tubes

154 ENDOSPOKL'^. [TUBULINA.

passing across the sporangium or taking an oblique course ; this
appearance indicates a tendency in the direction of the marked
development of tubular processes in Stplw})tycliium. The substance
of the sporangium- wall varies in different gatherings ; it may be
delicately membranous, or firm and of considerable thickness. There
is also some variation in the shape of the upper portion of the
sporangium ; in some American specimens of the more fragile type
the apex is produced into a sharp cone ; in others the sporangia are
cylindrical, obtuse, and but slightly connected with each other, those
on the outside of the cluster being often entirely free ; in the stouter
type the walls are closely compacted, their apices forming a level
tesselated surface.

A full account of the forms of Tubulma and their relation to
Siphoptyehium is given by Dr. Rex, I.e. T. speclosa Speg. (Nov. Add.
ad Myc. Ven., No. 123), from N. Italy, appears from the description
to be T. fragiforiiiis, but no mention is made of the size of the spores.

Nab. On dead wood. Bowood, Wilts (B. M. 302) ; Penzance,
Cornwall (B. M. 303) : Luton, Beds (L:B.M.124) ; Clifton, Notting-
hamshire (B. M. 1103) ; Wales (B. M. 9, 10); France (Paris Herb.);
Germany (B. M. G56) ; Poland (Strassb. Herb.) ; Finland (B. M. 655);
India (K. 1650) ; Java (B. M. 1104) ; Japan (K. 1649) ; Java (B. M.
1104) ; Australia (K. 1653) ; Philadelphia (L:B.M.124J; Iowa (B. M.
823) ; S. Carolina (K. 806).

2. T. stipitata Host., Mon., p. 223 (1875). Plasmodium white
or colourless (teste Rex). Sporangia in shape, size, and colour
as in T. fragiformiSj usually clustered on a dark brown spongy
hypothallus, which lias the form of a stout common stalk 2 to
3 mm. high. Spores pale rufous-brown, minutely reticulated
over the greater part of the surface, the remaining part smooth
or marked with ridges, 3 to 5 /x diam. Cooke, Myx. Brit., fig. 2 ;
Rex, in Bot. Gaz., xv., p. 318 ; Mass., Mon., p. 38. Licea stipitata
Berk. & Rav., in Journ. Linn. Soc., x., p. 350 (1868).

Plate LVII1. , A. d. cluster of sporangia on a stalk-like base, x 3 ; e.
spores ; one shows the side on which the reticulation is imperfect, x 600
(United States).

Dr. Rex considers T. stipitata a distinct species from T.fragiformis,
specially marked by the smaller spores. The stalk is a less important
character, for he states that sessile clusters are not uncommon. The
conical form supplied by him and referred to under T. frag if or mis has
spores measuring 4 to 6 p, and may represent an intermediate form.

Hob. On dead wood. Bonin Islands (K. 821); Philadelphia (L:B.M.
125) ; S. Carolina (B. M. 538, 929, 946) ; Cuba (B. M. 539).

SPECIES EXCLUDED FROM THE GENUS.

T. ccespitosa Mass. = Lindbladia Tubulind Fr.

T. ejfusa Mass. = Lindbladia Tubulina Fr.

T.flexuosa Mass. = Licea flexuosa Pers.

T. minima Mass. = Licea minima Fr.

T. spermoides Mass. = Lindbladia Tubulina Fr.

SIPHOPTYCHIUM.] TUBULINACE.E. 155

The type specimen of Tulndma r/uaranitica Mass. (Mon., p. 39), from
Guarapi, Argentine Republic, does not belong to the Mycetozoa ; it
consists of stalked heads composed of a densely interwoven tissue of
brown septate branching hyphoe, bearing numerous umber spores,
2 to 7 p- diarn., in the upper part ; it belongs to the Hyphomycetes.
Licea spumarioidea Cooke & Mass., in Grev., xvi., p. 74,=Tubulina
spumarioidea Mass., Mon., p. 42 (K. 801), is also a Hyphomycetous
fungus, S&pedonium chrysospermum Link.

Genus 28. SIPHOPTYCHIUM Rostafinski, Mon., App., p. 32
(1876). Sporangia cylindrical, closely compacted on a common
hypothallus, provided with a central tubular coluniella connected
with the sporangium-wall by straight radiating hollow processes.

1. S. Casparyi Host., I.e. (1876). Plasmodium white, on rotten
wood (teste Rex). Sporangia in shape, size, and colour as in
Tuljulina frayiformis, differing in being provided with the central
columella described in the genus. Spores pale rufous-brown,
closely reticulated over the greater part of the surface, loosely
reticulated over the remaining part, 6 to 7 /x cliarn. Rex, in Bot.
Gaz., vol. xv., p. 319 ; Mass., Mon., p. 89.

Plate LVIII., A./, portion of two sporangia with their walls partially
broken away, showing the pseudo-columella and capillitiuni, x 20 ; g.
portion of pseudo-columella and capillitiuni, x 80 ; h. spores ; two show
the side on which the reticulation is lax, x 000 (United States).

Dr. Rex is of opinion that the columella in Siphoptychium may be
viewed as an aborted sporangium, and adds, " ^Ethalia are found in
which from one-third to one-half of the component sporangia lack
both columellas and connecting threads " (/.c., p. 319).

The species has been found by Dr. Rex on the Adirondack Moun-
tains, N.Y., in large quantity, but it is doubtful whether it has been
obtained elsewhere. It is so nearly allied to Tubulina fragiformis that
it is a question whether the presence of the pseudo-columella is a
character of sufficient importance to justify a generic distinction.

Hab. On dead wood. Adirondack Mis., N.Y. (L:B.M.26).

Genus 29. ALWISIA Berkeley & Broorne, in Journ. Linn.
Soc., xiv., p. 86 (1873). Sporangia cylindrical, stipitate, the
stalks combined in clusters ; capillitiuni represented by tubular
extensions of the sporangium-wall springing from the apex of the
sporangium.

1. A. Bombarda Berk. & Br., I.e., p. 87 (1873). Plasmodium?
Total height 4 mm. Sporangia cylindrical-ellipsoid, stipitate,
clustered, 1 to 1*5 mm. high, 0'5 mm. broad, rufous-brown;
sporangium -wall membranous, pale red, beset with minute
scattered papillae on the inner side, and occasionally produced
into small pouches. Stalks cylindrical, 2'5 mm. high, 0*12 mm.
thick, closely adhering in clusters of 4 to 1 2, brownish-purple ;
when mounted in. glycerine orange-red. Capillitiuni consisting

156 ENDOSPORE.E. [ALWISIA.

of numerous irregular, tubular threads, 0'5 to 1 mm. long, 3 to
18 /x wide at their origin at the apex of the sporangium, whence
they radiate downwards, tapering and branching at a wide angle
below, the slender extremities attached to the wall about half-
way down the sporangium ; pale red, beset with minute scattered
papillae. Spores pale red, closely reticulated over the greater
part of the surface, the remaining part loosely reticulated, 5 to 6
fji diam. Mass., in Journ. R. Micr. Soc. (1889), p. 349. Trichia
frayilis Host., Mon., App., p. 39 (in part). Prototrichia Bombarda
Mass., Mon., p. 128.

Plate LVIIL, B. a. clusters of sporangia, x 2 ; b. cluster of sporangia,

x 20 ; c. immature sporangia, from a mounting in glycerine, showing,

through the walls, the capillitium threads arising from the apex of the

sporangium, x 20 ; d. fragment of upper sporangium-wall, from which

three capillitium threads proceed, only a small part of the thread shown,

x 280 ; e. fragment of sporangium- wall to which the lower end. of a branching

capillitium thread is attached, x 280 ; /. spores, x GOO (Ceylon).

This species is represented by a single gathering in July 1868 by
Thwaites from Ceylon. The sporangia are to a large extent immature,
purplish, and with the spores imperfectly developed, but a few are
nearly mature and show the rufous-brown colour described above.
Although the character of the long clustered stalks is peculiar, the
colour and texture of the sporangium-wall, and the colour, size, and
markings of the spores are similar to what is seen in other members
of the TubulineoR, while the threads of the capillitium find a close
analogy in the tubular extensions of the sporangium-wall of Sij)ho-
ptychium.

TLib. On Jungermannia, growing on decayed wood. Gongolla Forest,
Ceylon (B. M. 1000).

Order IV. RETTCULARIACE/E. Sporangia combined into an
jethalium ; sporangium -walls incomplete, perforated, or forming a
spurious capillitium.

KEY TO TILE GENERA OF RETICULARIACE.E.

Sporangium-wall cap-shaped at the apex, continued down to the
hypothallus in four to six straight threads.

(30) DlCTYDLETHALTUM.

Fig. 38. Dietydiathalium plumbeum Host.

a, ^thalium. Natural size.

b. Eight sporangia of an gethalium isolated ; in

three the column of spores has fallen away,
leaving the cap and persistent threads. Mag-
nified 20 times.

DICTYDI^THALIUM.] RETICULARIACE.E. 157

Walls of convoluted sporangia perforated and forming a uniform
tissue of interarching bands.

(31) ENTERIDIUM.

Fig. 39. Enteridium olivaceum Ehrenb.

a. Plasmodiocarp. Magnified twice.

b. Part of spurious capillitium. Magnified 35 times.

c. A spore cluster, and one isolated spore. Mag-

nified 210 times.

Walls of convoluted sporangia incomplete, forming tubes and
folds with numerous anastomosing threads.

(32)

Fig. 40. Rcticidaria Lycopcrdon Bull.

a. jEthalium. Natural size. a

b. Fragment of capillitium. Magnified 100 times.

Fig. 40.

Genus 30. DICTYDLETHALIUM Rostafmski, Versuch, p. 5
(1873). ./Ethalium flat, formed of erect columnar sporangia;
sporangium-wall dome-shaped at the apex, continued down to the
hypothallus in four to six straight threads; capillitium none.
CLATHROPTYCUIUM Rost., Mon., p. 225 (1875).

1. D. plumbeum Rost., I.e., p. 5 (1873). Plasmodium rose-red,
in rotten wood. ^Ethalium 1 to 3 cm. broad, - 5 to 1 mm. thick,
dull slate-coloured or clay-coloured, iridescent, areolated with the
convex apices of the sporangia ; sporangia cylindrical, angled by
mutual pressure, O5 to 1 mm. high, O2 mm. thick ; sporangium-
wall persistent and dome-shaped at the apex, subcartilaginous,
continued down to the hypothallus in four to six straight threads,
2 to 4 fjL thick, triangular in section ; evanescent between the
threads. Spores clay-coloured or yellow in mass, when magnified
pale yellow, spinulose, 9 to 12 //, diam. Fuligo plumbea Schum.,
Enum. PI. Saell., ii., p. 193 (1803). Reticularia plumbea Fr.,
Syst. Myc., iii., p. 88. Licea rugulosa Wallr., Comp. Fl. Germ.,
iv., p. 345 (1833). Clathroptychium ruyulosum Rost., Mon.,
p. 225, App., p. 30; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 55; Blytt, Bidr. K.
Norg., Sop. iii., p. 9; Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 117 ;
Mass., Mon., p. 51. Licea applanata Berk., in Hook., Journ. Bot.

1 58 ENDOSPORE/E. [ENTERIUIUM.

(1845), p. G7. Dictydicethalium applanatwm Host., in Fuckel,
Symb. Myc., Nachtr. 2, p. 69. Reticularia vntoxantha Berk., in
llook., Journ. Bot. (1851), p. 201. Clathroptychium Berkeleyi
Mass., Mon., p. 53.

Plate LXXVL, B. a. part of an fethalium seen from above, x 20 ;
b. tubular sporangia from an sethalium ; in two of them the spores are
dispersed and the caps and threads of the sporangium-walls are left free,
x 20 ; c. sporangia from a stouter aethalium, x 20 ; d. cap and threads of
sporangium-wall, x 50 ; c. hypothallus, areolated with the bases of the
sporangia, x 50 ; /. spores and portion of a thread, x 280 ; g. spores
and portion of thread from asthalium drawn at e. x 280 (England) ;
li. spore and thread from a stout asthalium, x 280 (Sikkim, K. 1669) ;
?'. spore, x 600 (England) ; k. spore from type of Clathroptychium
Bcrlicleyi Mass., x 600.

The spores are dispersed by the threads giving way at the base
and the sporangia separating in tufts from the persistent shining
hypothallus. American specimens have been received from Dr. Rex
which show an abnormal development ; the sporangium-wall is, to
a great extent, continuous between the threads, and forms a lattice-
work with wide expansions. An unusually stout form has been
obtained from Sikkim (K. 1669), and named Reticularia entoxantha by
Berkeley, but referred by Rostafinski to Clathroptychium rugulosum,
I.e. ; it is an olive-black sethalium, 3 mm. thick, and bright yellow
within ; the threads of the sporangia are 10 p. diam., waved and
thickened at the margins ; the spores are yellow and spinulose,
II to 11 p. Clathroptychium Berkeley! Mass., from Ceylon (K. 1666),
differs only from the robust forms of D. plumbeum in the more
strongly spinulose spores ; but as the spores of most gatherings vary
in the amount of roughness, this character alone is not sufficient to
mark specific difference. Clathroptychium cinndbarinum Sacc., in
Michelia, i., p. 545, is said to have vermilion sporangia, with blackish-
purple opercula and threads ; this description applies to immature
specimens of D. plumbeum.

Hal. On dead wood. Rudloe, Wilts (B. M. 20) ; Batheaston,
Somerset (B. M. 292, 299) ; Luton, Beds (L:B.M.128) ; France (Paris
Herb.) ; Germany (Strassb. Herb.) ; Hungary (K. 828) ; Ceylon
(K. 1664) ; Sikkim (K. 1669) ; Australia (K. 834) ; Philadelphia
(L:B.M.128); New Jersey (B. M. 945); S. Carolina (B. M. 928,
947).

SPECIES NOT MET WITH IN THE QUOTED COLLECTIONS.

2. D. dissiliens Hazslinszky, in Oester. Bot. Zeitsch., xxvii.,
p. 85 (1877). Peridia pulvinate, round or oval, 2 to 5 mm. diam. ;
external wall chestnut-brown, dull pruinose ; the inner wall,
together with the spores and elaters, yellow-brown. Spores
8 to 10 /A.

Hab. On willow. Hungary. The mature peridium bursts elastically,
and the elaters then become three times longer.

Genus 31. ENTERIDITJM Ehrenberg, in Spreng. Jahrb.
Gewachs., I., ii., p. 55 (1818). ^Ethalium of^confluent interwoven
sporangia, their walls perforated with large openings ; capillitium
none.

ENTERIDTUM.] RETICULARIACE^E. 159

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF ENTERIDIUM.

Spores wartecl, clustered. E. olivaceum

Spores reticulated, free. E. Rozeanum

1. E. olivaceum Ehrenb., I.e., p. 57 (1818). Plasmodium
rose-red, in dead wood. ^Ethalium pulvinate depressed, 1 to 3
cm. broad, 1 to 3 mm. thick, smooth or rugnlose, dark olive-
brown ; sporangium- walls ^yellow -olive, subcartilaginous, per-
forated with wide openings forming a network with broad winged
boundaries to the meshes. Spores in clusters of 6 to 20, rarely
free, pale olive, thickened and wartecl on one side, 9 to 12 /x diam.
Rost., Hon., p. 227 ; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 56 ; Mass., Mon.,
p. 44. Liccethalium olivaceum Host., Versuch, p. 4 (1873).
Reticularia applanata Berk. & Br., Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., Ser. 3,
xviii., p. 56, t. ii., f. 3 (1866). Enteridium simulans Host., Mon.,
App., p. 30.

Plate LIX., A. a. sethalium, half natural size ; b. perforated sporangium-
walls, and spore clusters, x 80 ; c. spore cluster, x 600 (England).

Intermediate forms occur between E. olivaceum and Licea flc.xuom
(see note, p. 150), which indicate an alliance between the two species.

Ilab. On dead wood. Ascot, Berks (B. M. 14, 15, 16) ; Kent
(B. M. 13) ; Boynton, Yorkshire (B. M. 1158) ; Glen Tanner, Scotland
(K. 1670) ; Poland (Strassb. Herb.) ; New Jersey (K. 835).

2. E. Rozeanum Wing., in Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. (1889),
p. 156. Plasmodium? Sporangia hemispherical or subglobose,
5 to 30 mm. diam., red-brown; sporangium-walls within the
fethalium perforated, forming a network of broad membranous
bands, together with the spores red-brown. Spores reticulated on
two-thirds of the surface, the remaining part faintly warted, 7 to
9 (j. diam. Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa, vol. ii., p. 117 ;
Mass., Mon., p. 46. Reticularia (?) Rozeana Bost., Mon., App.,
p. 33 (1876).

Plate LIX., A. d. asthalium ; half is seen in vertical section, showing the
persistent sporangium-walls and the barren base, x 3 ; e. perforated
sporangium-walls, x 80 ; /. spores, x 400 (United States).

Mr. Wingate states that specimens received by him from M. Roze,
of Paris, identify the American gatherings with Reticularia Rozeana
Rost.

Hab. Philadelphia (L:B.M.130) ; Ohio (L:B.M.130) ; Iowa (L:B,M.

130).

SPECIES NOT MET WITH IN THE QUOTED COLLECTIONS.

3. Enteridium Rostrupii Raunk., in Bot. Tidssk, xvii., p. 106
(1888). ^Ethalium irregularly extended, 4 cm. broad, composed
of one layer of sporangia, 1 mm. high ; olive-green, the side walls
of the sporangia perforated with large oval openings. Spores in

160 ENDOSPORE/E. [RETICULARIA.

oval or spherical clusters of 5 to 25, warted on the exposed
surface, elsewhere smooth, 11 to 12 JJL.

Hob. On fir wood. Denmark.

This appears to be a form of E. olivaceum intermediate between the
usual type and the simple type from Glen Tanner referred to under
Licea flexuosa.

4. E. macrosperma Baunk., I.e., is described as similar to E.
olivaceum, but the spores are spinulose on the outer surface and
12 to 14 /x diam.

Hab. On fir. Denmark.

It is very doubtful if the slightly larger size and more spinulose
markings of the spores is a sufficient character on which to base specific
difference.

Genus 32. RETICULARIA Bulliard, Champ., p. 95 (1791).
^Ethalium composed of numerous elongated interwoven sporangia,
with their walls partly evanescent, partly persistent, forming
chambers and strands, and dividing above into delicate capillitium-
like threads ; spores and threads rusty-brown.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF RETICULARIA.

Spores minutely reticulated. 1. R. Lycop&rdon

Spores coarsely reticulated. 2. R. lobata

1. E, Lycoperdon Bull., I.e., t. 446, f. 4 (1791). Plasmodium
creamy- white, on dead wood. ^Ethalium pulvinate or subglobose,
2 to 6 cm. diam., enclosed in a thin smooth silvery cortex, seated

/ t/ /

on a well-developed hypothallus of interwoven membranous strands.
Capillitium consisting of the persistent remains of the sporangium-
walls, forming irregular chambered and branching strands
arising from the hypothallus, dividing above into numerous
delicate flattened and flexuose threads \ together with the spores
pale rusty-brown. Spores somewhat turbinate, thickened and
closely reticulated on the rounded side, the remaining part
marked with scattered warts, 6 to 8 /x diam. Bost., Mon.,
p. 240; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 60; Blytt, Biclr. K. Norg., Sop.
iii. (1892), p. 10 ; Mass., Mon., p. 93. Reticularia umbrina
Fr., Syst. Myc., iii., p. 87. R. argentea Corda, Ic. Fung, vi., p. 15.

Plate LIX., B. a. Eethalium, half natural size ; I. capillilium, x 80 ;
c. spores, x 600 (England).

In sethalia developed in a moist atmosphere under a glass shade the
silvery cortex formed by the drying of the outer ends of the sporangia
is not produced, but the convolute sporangia are filled with spores
to their apices, which gives an irregular brain-like surface to the
sethalium. In some gatherings the walls of the sporangia are much
more persistent than in others, and have almost the character of
Enteridium, to which genus Reticularia is closely allied.

Hob. On dead Avood. Bristol (B. M. 18) ; Leytonstone, Essex
(L:B.M.131) ; Germany (Strassb. Herb, and B. M. 649) ; Sweden
(K. 977).

RETICULARIA.] RETICULARIACE^E. 161

2. R. lobata Lister. Plasmodium watery-white, in decayed
wood. JEthalia small, consisting of irregularly clustered and
confluent sporangia, or spreading over the substratum in flattened
lobes about 0-5 mm. diam., shining, iridescent, rusty-brown ;
walls of the sethalium membranous, soon evanescent ; sporangium-
walls within the sethalium rising from the hypothallus in
membranous folds and merging into a scanty network of more
or less delicate flattened threads ; together with the spores
rusty-brown. Spores sharply reticulated on two-thirds of the
surface, faintly and irregularly reticulated on the remaining
third, 6 to 10 ^ diam. Reticularia Rozeana List., in Journ. Bot.
(1891), p. 263 (non Host.).

Plate LIX., B. d. sethalium, x 10 ; e. capillitium, x 80 ; /. spores,
x 600 (England).

This species has been gathered in four consecutive years on a
Spanish chestnut stump in Wanstead Park, Essex ; it has been found
near "Woking and at Leighton Buzzard, and has also been collected by
Mr. Camm near Birmingham. Examples of the form were submitted
to Dr. Rex, who compared them with American gatherings of
Enteridium Rozeanum Wing., and pronounced it to be a new species
distinguished by the Reticularia character of the asthalia and by the
more uniformly reticulated spores. Specimens of E. Rozeanum, from
Philadelphia, Ohio, and Iowa, confirm the opinion of Dr. Rex, and
correct my notice in the Journal of Botany (I.e.) giving the English
gatherings as " Reticularia Rozeana Rost.," but the two species are
closely allied.

Hal. On dead wood. Wanstead, Essex (L:B.M.132) ; Leighton,
Beds (L:B.M.132); Woking, Berks (L:B.M.132) ; Birmingham
(L:B.M.132).

SPECIES NOT MET WITH IN THE QUOTED COLLECTIONS.

3. R. fuliginosa Berk. & Br., in Journ. Linn. Soc., xiv., p. 82
(1873). Effused, thin, dark olive-brown, silky; flocci purple-black ;
spores globose, purple-black, smooth.

Hal. On palm leaves. Ceylon.

SPECIES EXCLUDED FROM THE MYCETOZOA.

R. affinis Berk. & Curt., R. apiospora Berk. & Br., R. atro-rufa
Berk. & Curt., R. polyporiformis Berk., R. pyrrhospora Berk.,
and R. venulosa Berk. & Curt.

Subcohort lit CALONEMINEuE. Sporangia simple, except
in Lycogala-j capillitium always present, forming a system of
uniform threads; spores yellow, red, or grey.

Order I. TRICHIACE^E. Capillitium consisting of free elaters,
or combined into an elastic network, with thickenings in the form
of spirals or complete rings.

11

162

ENDOSPORE.E.

KEY TO THE GENERA OF TRICEIACE^E.

Capillitium abundant, consisting of free elaters with spiral
thickenings. (33) TRICHIA.

Fig. 41. Trichia affinis de Bary.

a. Group of sporangia. Twice natural size.
I. Elater. Magnified 250 times.
c. Spore. Magnified 400 times.

Fig. 41.

Capillitium scanty, consisting of free elaters with imperfect spiral
thickenings ; sporangia minute, heaped. (34) OLIGONEMA.

Fig. 42. Oligonema nitens Eost.

a. Cluster of sporangia. Magnified 3 times.

b. Elater. Magnified 280 times.

c. Spore. Magnified 400 times.

Fig. 42.

Capillitium combined into a network, with spiral thickenings.

(35) HEMITRICHIA.

Fig. 43. Hemitriclila ruliformis Lister.
a. Cluster of sporangia. Magnified 2| times.
1). Capillitium. Magnified 280 times.
c. Spore. Magnified 400 times.

Capillitium combined into a network, with thickenings in the
form of rings. (36) CORNUVIA.

Fig. 44. Cornuma Serpula Eost.

a. Plasmodiocarp. Magnified 7 times.

b. Capillitium. Magnified 250 times.

c. Spore. Magnified 400 times.

Fig. 44,

TRICHIA.] TRICHIACE.E. 163

Genus 33. TRICHIA Haller, Hist. Stirp. Helv., iii., p. 114
(1768). Sporangia stalked or sessile; sporangium-wall mem-
branous, sometimes charged with granular matter ; capillitium
yellow or brown, consisting of free elastic threads, pointed at
each end, and thickened with two to five spiral bands ; spores
reticulated, or minutely warted.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF TRICHIA.

A. Spores reticulated, or marked with broken bands :

Elaters 7 to 8 //, wide, spores reticulated, border 2 /*, wide.

1. T.favoginea

Elaters 4 to 5 //, wide, spores reticulated with narrow bands,
border 1 /x, wide, sporangia stalked. 2. T. verrucosa

Elaters 4 to 6 ^ wide, spores reticulated with broad pitted
bands, border 0'5 to 1 //, wide, sporangia sessile.

3. T. affinis

Elaters 4 to 6 /A wide, spores with broken reticulation of
broad pitted bands, border 0'5 /x, wide, sporangia sessile.

4. T. persimilis

Elaters 4 to 6 ^ wide, spores very closely reticulated, border
none, sporangia sessile. 5. T. scabra

B. Spores minutely warted :

A. Spirals of elaters two. 6. T. varia

B. Spirals of elaters three or more

a. Elaters shortly tapering at the ends

Sporangia sessile, wall uniformly thickened with
granular matter ; elaters smooth or spinulose.

7. T. contorta

Sporangia stalked, wall membranous, with rounded
areas thickened with granular deposits ; elaters
spinose. 8. T. erecta

b. Elaters smooth, very gradually tapering at the ends

Stalk hollow, filled with spore-like cells.

9. T. fallax

Stalk solid. 10. T. Botrytis

1. T. favoginea Pers., in Rom., N. Mag. Bot., i., p. 90 (1794).
Plasmodium ? Sporangia globose, ovoid, or clavate, crowded,
sessile or shortly stalked, on a membranous hypothallus ; 0'6
to 0*7 mm. broad, 0'7 to 1'9 mm. high, ochraceous-yellow ;
mass of spores and capillitium orange-yellow ; sporangium-wall
membranous, minutely thickened with irregular stride. Stalk
membranous, rarely present. Capillitium of long cylindrical
elaters 7 to 8 /x diam., smooth or with scattered spines, thickened

164 ENDOSPORE^E. [TRICHIA.

with four to five spiral bands 1 //, broad, the intervals 1 to 2 //,,
crossed by slender ridges running parallel with the length of
the elater and connecting the bands ; the ends of elaters conical,
terminating in a smooth point 3 to 8 /u, long. Spores yellow,
the wall reticulated with narrow, deep bands forming a net with
three to five meshes to the hemisphere; 13 to 15 /x, diam., includ-
ing the border of 1 '6 to 2 /x width, which represents the depth of
the band. Schum., En. PI. Saell., ii., p. 207 (1803). Lycop&rdon
favogineum Batsch, Elench. Fung. Cont., p. 257 (1786). Stemonitis
favoginea Grnel., Syst. Nat., ii., p. 1470 (1791). Trichia nitens
Pers., Obs. Myc., i., p. 62 (1796). Sphcerocarpus chrysospermus
Bull., Champ., t. 417, f. 4 (1791). Trichia chrysosperma DC., Syn.
PI. Gall., p. 52 (1806); Host., Mon., p. 255; Cooke, Myx. Brit.,
p. 64, figs. 213, 240; Blytt, Bidr. K. Norg., Sop. iii., p. 12; Macbride,
in Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 130; Mass., Mon., p. 189.

Plate LX., A. a. sporangia, x 20 ; ~b. elater. x 600 ; c. spore, x 600
(Freiburg, Germany).

The species of Trichia with reticulated spores are separated from
each other by somewhat arbitrary lines, owing to the inconstancy of
the distinctive characters. The descriptions under the several names
are here given from the type specimens in the Strassb. Herb. ; they
represent well marked centres, but in this abundant and widespread
genus forms are of frequent occurrence which take an intermediate
position. The character of longitudinal striae connecting the bands
on the elaters is met with to a greater or less extent in each member
of the group. In extensive gatherings on old pine stumps in the
Black Forest, the elaters are nearly regular in breadth, usually 8
fj. diam., but some measure 7 p and some 6 '5 p, ; the connecting striae
are almost always but not invariably distinct ; the spores have mostly
unbroken bands without pits, and show a border 2 /ix diam. ; in some
parts of several gatherings the bands are broader, broken and pitted,
and the border reduced to a slight thickening of the spore-wall : but
in all these specimens a considerable part retains the character of
T. favoginea in the narrow and even bands on the spores and broad
elaters. American gatherings show similar variation ; sometimes with
spores having regular reticulation and narrow bands, the elaters are
only 6 p. diam. Between T. affinis and T. persimilis, and between
T. persimilis and T. scabra, intermediate forms frequently occur where
it is often difficult to decide under which head to place them. The
length and markings of the elaters is also a varying character. A
gathering of Hemitrichia chrysospora List, has been found at Lyme
Regis of the Trichia form with free elaters ; T. scabra has occurred
with the capillitium consisting of a dense network of the extreme
Hemitrichia type, with no free elaters ; T. affinis and T. scabra, when
exposed to severe changes of temperature, at the time of their fruiting,
have developed elaters with the spirals to a great degree modified into
complete rings, approaching the markings on the elaters of Cornuvia
Serpula ; and T. persimilis under similar conditions has produced very
short elaters with broad rings and faint spirals with much the same
character as Oligonema nitens. With such blending of form, which
indicates a relationship between all these species, the characters given
in the key must be taken as approximate, and mark the main centres
around which the numerous varieties group themselves.

TRICHIA.] TRICHIACE^. 165

Hab. On dead wood. Bulstrode, Buckinghamshire (B. M. 1114) ;
Button, Warwick (L:B.M. 133) ; Baden Baden (L:B.M.133) ; Salem,
Germany (B. M. 777, 783) ; Switzerland (B. M. 1140) ; Sweden
(K. 1179) ; Poland (Strassb. Herb.) ; Philadelphia (L:B.M.133).

2. T. verrucosa Berk., in Hook., Fl. Tasm., ii., p. 269 (1860).
Plasmodium ? Total height 2 to 4 mm. Sporangia pyriform or
clavate, stipitate, clustered or solitary, 1'4 nirn. high, 0'8 mm.
broad, ochraceous-yellow, mass of elaters and spores golden-
yellow ; sporangium-wall membranous, minutely and closely
papillose, pale yellow. Stalks membranous, 1 to 2 mm. high,
usually combined in clusters of three or four, rugose, yellow-
brown, or dark brown. Capillitium of long cylindrical elaters,
4 to 6 /A wide, with short conical ends, marked with three to five
narrow spiral bands, smooth, or with a few scattered spines, longi-
tudinal striae distinct. Spores reticulated with narrow, minutely
pitted bands, forming a network with about seven meshes to the
hemisphere, 13 to 16 ^ diam., border 1 /x wide. Mass., Mon.,
p. 191. T. superba Mass., in Journ. R. Micr. Soc. (1889), p. 345;
Mass., Mon., p. 194.

Plate LX., B. a. sporangia, x 20 ; I. elater, x 600 ; c. spore, x 600
(New Zealand).

The specimen from Tasmania (K. 1750) described by Berkeley as
T. vermcosa is somewhat immature, but is sufficiently developed to
be clearly identified as the same species as T. superba Mass, from New
Zealand. A fine specimen of the same form from Chili, in the
Strassburg Herb., is named by Rostafinski T. chrysosperma. It is no
doubt closely allied to that species, but the constancy of the characters
of the stalked sporangia and of the spores marked with a rather close
reticulation of narrow bands forming a border scarcely 1 p. broad
supports the specific distinction. A large gathering by Prof. Balfour
in Scotland shows the same characters.

Hab. On dead wood. Moffat, Scotland (L:B.M.134) ; Tasmania
(K. 1750, 1751); New Zealand (K. 1166, 1167, 1764); Chili (Strassb.
Herb.).

3. T. affinis de Bary, in Fuckel, Symb. Myc., p. 336 (1869).
Plasmodium watery-white, in dead wood. Sporangia globose,
sessile, crowded on a membranous hypothallus, 0'6 to 1 mm.
diam., shining golden or ochraceous-yellow; mass of elaters and
spores bright yellow ; sporangium -wall membranous, pale yellow,
marked with delicate irregular striae. Capillitium of long cylindrical
elaters, 4 to 6 /x diam., with conical pointed ends, marked with
four to five spiral bands, smooth, or with minute scattered spines ;
longitudinal striae usually present, but often faint. Spores reti-
culated with broad, rarely narrow, pitted bands, forming a more or
less complete net with three to five meshes to the hemisphere, 13
to 15 /xdiam., border 0'5to 1 /x wide. Host., Mon., p. 257; Cooke,
Myx. Brit., fig. 241; Blytt, Biclr. K. Norg., Sop. iii. (1892),
p. 13; Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 131; Mass.,
Mon., p. 194. Trichia Kalbreyeri Mass., in Journ. R. Micr. Soc.

166 ENDOSPORE^E. [TRICHIA.

(1889), p. 344; Mass., Mon., p. 191. Trichia intermedia Mass.,
in Journ. R. Micr. Soc. (1889), p. 341 ; Mass., Mon., p. 188.
Trichia pidclielki Rex, in Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. (1893), p. 366.

Plate LX., B. d. elater, x 600 ; e. spore, x 600 (England).

T. pulchella Rex differs from the usual developments of T. affinis
in the more scattered habit of growth of the sporangia ; the elaters
are narrow, being 3*5 to 4'5 JJL diam. ; the spores have a border 1 p. wide
and are reticulated with narrow, minutely pitted raised bands, pre-
senting from three to four meshes on the hemisphere ; it can hardly
be considered as having distinctive specific characters. The type
specimen of T. Kalbreyeri Mass., from New Granada (K. 1196), has
elaters 5 /i diam., with delicate longitudinal striae, and spores marked
with a rather close reticulation of broad, faintly pitted bands ; it
does not appear to differ from typical T. affinis. The type specimen
of T. intermedia Mass, from Scarborough has elaters 4 to 6 fj. diam.,
and is almost identical with de Bary's type of T. affinis in the
Strassburg Herbarium both in capillitium and spores.

Hal. On dead wood. Addington, Surrey (B. M. 362) ; Leicestershire
(B. M. 363) ; Heydon (B. M. 1115) andWanstead, Essex (L:B.M.135) ;
Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.135) ; Cotterel, Cheshire (B. M. 1125) ;
Edinburgh (K. 1180) ; Germany (B. M. 785 and Strassb. Herb.) ;
Australia (L:B.M.13o) ; Philadelphia (L:B.M.135) ; Iowa (B. M. 834) ;
S. Carolina (B. M. 959) ; Cuba (K. 1118) ; New Granada (L:B.M.135
slide) ; Chili (Paris Herb.).

4. T. persimilis Karst., in Not. Saellsk. pro Fauna et Flora
Fenn. Forh. (1868), p. 353. Plasmodium watery-white, in rotten
wood. Sporangia globose, crowded, seated on a common mem-
branous hypothallus, 0*5 to 0'8 mm. diam., brown or yellow-
brown, shining; capillitium and spores in mass yellow or
yellow-brown. Capillitium of cylindrical elaters, 4 to 6 ^ diam.,
marked with about four closely set spiral bands, usually beset
with numerous short slender spines; the ends of the elaters
conical, acute, or with the spiral bands produced at the apex
into two or three diverging points; longitudinal striae incon-
spicuous. Spores yellow, or yellow-brown, 11 to 14 /x diam., with
the reticulation broken, or represented by irregular pitted warts,
border interrupted. Trichia Jackii Rost., Mon., p. 258 (1875) ;
Cooke, Myx. Brit., fig. 242 ; Mass., Mon., p. 188. Trichia proxi-
mella Karst., in Bidr. Kami. Finl. Nat., xxxi, p. 139; Mass., Mon.,
p. 180. Trichia abrupta Cooke, in Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. York,
xi., p. 404 ; Cooke, Myx. Brit., fig. 256 ; Mass., Mon., p. 187.
Trichia Balfourii Mass., in Journ. R. Micr. Soc. (1889), p. 339 ;
Mass., Mon., p. 186. Trichia sulphured Mass., in Journ. R.
Micr. Soc. (1889), p. 339 ; Mass., Mon., p. 186.

Plate LX., A. g. elater, x 600; li. spore, x 600 (England).

A type specimen from Finland, from Dr. Karsten, agrees essentially
with the examples of T. Jackii Rost. in Strassb. Herb. ; the latter
name must therefore be dropped as being antedated. The occurrence
of the long spinous processes on the elaters, noted in the original
description of T. persimilis^ is not a constant character.

TKICHIA.] TRICHIACE.E. 167

A form with the ends of the elaters obtuse, and the spiral bands
continued at the apex into widely diverging spines, has been named
T. dbrupta Cooke, but this character is also found occasionally in
T. favoginea, T. qffinis, and T. scabra. T. proximella Karsten and
T. sulphured Mass, have elaters 4'5 to 5 p. diam., and spores with the
bands much broken ; T. Balfourii Mass, has the elaters 4 to 5 p. diam.,
and the reticulation on the spores consists of wide, broken and pitted
bands. They present no character by which they can be separated from
T. persimiUs.

Hal}. On dead wood, leaves, etc. Batheaston, Somerset (B. M. 367) ;
Penzance (B. M. 370) ; Epping Forest, Essex (L:B.M.136) ; Lyme
Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.136) ; Boynton, Yorkshire (B. M. 1125) ; Glamis,
Scotland (B. M. 369) ; Germany (Strassb. Herb.) ; France (K. 1183) ;
Finland (L:B.M.136 slide) ; Cape (K. 1047) ; Ceylon (K. 1749) ; Java
(K. 1755); Philadelphia (L:B.M.136).

5. T. scabra Host., Mon., p. 258 (1875). Plasmodium watery-
white, in rotten wood. Sporangia globose, crowded, seated on a
common membranous bypothallus, 0'6 to 0'9 mm. diam., shining,
yellow-brown. Capillitium and spores in mass bright orange-
yellow. Capillitium of long, cylindrical bright yellow elaters, 4
to 6 fji diam., with four or five bands arranged in somewhat
irregular spirals, either close or distant, beset with spines, or
nearly smooth, the ends acutely conical or with the bands pro-
duced at the apex in more or less diverging points, longitudinal
striae rarely evident.- Spores yellow, minutely reticulated witb
depressed bands forming a complete or fragmentary net with
about forty meshes to the hemisphere, or irregularly warted, the
spore border being reduced to a spinulose margin, 9 to 1 1 //, diam.
Cooke, Myx. Brit., figs. 214, 239 ; Blytt, Bidr. K. Norg., Sop. iii.
(1892), p. 13 ; Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 132 ;
Mass., Mon., p. 192. Trichia minima Mass., in Journ. R. Micr.
Soc. (1889), p. 336 ; Mass., Mon., p. 182. Trichia nitens Fries,
Mass., in Journ. R. Micr. Soc. (1889), p. 333 ; Mass., Mon., p. 179.
Arcyria Bucknalli Mass., Mon., p. 161.

Plate LX., A. d. sporangia, x 20 ; e. <fc e. elaters, x 600 ;/. spore, x
600 (England).

The type of Arcyria Bucknalli Mass., from Bristol (K. 1774), is an in-
teresting form of T. scabra ; the Capillitium is spinose, and consists of
long, sparingly branched free elaters, not combined into a network ;
the spiral bands are in many parts entirely modified into rings, a cha-
racter which is often seen in a less degree in imperfect developments
of this species ; the spores are of the typical form of T. scabra. The
specimen from Luton (L:B.M.137) has the dense net of a Hemitrichia
and no free elaters ; the close and rugged spirals on the threads have
in some parts an annular arrangement ; it is, however, an undoubted
form of T. scabra with typical spores. The type of T. minima Mass.,
from Oldham (K. 1044), has spinulose elaters 4 to 5 p. diam. ; the spores
measure 9 p., some are delicately reticulated, in others the net is broken
into warts and short bands ; it is not an unusual form of T. scabra. A
type specimen of T. nitens (K. 1104) has spores 9 to 10 p. diam., for
the most part delicately reticulated, but some have the bands much
broken ; the elaters measure 4 to 5 p. diam., with regular spiral

168 ENDOSPORE^E. [TRTCHTA.

bands and only a few short scattered spines ; it appears to be a typical
form of T, scabra, except that the elaters are rather more smooth than
usual.

Hob. On dead wood. Wothorpe, Northamptonshire (B. M. 366) ;
St. Catherines, Somerset (B. M. 368) ; Wanstead, Essex (L:B.M.137) ;
Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.137) ; Luton, Beds (L:B.M.137) ; Germany
(B. M. 779) ; Sweden (K. 1104) ; Poland (Strassb. Herb.) ; Philadelphia
(L:B.M.137); Iowa (B. M. 835) ; Ohio (L:B.M.137).

6. T. varia Pers., in Romer, N. Mag. Bot., i., p. 90 (1794).
Plasmodium white, in rotten wood. Sporangia globose, ovoid or
turbinate, sessile or stalked, 0'6 to 0'9 mm. diarn., or forming
short plasmodiocarps, crowded or scattered, ochraceous or oliva-
ceous ; sporangium-wall membranous, pale yellow, marked with
ring-shaped or crescentic thickenings 8 /><, diam. Stalks O'l to 0'5
mm. high, 0'2 to 0'3 mm. thick, black, furrowed. Capillitium of
cylindrical, ochraceous-yellow elaters, 3 to 5 ^ diam., marked with
two prominent bands forming a loose spiral, tapering shortly at
the ends and terminating in a curved point. Spores ochraceous-
yellow, minutely warted, 11 to 16 JJL diam. Rost., Mon., p. 251 ;
Oooke, Myx. Brit., p. 63, figs. 191, 202, 208, 212, 218, 237;
Blytt, Bidr. K. Norg., Sop. iii. (1892), p. 12 ; Macbride, in Bull.
Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 129; Mass., Mon., p. 178. Stemonitis
varia Pers., in Gmel., Syst. Nat., p. 1470 (1791). Trichia
nigripes Pers., Syn., p. 178 (1801).

Plate LXL, A. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. elater, x 600; c. spore, x 600
(England).

Sporangia with longer or shorter stalks frequently occur with sessile
forms arising from the same plasmodium.

Hab. On dead wood. Batheaston, Somerset (B. M. 361) ; Leicester-
shire (B. M. 379) ; Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.138) ; Hampstead
(B. M. 1122) and Highgate, London (B. M. 1120) ; Brandon, Suffolk
(B. M. 1121) ; Bud's Clough, Cheshire (B. M. 1117) ; France (Paris
Herb.) ; Germany (B. M. 768) ; Switzerland (B. M. 1141) ; Finland
(K. 1124) ; Italy (K. 1148) ; Philadelphia (L:B.M.138) ; Iowa (L:B.M.
138) ; S. Carolina (B. M. 800).

7. T. contorta Rost., Mon., p. 25 (1875). Plasmodium watery-
white, in bark and rotten wood. Sporangia subglobose, sessile,
crowded or scattered, 0'5 to 0'8 mm. diam., or forming elongated
curved plasmodiocarps, dull yellow-brown or dark red-brown ;
mass of spores and elaters yellow or ochraceous ; sporangium-wall
charged with brown granular matter. Capillitium of irregularly
cylindrical threads, with indistinct or rugged spiral thickenings,
or of equal elaters with four or five distinct closely set spiral bands,
3 to 5 /ji diam., the tips usually swollen and ending in a curved
point, yellow or yellow-brown. Spores yellow, minutely spinulose,
10 to 14 p. diam. Cooke, Myx. Brit., fig. 229 ; Mass., Mon., p.
182. Lycogala contortum Ditm., in Sturm, Deutsch. FL, iii., p. 8,
tab. 5 (1813). Hemitrichia contorta Rost., in Fuckel, Syrn. Myc.,
Nachtr., p. 75. Trichia inconspicua Rost., Mon., p. 259 ; Blytt,
Bidr. K Norg., Sop. iii. (1892), p. 13 ; Macbride, in Bull. Nat.

TRICHIA.] TRICHIACEjE. 169

Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 132 ; Mass., Mon., p. 180. Trichia reniformis
Peck, in Rep. N. York Mus., xxvi., p. 76 ; Mass., Mon., p. 184.
Trichia Andersonii Rex, in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil. (1891),
p. 395. Trichia advenula Mass., in Journ. R. Micr. Soc. (1889),
p. 336 ; Mass., Mon., p. 181. T. heterotrichia Balf., in Grev., x.,
p. 117; Mass., Mon., p. 174. T. loivensis Macbride, I.e., p. 133.

a. genuina : elaters more or less uneven from constrictions and
irregular swellings, with indistinct or rugged spiral thickenings.

/3. inconspicua : elaters evenly cylindrical, usually swollen
behind the gradually tapering pointed ends ; spiral bands distinct,
regular, delicate.

y. lutescens : sporangia yellow, subglobose ; sporangium-wall
membranous ; elaters smooth with faint spirals.

Plate LXL. B. a. a, gcnmna, sporangia, x 20 ; b. sporangium-wall
and spores, x 280; <?. elaters. x 600; d. spore, x 600 (England); e. /3.
inconspicua, sporangia, x 20 ; /. elater, x 600 (Switzerland : one of Kosta-
finski's types).

Although the two varieties are well contrasted, intermediate forms
are of frequent occurrence, and the variations of capillitium described
above have on several occasions been found represented in different
sporangia of the same group. T. inconsjricua cannot therefore be re-
garded as a distinct species. T. reniformis Peck, of which a typical
specimen has been received from Dr. Rex, has the granular thickening
of the sporangium- wall and the rugged irregular spirals of T. contorta
var. genuina. A type specimen of T. Andersonii Rex is very similar to
the last in the form of the capillitium, but the brown granules in the
sporangium-wall are less abundant. Associated with all varieties of
capillitium, the wall in English gatherings may either be densely
charged with brown granules resembling the structure in Perichcena
corticalis, or it may be similar to that in T. Andersonii ; the difference
in colour between spores and capillitium mentioned by Dr. Rex in his
description of this species (I.e.} is also a varying character, and it is
difficult to separate the form from T. contorla. The type of T. advenula
Mass., from Glamis (K. 1748), has the sporangium-wall charged with
brown granular matter ; the spirals on the elaters are regular and
distinct ; it is similar to Rostafinski's type of T. inconspicua in Strassb.
Herb. T. heterotrichia Balf., from Currey's collection (K. 1066), appears
to be an immature specimen of T. contorta var. genuina ; the sporangium-
walls are almost free from granular deposits ; the elaters are 4 to 5 /A
diam., marked with one or three rugged or indistinct spiral bands, and
scattered blunt spines ; the spores adhere to one another, and are very
faintly minutely spinulose ; they measure 12 to 13 p.. T. lowensis
Macbride (I.e.) agrees with T. contorta in the habit and colour of the
sporangia, in the granular sporangium-wall, and in the spores ; the
elaters are 3 p diam., and, in addition to being marked with about four
inconspicuous spiral bands, are beset with numerous slender flexuose
spines 5 to 10 /u, long. It appears only to have been found near Iowa
City, and exclusively on the bark of poplar in the month of October.
Scattered spines are occasionally met with on the elaters of T. contorta,
and T. lowensis appears to be an extreme local form of this species ;
a type specimen is in the British Museum Herb. Var. y has been
found in Norway, September 1894, in considerable abundance, and at
stations separated by many miles. The only characters in which it

170 ENDOSPOREyE. flRICHIA.

differs from var. a. is the membranous sporangium-wall, which is
entirely free from granular deposits, and under a low magnifying
power is seen to be embossed by the impression of the spores. This
character, however, indicates so considerable a divergence from the
type, that if further gatherings established its constancy this form
should be marked as a distinct species.

Hab. On bark and dead wood. /3. Batheaston, Somerset (B. M. 351) ;
a. Lyme Regis, Dorset (L-.B.M.139) ; a. Wanstead, Essex (L:B.M.139) ;
/3. Menmuir, Brechin, Scotland (B. M. 365) ; a. France (K. 997) ;
a. Germany (K. 1771) ; u. Poland (Strassb. Herb.) ; /3. Switzerland
(Strassb. Herb.); /3. Sweden (K. 1702) ; /3. Norway (Christiania Herb.) ;
/3. Mass., U.S.A. (L:B.M.139) ; /3. Iowa (L:B.M.139) ; a. Montana
(L:B.M.139) ; y. on fir and birch, Norway (L:B.M.139).

8. T. erecta Rex, in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil. (1890), p. 193.
Plasinodium ? Total height 1 to 2 mm. Sporangia globose or
subturbinate, stipitate or nearly sessile, scattered, 0*5 to - 7 mm.
diam., bright yellow, mottled with well-defined, dark brown
angular patches ; sporangium-wall membranous, pale yellow,
densely charged with brown angular matter in the dark patches.
Stalk cylindrical, 0'5 to 1 mm. high, 0*2 to 0'3 mm. thick, dark
brown, opaque. Capillitium of cylindrical bright yellow elaters,
3 '5 to 4 fj. diam., with short tapering ends ; marked with four
bands forming a close irregular spiral, beset with numerous spines.
Spores yellow, delicately warted, 11 to 13 /* diam. Mass., Mon.,
p. 184.

Plate LXIL, A. e. sporangia, x 20 ; /. elater, x 600; g. spore, x 600
(United States).

A single specimen of this species has been found at Lyme Regis,
agreeing in every respect with the type received from Dr. Rex, except
that the stalk is very short, 0'5 mm. high.

Hab. On dead wood, etc. Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.140 slide) ;
Philadelphia (L:B.M.140).

9. T. fallax Pers., Obs. Myc., i., p. 59 (1796). Plasmodium rose-
coloured or white, in rotten wood. Total height 1*5 to 3 mm.
Sporangia turbinate, stipitate, gregarious, 0'6 to 0'8 mm. diam.,
shining olive or yellow-brown ; sporangium- wall yellow, mem-
branous, of two layers. Stalk cylindrical, furrowed, 0'5 to 1 mm.
long, olive or dark brown ; hollow, filled to the base with spores
or spore-like cells. Capillitium of cylindrical, smooth, olive-
brown elaters, 4 ! 5 to 5'5 p diam., marked with four or five spiral
bands, 0*5 to 1 ^ broad, with intervals of 0*5 to 3 /x, gradually
tapering into long slender points. Spores yellow-brown, minutely
warted, or more or less distinctly reticulated on one side, 9 to 12 /JL
diam. Host., Mon., p. 243 ; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 61, figs. 221,
222, 233, 235; Blytt, Bidr. K. Norg., Sop. iii. (1892), p. 12;
Macbride, in Bull. Nat. Hist, Iowa, ii., p. 128 ; Mass., Mon., p. 192.
Arcyria decipiens Pers., in Usteri, Ann. Bot., xv., p. 35 (1795).

Plate LXIL, A. a. sporangia, x 20 ; 1). elater, x 600 ; c. spores, x 600
(England) ; d. spore, reticulated on one side, spinulose on the other (United
States).

TRICHIA.] TEICHIACE^E. 171

The elaters vary in length in different gatherings ; usually they are
long and taper only towards the ends ; sometimes they are short and
somewhat fusiform, and either simple or branched. The warts on the
spores may be scattered, numbering eight to ten in a line across the
hemisphere, or more crowded ; in some American specimens the spores
are closely reticulated on one side, and spinulose on the other. The
white and rose-coloured plasmodia have not been observed growing
together on the same piece of wood, but the sporangia produced from
both appear to be identical in every respect ; although shades of
difference occur in various gatherings, the colour of the plasmodium
cannot be inferred from the ripe fruits.

Hob. On dead wood. Common. St. Catherines, Somerset (B. M. 387,
359, etc.) ; Lyme Regis, Dorset (L-.B.M.141) ; Boynton, Yorkshire
(B. M. 1124) ; France (K. 1059); Germany (B. M. 749, 750) ; Iowa
(B. M. 836) ; S. Carolina (K. 1053).

10. T. Botrytis Pers., in Romer, N. Mag. Bot., i., p. 89 (1794).
Plasrnodiurn purple-brown, in dead wood. Total height 1*5 to
5 mm. Sporangia pyriform or turbinate, stipitate, simple or
combined in clusters, 0'6 to 0*8 mm. cliam., red-brown, purple,
or black, often marked with paler lines of dehiscence ; mass of
elaters and spores yellow-brown, orange, or reddish-brown ; spo-
rangium-wall of two layers, the outer charged with granular
matter and continued into the stalk, the inner membranous,
enclosing the spores. Stalks cylindrical, often combined in clusters
of three to eight, furrowed, red or purple-brown, solid, not con-
taining spore-like cells. Capillitium of cylindrical or fusiform,
pale-brown or reddish-brown elaters, 4 to 5 //, diarn., sometimes
branched, gradually tapering to long slender points, marked
with three to five flattened or prominent spiral bands, with
intervals of about 1 /x. Spores ocliraceous or reddish-yellow,
minutely spinulose, 9 to 11 /x, diam. Trichia fragilis Rost.,
Mon., p. 246 ; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 62, figs. 203, 204, 225, 226 ;
Blytt, Biclr. K. Norg., Sop. iii. (1892), p. 12 ; Mass., Mon., p. 175.
SphtKrocarpus fragilis Sow., Eng. Fung., t. 279 (1803). Trichia
pyriformis Fr., Syst. Myc., iii., p. 184. Trichia Decaisneana de
Bary, Host., Mon., p. 250; Mass., Mon., p. 185. Trichia lateritia
Lev., in Ann. Sc. Nat., Ser.3,v.,p. 167; Rest., Mon., p. 250. Trichia
purpurascens Nyl., in Saellsk. Faun. Fl. Fenn., Ny. Ser. (1858,
1859), p. 126 ; Blytt, Bidr. K. Korg., Sop. iii. (1892), p. 12 ; Mass.,
Mon., p. 177. Trichia Garlyleana Mass., in Journ. R. Micr. Soc.
(1889), p. 329 ; Mass.. Mon., p. 174. Trichia subfusca Rex, in
Proc. Acad. K Sc. Phil (1890), p. 192.

a. genuina : stalks purple or purple-brown, 1 to T5 mm. long;
elaters brown or ochraceous-brown, terminating in a slender
tapering point, from 50 to 70 /x long, the spirals disappearing in
the last third ; spores yellow.

Hob. On wood.

(3. lateritia : stalks red, 2 mm. or more long ; elaters pale
burnt-sienna colour, terminating in a more or less abruptly taper-

172 ENDOSPORE^:. [TRICHIA.

ing point, 20 to 40 /x long, the spirals continued almost to the
extremity ; spores orange-yellow. T. lateritia Lev., I.e.

Hob. On wood.

y. flavicoma : sporangia minute ; stalks brown, 0'25 mm. long ;
elaters blight yellow, of the form a ; spores yellow.

Hab. On dead leaves.

8. subfusca : stalks purple-brown, 0-5 mm. long ; elaters bright
yellow, of the form fi ; spores bright yellow. T. subfusca Rex, I.e.

Hab. On wood.

Plate LXII., B. a. var. a. genirina, sporangia, x 20 ; b, c. elaters, x 600 ;

d. spore, x 600 (England) ; e. var. /3. lateritia, sporangia, x 20 ; /, g, li.

elaters, x 600 ; i. spore, x 600 (Germany) ; j. var. y. Jiavicoma, sporangia,

x 20 ; k. elater, x 600 (England) ; 1. var. d. subfusca, sporangium, x 20 ;

vi. elater, x 600 ; n. spore, x 600 (United States).

The various characters distinguishing the different forms of this
abundant species blend freely into one another, but the colour of
the capillitium. and spores is generally associated with a form of the
elaters of sufficient constancy to enable the specimens to be classed
under the above varieties. The three varieties given by Rostafmski
are distinguished by the colour of the sporangia, and of the capillitium
and spores when seen in mass ; but the colour of the sporangium
is a character which varies so widely that it cannot be taken as
marking constant types ; specimens in the Strassburg Herbarium
have sessile, black, and brittle sporangia associated with others of
brown and bright nut colour ; a few have long stalks, and others are
clustered on a common stem. In a large cultivation from a single
growth of plasmodium at Lyine Regis, the sporangia are either olive
or rosy-purple, marbled over with yellow lines of dehiscence, or almost
uniformly black. T. lateritia Lev., from Chili (K. 1761), here taken
as the type of var. /3, has nearly b]ack sporangia, but other gatherings
from England and the Continent, with similar characters of capillitium
and spores, have either black, rosy, or brown sporangia. The " simple "
or " botrytis " forms are mingled in most large gatherings, but the
" botrytis " form is most frequent in var. /3. The type specimen of
T. Decaisneana de Bary, in the Strassburg Herbarium, is included
under var. /3 ; the elaters are remarkably long, suddenly narrowing to
a point 10 to 15 ft in length, from a subterminal bulb ; a similar bulb
occurs in the middle of some of the elaters ; the occurrence of bulbous
swellings in the elaters is so frequent and at the same time so incon-
stant in many species of Trichia that it can scarcely be received as a
specific character. T. Carlyleana Mass, is the form a with minutely
spinulose spores, perhaps more nearly smooth than may be considered
typical. T. purpurascem Nyl., of which a iype specimen has been
furnished by Prof. Blytt, is also form a, and has dull purple sporangia ;
the spores average 10 p. diam.,and are minutely spinulose. The form y
flavicoma has been obtained from Moffat, and on four separate occa-
sions on leaves at Lyme Regis ; the sporangia are brown, or purple
with yellow lines of dehiscence, and the elaters bright yellow. T. sub-
fusca Rex, here placed as var. d of T. Botrytis, has dull brown sporangia,
and differs from var. y only in the ends of the elaters being shorter
and with more prominent spirals, a character of not sufficient import-
ance to give the form specific rank.

OLIGONEMA.] TRICHIACE^. 173

Hab. On dead wood and leaves. Common. Orton, Leicester (B. M.
391) ; Lyrne Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.142) ; Leigh, Somerset (B. M. 399);
Glamis, Scotland (B. M. 385) ; Germany (B. M. 759) ; Poland (Strassb.
Herb.) ; Finland (K. 1090) ; Switzerland (B. M. 760) ; Italy (B. M.
758) ; Ceylon (B. M. 762) ; Australia (K. 1082) : Tasmania (K. 1759) :
New Zealand (K. 1098) ; Philadelphia (L:B.M.142) ; Mass., U.S.A.
(L:B.M.142) ; Chili (K. 1761).

SPECIES EXCLUDED FROM THE GEXUS.

T. Kickxii Host. = Oligonema nitens Host.
T. pusilla Schroet. = Oligonema nitens Host.
T. nana Mass. = Hemitrichia Wigandii Lister.

Genus 34. OLIGONEMA Rostafinski, Hon., p. 291 (1875).
Sporangia minute, densely clustered ; capillitium scanty, of short
or long threads, with spiral markings indistinct or wanting ;
spores reticulated.

1. 0. nitens Host., I.e., f. 198 (1875). Plasmodium? Sporangia
subglobose, sessile, heaped together in clusters, - 3 to 0'4 mm.
diam., shining, yellow or olivaceous-yellow ; sporangium-wall
membranous, yellow. Capillitium of short or long, cylindrical,
yellow elaters, 3 to 5 //, diam., with rounded or abruptly pointed
ends, marked with one to four irregular indistinct spiral bands,
which are sometimes wanting, occasionally with ring-shaped
thickenings and scattered spines, or spinulose. Spores yellow,
reticulated with narrow, rarely with broad and pitted bands,
11 to 16 fj. diam. ; border 0'5 to 1-5 ^ wide. Cooke, Myx. Brit.,
fig. 198 ; Mass., Mon., p. 170. Trichia nitens Libert (non Pers.),
PI. Cryp. Arcl., Fasc. iii., No. 227 (1834). Cornuvia nitens Rost.,
Yersuch, p. 15 (1873). Trichia Bavarica de Thuemen, Myc.
Univ., No. 1497. Oligonema Bavaricum Balf. & Berl., Sacc.
Syll., viL, p. 437. Perich&na flavida Peck, in Rep. N. York
Mus., xxvi., p. 76. Oligonema flavidum Mass., Mon., p. 171.
Oligonema brevifilum Peck, in Rep. N. York Mus., xxxi., p. 42 ;
Mass., Mon., p, 173. Oligonema minutulum Mass., in Journ. R.
Micr. Soc. (1889), p. 348; Mass., Mon., p. 171. Physarum Schivei-
nitzii Berk., in Grev., ii., p. 66; Mass., Mon., p. 311. Trichia
Kickxii Rost., Mon., App., p. 40. Trichia pusilla Schroet., Krypt.
Fl. Schles., iii., p. 114.

Plate LXL, A. d. sporangia, x 20 ; e. elaters. x 600 ; /. spore, x 600
(Ardennes : Libert's type).

This species varies in the markings on the elaters and the reticula-
tion of the spores ; few gatherings are exactly similar, and great
variety is often seen in a single sporangium ; the length of the elaters
in some specimens is only about 50 /*, while in others the average is
from five to seven times as long. A gathering from South Carolina in
Ravenel's collection (B. M. 960, 961) shows some sporangia with capil-
litium forming a network with few free ends as in Hemitrichia, while
others have more or less branched and free elaters. 0. nitens is allied
to Trichia affinis and T. persimilis, in which species similar variations
in spores and elaters are sometimes found in sporangia which have

174 ENDOSPORE^E. [HEMITRICHIA.

been exposed to unusual conditions of development. 0. Bavaricum
Balf. & Berl. is described as distinguished from 0. nitens by the
more distinct spirals on the elaters, but the spirals are as distinct in
Libert's type of the species ; the spores of the Bavarian gather-
ing vary in size from 12 to 16 /*, and the reticulation also varies
so as to present from four to sixteen meshes on the surface of the
hemisphere. The type specimens of O.flavidum Peck and 0. brevi-
filum Peck differ from one another only in the former having more
papillose and longer elaters than the latter, and spores measuring
12 to 14 p,, while in 0. brevifilum they measure 10 to 12 p. ; they
scarcely differ from the specimen named 0. Bararicum, and are here
included under 0. nitens. The type specimens of 0. minutulum Mass.,
from Algiers (B. 1739), and Physarum ScJiweinitzii Berk., from Beth-
lehem, U.S.A. (K. 1738), are typical 0. nitens. The descriptions of
Trichia Kickxii Rost. and T. pusilta Schroet. agree so perfectly with the
character of 0. nitens that they are here placed as synonyms of this
species.

Hob. On dead wood. Near Birmingham (L:B.M.144); Belgium
(B. M. 747); Germany (Strassb. Herb.); Bavaria (B. M. 746);
Algiers (K. 1739); Philadelphia (L:B.M.144) ; Ohio (L:B.M.144);
Iowa (B. M. 1031) ; S. Carolina (B. M. 960, 961, 964).

SPECIES NOT MET WITH IN THE QUOTED COLLECTIONS.

2. 0. aeneum Karst., Myc. Fenn., iv., in Bidr. Kami.
Finl. Nat. (1879), p. 131. Sporangia densely crowded, often
confluent and vein-like, rarely scattered, globose, or angled by
mutual pressure, depressed, shining, metallic copper, greenish
or olivaceous ; capillitium tubes free, with scattered ring-shaped
thickenings, 2 to 3 /x, thick; spores warted, reddish- or pale
yellowish-ochre, 12 /x diam.

Hob. On pine-wood. Mustiala, Finland.

3. 0. furcatum Bucknall, in Mass., Mon., p. 173. Sporangia
scattered, globose, shining, bright chrome-yellow, as well as the
capillitium and spores ; elaters cylindrical, simple or branched,
slightly thickened at the obtuse ends, with a faint open spiral,
3 to 4 fji diam. ; spores globose, minutely warted, 11 to 12 p diam.

Hob. On a rotting trunk. Abbots Leigh, Somerset, England.

SPECIES EXCLUDED FROM THE GENUS.

0. Broomei Mass. = Perichcena populina Fr.

Genus 35. HEMITRICHIA Rostafinski, Versuch, p. 14 (1873).
Sporangia stalked or sessile ; capillitium an elastic network of
more or less branching threads, thickened with two to six spiral
bands; spores minutely warted or reticulated. HEMIARCYRIA
Host., Mon., p. 261 (1875).

I have restored the original name which Rostafinski gave to this
genus, being in accordance with the laws of botanical nomenclature,
while at the same time it expresses more accurately the affinities of
the group.

HEMITRICHIA.] TRICHIACE^J. 175

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF HEMITRICHIA.

A. Spores nearly smooth, or minutely warted :

A. Capillitium red, spinose. 1. H. rubiformis

B. Capillitium yellow or yellow-brown

a. Sporangia stalked

Stalk solid. 2. H. intorta

Stalk hollow, filled with spore-like cells

Cup papillose. 3. H. clavata

Cup smooth. 4. H. leiocarpa

b. Sporangia sessile

Spirals of Capillitium one to three, prominent,
sporangium-wall membranous.

5. H. Wigandii

Spirals of Capillitium three or more ; indistinct,
sporangium-wall thickened with granular
deposits. 6. H. Karstenii

B. Spores reticulated :

Capillitium threads spinose. 7. H. Serpula

Capillitium threads smooth. 8. H. clirysospora

1. H.i rubiformis Lister. Plasmodium purple-red, in rotten
wood. Total height l - 3 to 2'5 mm. Sporangia clavate or sub-
cylindrical, stipitate or sessile, combined in clusters or crowded,
1 to 1'3 mm. high, O5 to O7 mm. broad, glossy or shining, dark
red, red-brown, or olive-black ; sporangium-wall of two layers, the
outer continued into the stalk, the inner enclosing the spores,
orange-red. Stalks membranous, - 2 to 1 mm. high, usually
combined in clusters of from six to twelve, furrowed and rugose,
red, not enclosing spore-like cells. Capillitium of twisting, spar-
ingly branched, orange-red threads 5 to 6 /x diam., marked with
three to five regular spiral bands, beset with numerous scattered
spines 2 to 5 /JL long, rarely nearly smooth, with few pointed free ends.
Spores pale orange-red, warted, 10 to 11 //, diam. Hemiarcyria
rubiformis Host., Mon., p. 262 ; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 67, figs. 201,
230, 231 ; Blytt, Bidr. K. Norg., Sop. iii. (1892), p. 13 ; Mac-bride,
in Bull. Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 133. Trichia rubiformis Pers.,
in Homer, N. Mag. Bot., i., p. 88 (1794). Arcyria rubiformis
Mass., Mon., p. 158. Trichia Neesiana Cor da, Ic., i., p. 23.

a. genuina : sporangia red-brown.

/?. Neesiana Eost. : sporangia olive black.

Plate LXIIL, A. a. sporangia, x 20; b. Capillitium and spores, * 280;
c. capillitium and spore, x 600 (England).

Sporangia are occasionally found with a few free elaters pointed
at each end, in addition to the continuous network of threads of the
usual type.

176 ENDOSPORE.E. [HEMITRICHIA.

Hal). On dead wood. Orton, Leicester (B. M. 335, 338) ; Rudloe,
Wilts (B. M. 340) ; Batheaston, Somerset (B. M. 341) ; Wanstead,
Essex (L:B. M.I 45) ; Hampstead, London (B. M. 1123); Boynton,
Yorkshire (B. M. 1126) ; France (K. 123) ; Germany (B. M. 791, 700) ;
Italy (B. M. 789) ; Finland (B. M. 788) ; Poland (Strassb. Herb.) ;
Iowa (B. M. 830) ; Texas (B. M. 956) ; S. Carolina (B. M. 761).

2. H. intorta Lister. Plasmoclium watery-white. Total height 1
to 1*5 mm. Sporangia turbinate, stipitate, gregarious or scattered,
0*3 to 0*7 mm. diam., shining, yellow or olive-yellow; sporangium-
wall membranous above, thickened with granular deposits towards
the base, papillose on the inner side. Stalk thickened above and
below, with two to four broad longitudinal furrows, 0'5 to 0*7 mm.
long, 0'15 mm. thick in the middle, glossy, purplish-brown, solid,
not filled with spore-like cells. Capillitium a twisted tangle of
sparingly branched orange-yellow threads, 4 p diam., marked
with four to five more or less distinct, closely set, spiral bands,
sometimes connected with longitudinal striae, densely spinulose or
nearly smooth. Spores yellow, minutely warted, 9 to 13 ^ diam.
Hemiarcyria intorta List., in Journ. Bot. (1891), p. 268. Hemi-
arcyria longijila Hex, in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil. (1891), p. 396.

a. genuma : spirals on elaters distinct, usually spinulose ;
spores 9 to 10 /x.

(3. leiotricha : spirals on elaters indistinct, smooth ; spores
12 to 13 fji.

Plate LXIIL, B. a. a. genuma, sporangia, x 20; b. capillitmm and
spores, x 600 (England) ; c. /3. leiotricha, sporangium, x 20 ; d. capilli-
tium and spores, x 600 (England).

The var. genuma appeared in considerable abundance near Hitchin
in March 1889 and January 1890. It was also gathered near Bir-
mingham by Mr. Camm in October 1889, and was described in the
Journal of Botany, September 1891. A few months later it was
independently recorded in Proceedings of the Academy of Natural
Science of Philadelphia by Dr. Rex under the name of H. longijila.
Specimens received from Dr. Rex, and Prof. Macbride, of Iowa
University, are essentially identical with the English gatherings.

The var. leiotricha is a form which has been met with on five
occasions three times in a larch plantation near Lyme Regis, once
in a fir wood at Leighton Buzzard, and on dead leaves at Sande,
Norway. In external appearance it resembles var. genuina ; the
capillitmm is profuse and of a bright yellow colour. In the Lyme
Regis gatherings the threads are almost smooth, with a faint in-
dication of spiral markings ; free ends are more numerous in some
sporangia than in others. In the Leighton gathering the threads in
some cases are nearly smooth, and more or less in the form of long
branching elaters of the type of Trichia ; in others they have the true
Hemitrichia character, with few free ends. They are marked with
distinct spirals (represented PI. LXIIL, B, fig. d). This form would
come under the description of H. intorta, except in the size of the
spores, which measure 12 to 13 p. Until further material can be
met with, it is placed as a variety of H. intorta, with which it is very
closely allied. It is interesting as affording another instance of the
Trichia and Hemitrichia characters being exhibited in one species, as

HEMITRICHIA.] TRTCHIACE.E. 177

has also been found in H. clirysospnra, and occasionally in H.
rubiformis.

Hob. On dead wood. Hitchin, Herts (L:B.M.146) ; Norway
(L:B.M.146) ; Iowa (L:B.M.146).

3. H. clavata Rost., Yersuch, p. 14 (1873). Plasmodium
watery-white, in dead wood. Total height 1 to 3 mm. Sporangia
clavate or turbinate, rarely globose, stalked, gregarious, 0*7 to
1*5 mm. high, shining, ochraceous or olivaceous-yellow; spo-
raiigium-wall membranous, minutely papillose on the inner side,
yellow. Stalk cylindrical, 0'3 to 1'5 mm. long, furrowed or nearly
even ; olive, red-brown, or nearly black ; hollow, filled with spore-
like cells. Capillitium a network of yellowish-olive, branched
threads, 5 to 6 //, diam., marked with five to six well-defined
spiral bands 1 ^ wide, with intervals of 1 to 1'5 //., usually
velvety in profile, sometimes spinose in parts in imperfect develop-
ments ; free ends rounded, either few or numerous. Spores
ochraceous, minutely warted, 8 to 10 /x diam. Hemiarcyria
clavata Rost., Mon., p. 264(1875); Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 68;
Blytt, Bidr. K. Norg., Sop. iii. (1892), p. 13 ; Macbride, in Bull.
Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 134. Trichia clavata Pers., in
Romer', N. Mag. Bot., i., p. 90 (1794). Arcyria clavata Mass.,
Mon., p. 165. Hemiarcyria stipitata Mass., in Journ. R. Micr.
Soc. (1889), p. 354. Arcyria stipitata Mass., Mon., p, 163.
Arcyria decipiens Berk., in Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., Ser. 1, ix.,
p. 447.

Plate LXIV., A. a. sporangia, x 20; b. capillitium, x 600; c. spores,
x 600 (England) ; d. sporangia developed in cold weather, x 20 ; e. capilli-
tium of same, beset with spines appearing in limited tracts among threads
of the usual form, b, x 600 (United States) ; /. a portion of the papillose
sporangium-wall, x 600 ; fj. sporangium with expanded capillitium, x 20
(United States).

The type specimen of Arcyria stipitata Mass., from Java (K. 1768),
is an unusually long stalked but typical form of H. clavata, apparently
without free ends to the capillitium. The type of Arcyria decipiens
Berk., collected by Charles Darwin at Rio Janeiro (K. 1766), is typical
H. clavata.

Hab. On dead wood. Batheaston, Somerset (B. M. 354) ; Dudley,
Stafford
(K. 134)

1 X\ X *i O } ^^' V> J X *_/ -Li I L V J.IW_/I . * / < I t t 1 M. ,X. J. f W W I -** V-l- *. V^ V 1 -f-M . *-V - ' - . I t ' y

Bonin Islands (K. 138) ; Philadelphia (L:B.M.147) ; Iowa (B. M. 831,
1024, 1031) ; S Carolina (B. M. 796) ; Cuba (K. 1765A) ; Venezuela
(K. 1767) ; Rio Janeiro (K. 1766) ; French Guiana (Paris Herb.) ;
Paraguay (Paris Herb.) ; Chili (Paris Herb.).

4. H. leiocarpa Lister. Plasmodium? Total height 1-5 mm.
Sporangia obovoid, rarely subglobose, pale grey or ochraceous-
grey, 0'7 mm. diam. ; sporangium-wall evanescent above ; the cup
membranous, smooth, colourless, longitudinally plicate, minutely
and transversely wrinkled. Stalk - 7 mm. long, 0'05 mm. thick,
furrowed, ochraceous-grey, containing spore-like cells. Capillitium

12

178 ENDOSPORE.E. [HEMITRICHIA.

a network of frequently branching pale grey threads, 2 to
5 fji thick, marked with three to five often prominent spiral
bands, sometimes smooth, but in many parts beset with numer-
ous spines about 2 /x, long ; free ends subclavate, usually
spinulose. Spores smooth, pale grey in mass, 6 to 8 /x diam.-
Hemiarcyria leiocarpa Cooke, in Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. York, xi.,
p. 405 (1877); Myx. Brit., p. 88, figs. 252, 255. Hemiarcyria
Varneyi Rex, in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil. (1891), p. 396.

Plate LXIV., B. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. portion of cup of sporangium-
wall, x 600 ; c. capillitium, x 600 ; d. spore, x 600 (Maine, U.S.A. : part
of type).

This species is closely allied to H. clavata, differing in the pale
colour, in the smooth colourless sporangium-wall, the smooth spores,
and in the spinose tracts of the capillitium, which in H. clava.ta is an
exceptional character. H. Varneyi Rex has a more elongated spo-
rangium and a shorter stalk ; but, in comparing the specimen kindly
furnished by Dr. Rex with the type of H. hiocarpa, the other characters
appear to be identical.

Halt. On dead wood. Maine, U.S.A. (L:B.M.147A) ; Kansas
slide).

5. H. Wigandii Lister. Plasmodium rose- red. Sporangia
subglobose or turbinate, sessile, rarely shortly stalked, crowded
or gregarious, 0'4 to 0*7 mm., opaque or shining, yellow, yellow-
brown, or ochraceous ; sporangium-wall membranous, yellow,
smooth. Capillitium a tangle of sparingly branched, ochraceous-
yellow threads, 3 to 5 /x diam., marked with one to three prominent
bands, forming an irregular loose spiral, with few rounded or
bulbous free ends. Spores yellow, minutely warted, 9 to 12 /x
diam. Hemiarcyria Wigandii Host., Mon., p. 267 (1875); Cooke,
Myx. Brit., fig. 232. Acryria Wigandii Mass., Mon., p. 163.
Trichia nana Mass., in Journ. R. Micr. Soc. (1889), p. 336 ;
Mass., Mon., p. 181.

Plate LXIV., B. e. sporangia, x 20 ; /. capillitium, x 600; g. spore,
x 600 (Germany : Rostafinski's type) ; ft. sporangia, x 20 (United States).

The type specimen of Trichia nana Mass., from Westbrook, Maine
(K. 1164), is H. Wigandii, agreeing perfectly with Rostafinski's type
from Freiburg in the loose capillitium, with one or two lax and
irregular spiral bands ; the sporangia measure O3 to O5 mm. diam.
In extensive gatherings made in Norway, on fir wood, some sporangia
have short slender stalks filled with spore-like cells.

Hob. On dead wood. Germany (Strassb. Herb.) ; Norway (L:B.M.
148) ; Mass., U.S.A. (L:B.M.148) ; Maine (K. 1164).

6. H. Karstenii Lister. Plasmodium ? Sporangia forming
elongated, curved plasmodiocarps, O3 to O5 mm. broad, or sub-
globose, sessile ; pale brown, red, or purplish-brown ; mass of
capillitium and spores yellow or orange-red ; sporangium- wall
thickened with deposits of granular matter. Capillitium a tangle
of branching yellowish or reddish-brown threads, 3 to 5 /x diam.,

HEMITKICHIA.] TRICHIACE^. 179

marked with three to five indistinct spiral bands, often with
scattered ring-shaped thickenings and irregular expansions ; free
ends pointed or blunt. Spores yellow, minutely warted, 9 to 15 /x
diani. Hemiarcyria Karstenii Host., Mon., A pp., p. 41 (1876).
Arcyria Karstenii Mass., Mon., p. 168. Hemiarcyria paradoxa
Mass., in Journ. R. Micr. Soc. (1889), p. 356. Arcyria paradoxa
Mass., Mon., p. 160. Hemiarcyria obscura Rex, in Proc. Acad.
Nat. Sc. Phil. (1891), p. 395.

Plate LXV., A. a. plasmodiocarp, x 20 ; b. portion of sporangium- wall,
showing the granular outer and membranous inner layers, x 280 ; <?. capilli-
tium and spores, x 280 ; d. capillitium, x 600 ; e. spore, x 600 (England).

This species appears to be a Hemitrichia form of Trlchia contorta,
which it resembles in every respect, except that the capillitium threads
are combined instead of forming free elaters ; the same variety in
shape and colour of the sporangia, and in the markings and colour of
the capillitium, occur as in that species. Rostafinski's type specimen
from Ceylon (K. 1773) has pale yellow-brown sporangia and rugged
capillitium, with faint spirals and many large rounded expansions ;
the spores are yellow, minutely warted, and measure 10 to 11 p. diam.
Specimens from near Dudley, found by Mr. Camm, have both globose
and plasmodiocarp purple-brown sporangia and orange-brown capilli-
tium, strongly contrasting with the yellow spores. The type specimen
of Arcyria paradoxa Mass., from Weybridge( K. 132), closely resembles
the Ceylon gathering of H. Karskenii, only differing in the more
regular, less branched capillitium, with fewer expansions ; it must
therefore be included under that species. The mounting of Hemiar-
cyria obscura Rex, I.e. (L:B.M. 149), furnished by Dr. Rex, shows a dull
yellowish-red capillitium ; the threads are 2'5 to 3 p. thick, and are
marked with close faint spirals ; they have nearly the same colour-
as those of the Dudley specimen, but are more uniform, with incon-
spicuous swellings ; the spores are similar to those of the type of
H. Karstenii at Kew, and there appears to be no specific character to
separate it from that species.

Hob. On dead leaves. Dudley, Stafford (L:B.M.149); Weybridge,
Surrey (K. 132) ; Ceylon (K. 1773) ; Montana, U.S.A. (L:B.M.149
slide}.

7. H. Serpula Rost,, Versuch, p. 14 (1873). Plasmodium?
Sporangia forming elongated, winding, branched plasmodiocarps,
0'4 to 0*6 mm. wide, usually combined to form a close net, golden-
yellow ; sporangium- wall of two layers, yellow. Capillitium a
tangle of twisting, sparingly branched, yellow threads, 5 to 6 /u,
diam., marked with three to four well-defined regular spiral
bands 0*7 //, wide, with intervals of 1 to 2 /x, strongly
spinose ; longitudinal striae often distinct ; free ends pointed.
Spores yellow, reticulated with narrow bands, forming a net with
about nine meshes to the hemisphere, 10 to 12 /x diam. ; border
0'5 to 1 u wide. Hemiarcyria Serpula Rost., Mon., p. 266 (1875) ;
Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 68, figs. 200, 227, 228 ; Macbride, in Bull.
Nat. Hist. Iowa, ii., p. 135. Mucor Serpula Scop., El. Carn.,
Ed. 2, ii., p. 493 (1772). Trichia Serpula Pers., in RSmer, N.
Mag. Bot., i., p. 90 (1794). Arcyria /Serpula Mass., Mon.,
p, 164.

180 ENDOSPORE.&. [HEMITRICHIA.

I'late LXYL, A. a. plasmodiocarp, x. 20 ; l>. cupJlitium, x bUO ; c. spore,
x 600 (Scotland).

Hob. On dead wood. In hothouse, Glasgow (Edinburgh Herb.) ;
Germany and Poland (Strassb. Herb.) ; Bombay (B. M. 797) ; Ceylon
(B. M. 802); New Zealand (K. 131); Philadelphia (L:B.M.150) ;
Iowa (B. M. 832) ; S. Carolina (B. M. 801) ; St. Vincent (K. 133) ;
French Guiana (Paris Herb.).

8. H. chrysospora Lister. Plasmodium ? Sporangia sub-
globose, sessile, crowded or scattered, O5 to 1 mm. diam., glossy,
bright yellow ; sporangium-wall membranous, with minute
thickenings in the form of a broken irregular reticulation.
Capillitium a network of branching, yellow threads, 5 ^ diam.,
with four to five narrow bands arranged in a close, regular spiral,
and connected by longitudinal striae ; the threads provided with
many shortly pointed free ends, and attached to various parts of
the sporangium-wall. Spores yellow, reticulated with narrow,
sharply defined bands, forming a regular net with six to nine
meshes to the hemisphere, 16 to 18 //, diam. ; border 1'5 to 2 /x
broad. Hemiarcyria chrysospora Lister, in Grev., xv., p. 126
(1887); Mass., in Journ. R. Micr. Soc. (1889), p. 357. Arcyria
chrysospora, Mass., Mon., p. 164.

Plate LXV., B. a. sporangia, x 20 ; b. capillitium, x 600 ; c . spore
y 600 (England).

This species was first found on fallen twigs and moss in a larch
plantation near Lyine Regis, November 1886. A small gathering was
obtained in another larch plantation near the same place in November
1890, agreeing in all respects with the above, except that the capillitium
consisted of long free elaters.

Hob. On dead twigs. Lyme Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.151).

SPECIES REFERRED TO HEMIARCYRIA, NOT MET WITH IN THE

QUOTED COLLECTIONS.

9. H. calyculata Speg., in Annal. Soc. Cient. Argent., x.,
p. 152 (13SO). Sporangia simple, gregarious, stipitate, globose
or ellipsoid, 1 to 2 mm. diam., dull fulvous-brown. Stalk 2 to 5
mm. long, 0*2 to O25 mm. thick, terete, glabrous, firm, expanded
above into a cup which is half the height of the sporangium,
the base expanded, fibrillose, concolorous. Capillitium and spores
dull yellow ; elaters 7 to 8 JJL thick, branches few, with pointed
free ends, cylindrical ; spiral bands three to five, even, somewhat
inconspicuous, with interspaces of equal width, spinulose. Spores
discoid-lenticular, margin muricate, 10 x 3 //,.

Hob. On dead willow. Argentine Republic.

This description suggests a form of Hemitrichia clavata.

10. H. melanopeziza Speg., I.e., xii., p. 257 (1881). Sporangia
sessile, creeping, subterete, usually forming rings, 1 to 2 mm.

CORNUYIA.] TRICHIACE.E. 181

long, black, scarcely or not at all shining, smooth ; wall
black, opaque, subcellular, subcoriaceous, splitting longitudinally
and dehiscing in a valvate manner. Oapillitium yellow or citron-
yellow, protruded elastic-ally ; threads terete, 4 to 5 ju, diam.,
combined into a loose net, everywhere covered with erect spines
5 to 6 x 1 ft, spirals obsolete. Spores elliptic -globose, papilloso-
scabrid, 10 to 12 //,, yellow.

Hob. On bark. Brazil.

This description applies well to Perichcena chrysosperma List.

11. H. pusilla Speg., I.e., xii.,p. 257 (1881). Sporangia rather
closely gregarious, subcylindrico-elliptical, 0'4 to 0'5 mm. high,
0*15 to O25 mm. diam., obtuse above, truncate below, stem almost
or entirely wanting ; at first amber-red, then rose-colour. Capilli-
tium forming a rather dense network of terete rose-coloured
threads, 3 to 4 //, thick; spirals three or four, furnished with
minute spinules. Spores rose or flesh-coloured, globose, smooth,
7 to 9 /A diam.

Hab. On bark. Argentine Republic.

SPECIES EXCLUDED FROM THE GENUS.

Hemiarcyria stipata Host. = Arcyria stipata List.

Hemiarcyria applanata Cooke & Mass. = Perichcena depressa Lib.

Genus 36. CORNUVIA Rostafinski, Versuch, p. 15 (1873).
Sporangia sessile; capillitium a network of threads with thicken-
ings in the form of simple rings ; spores reticulated.

1. C. Serpula Rost., Versuch, p. 15 (1873). Plasmodium 1
Sporangia forming curved or branched plasmodiocarps, about
0*3 mm. broad, or subglobose, sessile, golden-yellow ; sporangium-
wall membranous, pale yellow. Capillitium a network of freely
branching yellow threads, 3 to 5 /JL diam., marked with well-
defined, prominent ring-shaped thickenings, arranged at intervals
of about 2 fjL or irregularly scattered ; junctions of the branches
without thickenings. Spores yellow, reticulated with narrow
bands forming a net with from ei^ht to twelve meshes to the
hemisphere, 10 to 12 ^ diam. ; border O5 to I /JL broad. Rost.,
in Fuckel, Symb. Myc., Nachtr. 2, p. 76 (1893); Rost,, Mon.,
p. 239 ; Cooke, Myx. Brit., fig. 189. Arcyria Serpula Wigand. in
Pringsh., Jahrb., iii., p. 44 (1863). Ophiotheca Serpula Mass.,
Mon., p. 135.

Plate LXVL, A.d. plasmodiocarp, x 20 ; e. capillitium, x 600 ; /.
spore, x 600 (Germany).

Hab. On tan. Germany (B. M. 784 and Strassb. Herb.).

SPECIES NOT MET WITH IN THE QUOTED COLLECTIONS.

2. C. dictyocarpa Krupa, in Cosmos, p. 377 (1886). Related
to C. circumscissa Rost. (Perichcenia chrysosperma Lister), but

182 ENDOSPORE.E. [CORNUVIA.

differs in the inner sporangium-wall being furnished with de-
pressed thickened lines, and breaking up, when mature, into
quadrangular or pentagonal fragments.

ffab. On dried roots of Roblma. Poland.

This species is referred to in Hedwigia, 1887, p. 110, by Kaciborski,
as being indistinguishable in the description from C. circumscissa ; the
structure of the sporangium-wall suggests rather Perichcena populina
or P. depressa.

3. C. anomala Karst., in Bidr. Kann. Finl. Nat. (1879),
iv., p. 131. Sporangia scattered or gregarious, sessile, sub-
globose, dirty ochraceous, shining, 1-5 mm. diam. Tubes of the
capillitium 4 to 6 JJL diam., cylindrical, with numerous truncate,
often clavate, free ends, provided with close-set, ring-shaped
thickenings. Spores globose, smooth, dull ochre, or pale yellow,
6 to 7 /x, diam. Trichia anomala Karst., in Not. Sallsk. Faun.
Flor. Fenn., ix., p. 354 (1868).

Hob. On bark and wood of pine. Finland.

The numerous free ends and ring-shaped thickenings of the elaters
and the smooth spores suggest that this is an irregular form of
Trichia scabra.

4. C. leocarpoides Speg., in Ann. Soc. Cient. Argent., xii.,
p. 256 (1881). Sporangia subglobose or pyiiform, O6 to 0'8 mm.
diam., yellowish-red or fulvous, not or scarcely shining, smooth ;
the wall rather thick, subcartilagiiious, soon evanescent above,
often forming a persistent cup below. Stalk rigid, erect, brown
or blackish, slender, smooth or subrugulose, hardly exceeding the
diameter of the sporangium. Capillitium elastically protruding,
adnate at the base, long persistent, tobacco-coloured or fulvous-
olive ; threads slender, 5 to 6 //, thick, forming a dense net with
many terete, rounded-truncate free ends; spiral bands three or
four, smooth, not papillose. Spores globose, smooth, filled with
granules, fulvous-olivaceous, 8 to 10 //, diam.

ffab. On rotten wood. Apiahy, Brazil.

This description applies well to a form of Hemitrichia clavata with
many free ends to the capillitium.

SPECIES EXCLUDED FROM THE GENUS.

C. circumscissa Host. = Perichcena chrysosperma List.
C. depressa List. = Dianema depressa List.
C. metallica Host. = Margarita metaUica List.
C. Wrightii Eost. = Perichcena chrysosperma List.

Order II. ARCYRIACE.E. Sporangia simple, stalked or sessile ;
capillitium combined into an elastic network, with thickenings
in the form of half -rings, cogs, spines, or warts.

ARCYRIA.] ARCYRIACE.E.

KEY TO THE GENERA OF ARCYRIACEJE.

183

Sporangia stalked ; sporangium- wall evanescent above, persistent
and membranous in the lower third. (37) ARCYRIA.

Fig. 45. Arcyria punicea Pers.

a. Group of sporangia. Twice natural size.
Z>. Capillitium. Magnified 250 times.
c. Spore. Magnified 560 times.

Fig. 45.

Sporangia sessile, clustered; sporangium-wall single, persistent,
papillose, not thickened with angular granules.

(38) LACHNOBOLUS.

Fig. 46. Laclinobolus circinans Fries.

a. Cluster of sporangia. Twice natural size.

b. Capillitium and spore. Magnified 300 times.

Fig. 46.

Sporangia sessile or plasmodiocarps ; sporangium- wall double, at
least at the base ; the outer layer thickened with dark
angular granules. (39) PERICH^NA.

Fig. 47. Periclicena populina Fries.
rt. Group of sporangia. Magnified 7 times.
b. Capillitium and spore. Magnified 280 times.

Fig. 47.

Genus 37. ARCYRIA Hill, Nat. Hist., ii., p. 47 (1751).
Sporangia stalked; sporangium- wall evanescent above, persistent
as a membranous cup in the lower third ; stalk filled with spores
or spore-like cells ; Capillitium with thickenings in the form of
half-rings, cogs, spines, or broken reticulation, rarely with faint
spirals in addition.

184 ENDOSPORE.E. [ARCYRIA.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF ARCYRIA.

A. Spores 9 to 11 ^ diain., sporangia orange-red or buff :

Sporangia ovoid, wall reticulated. 1. A. ferruyinea

Sporangia clavate, wall papillose. 2. A. versicolor

B. Spores 6 to 8 /x, diam. :-

A. Capillitium attached to the cup

Capillitium closely spinulose, grey, or yellowish-grey.

3. A. albida

Capillitium marked with cogs and half-rings ; sporangia
red, ovoid, or subcylindrical. 4. A. punicea

Capillitium marked with transverse bands and minute
spines ; sporangia flesh-coloured, turbinate, small.

5. A. insignis

B. Capillitium free from the cup

a. Network of Capillitium expanding, not drooping

Capillitium marked with cogs and spines.

6. A. incarnata

Capillitium marked with cogs, spines, and three to
four indistinct spiral bands in addition.

7. A. stipata

b. Network of Capillitium much elongated, drooping

Sporangia buff ; wall evanescent above.

8. A. flava

Sporangia red ; wall persistent above in shield-like
fragments. 9. A. (Erstedtii

1. A. ferruginea Sauter, in Flora, xxiv., p. 316 (1841). Plas-
modium rose-red, in rotten wood. Total height 1 to 2 mm.
Sporangia ovoid, stipitate, crowded, 0'7 to 1'3 mm. high, 0*5 to
1 mm. broad, orange-red, or more rarely pale ochraceous; cup of
sporangium even, shining, funnel-shaped, or at length nearly
flat, marked with round-meshed reticulations on the inner side.
Stalk cylindrical, 0'3 to 0'8 mm. long, O05 to O15 mm. thick,
red, rarely white, arising from a well-developed membranous
hypothallus ; filled with spore-like cells. Capillitium an elastic
network of freely branching yellow-brown threads, 5 to 8 ^ diam.,
diminishing to 2 to 3 ju diam. towards the base, triangular or
oval in section, thickened on one side with transverse bars or
reticulations, on the other two sides marked with a broken re-
ticulation or with warts, often spinulose throughout ; a few
sparingly branched slender threads penetrate the tube of the
stalk without attachments to the cup ; free ends with rounded or
pointed tips are not unfrequent, but often wanting. Spores pale
red or ochraceous, faintly and closely warted, 8 to 11 /x diam.
Host., Mon., p. 279 ; Cooke, Myx. Brit., p. 73, fig. 194 ; Blytt, Bidr.

ARCYRIA.] ARCYRIACE^E. 185

K. JSTorg., Sop. iii. (1892), p. 11 ; Mass., Mon., p. 144. Arcyria
intricate*, Rost., Mon., App., p. 37. Arcyria dictyonema Host.,
Mon., p. 279 ; Cooke, Myx. Brit., fig. 195 ; Mass., Mon., p. 154.
Heterotrichia Gabriellce Mass., Mon., p. 140. Arcyria macrospora
Peck, in Rep. N. York State Mus., xxxiv., p. 43 (1881) ; Durant,
in Bot. Gaz., xix., p. 89.

Plate LXVL, B. a. sporangia, x 20 ; I. portion of sporangium-wall,

x 600 ; c, d. threads of upper part of capillitium, x 600 ; e. thread of

basal part of capillitium, x 600 (England) ; f. capillitium of type of

A. dictyonema Host, x 600 (Germany) ; g. capillitium of type of Hetero-

tricliia Gabriellce Mass, x 600 (United States).

This species varies considerably in the markings on the capillitium ;
the network of a single sporangium may in some parts be conspicuously
thickened on one side ; in other parts the threads may appear nearly uni-
formly spinulose. In the type specime-n of A. dictyonema Rost., from
Freiburg, in Strassburg Herbarium, the capillitium is spinose, principally
on one side of the thread, with broken reticulation and spinules on the
other part ; there are numerous free branches with clavate or pointed
ends ; except that the spines are more developed than usual, the markings
do not differ from those frequently seen in typical A. ferruginea, of
which it must be considered a form. The type specimen of Heterotrichia
Gabriellce Mass., from S. Carolina (K. 838), differs from A. ferruginea
only in the numerous pointed free ends in the upper part of the net
of the capillitium ; the threads are flattened, very closely reticulate
and spinulose, and in many places thickened on one side ; the spores
measure 10 to 11 /*. The abundance or scarcity of free ends varies
much in different gatherings of A. ferruginea, and is not a sufficient
character on which to base a species. A. macrospora Peck appears
from the description to differ in no respect from typical A. ferruginea.

Hob. On dead wood. Leytonstone, Essex (L:B.M.153) ; Lyme
Regis, Dorset (L:B.M.153) ; Lei^hton, Beds (L:B.M.153) ; Henllys,
Anglesey (B. M. 1130) ; France" (K. 921) ; Germany (B. M. 727) ;
Norway (Christiania Herb.) ; Australia (K. 848) ; Mass., U.S.A.
(L:B.M.153) ; S. Carolina (B. M. 966).

2. A. versicolor Phillips, in Grev., v., p. 115 (1877). Plas-
raodium 1 Total height 2*5 to 3 mm. Sporangia pyriform or
clavate, shortly stipitate or sessile, gregarious, 1 to 2 mm. diam.,
more or less shining, yellow or olivaceous-yellow ; sporangium- wall
membranous, persistent except at the apex, yell