Rostafinski really offers the first definitive description. Fries probably distinguished it, but his description would not indicate the fact except for the added note wherein appears the reason for discarding an apparently older name, viz., that given by Link. But neither Link nor Sowerby distinguished by description or figure Brefeldia from Amaurochaete.

Throughout the northern forest; Maine to Vancouver Island: not common.

2. Stemonitis (Gleditsch) Rost.

1753. Stemonitis Gleditsch, in part, Meth. Fung., p. 140. 1873. Stemonitis (Gleditsch) Rost., Versuch, p. 7.

Sporangia distinct, though often closely aggregate, cylindric, stipitate; columella prominent; capillitium well developed by repeated lateral and apical branching of the columella, at length assuming at the surface the form of a distinct net which supports an evanescent peridium.

The genus is marked by its surface-net supported at the tips of the dichotomously branched divisions of the columella. Over the net is spread, theoretically at least, the peridial film supported by very short points projecting from the net,—the peridial processes; the peridium, however, is seldom seen; in some cases, certainly, is never developed. Rostafinski first defined the genus as employed by recent writers. Gleditsch simply renamed Micheli's Clathroidastrum; all writers subsequent included species of other genera.

The taxonomy of this genus is of the most difficult. Macroscopic, defining characters are few, and even these sometimes uncertain. Microscopic distinctions also tend to be illusive, variable in such fashion that often at the critical point the most exact description fails. All that may be done at present is to recognize two or three definite types and then cautiously differentiate among these with the light we have, until more general study of the group brings to service a wider range of observation with more comprehensive record on which judgment may better be sustained.

We have before us many and beautiful forms of this genus yet unstudied. Some of these doubtless have already found place in our growing taxonomic literature; some apparently undescribed; all to wait wider leisure or perhaps a younger hand.

The entire life-history of every form is none too much if we would set out with any hope of accuracy the genetic relationships for which taxonomy stands. Recently European students are making the color of the plasmodium a basis for species-discrimination, which is good so far. But plasmodic characters are at present unserviceable generally, for two reasons; they vary in the same species; and unfortunately, when most needed, they are unknown and inaccessible. The student is generally confronted by forms mature, the plasmodic stage already past.

Key to the Species of Stemonitis

A. Sporangia connately united.

a. Spores verruculose 1. S. confluens

b. Spores reticulate 2. S. trechispora

B. Sporangia at maturity distinct.

a. Spore-mass grayish black.

1. Larger, 8-12 mm. spores distinctly reticulate or warted, but sometimes nearly smooth 3. S. fusca

2. Spores reticulate and spinulose.

i. Spores adherent, clustered 4. S. uvifera

ii. Sporangia very tall, 15-20 mm., rigid 5. S. dictyospora

iii. Sporangia short, jet- or violet-black 6. S. nigrescens

b. Spore-mass rich brown.

1. Columella central.

i. Sporangia shorter, 5-6 mm., spores banded 7. S. virginiensis

ii. Sporangia 8-10 mm.; spores verruculose 8. S. webberi

iii. Sporangia tall, 15-20 mm. or more 9. S. splendens

2. Columella eccentric, sporangium in cross-section, angular 10. S. fenestrata

c. Spore-mass ferruginous; sporangia in tufts.

1. Spores smooth or nearly so.

i. Sporangia pale, small, 3-5 mm., crowded, stipe unpolished 11. S. smithii

ii. Sporangia ferruginous; columella regular 12. S. axifera

iii. Sporangia ferruginous; columella proliferate just below the apex 13. S. flavogenita

iv. Sporangia, spore-mass, dusky-purplish or brown.

O On dead wood.

o Scattered, apex blunt 14. S. pallida

oo Clustered, acuminate 15. S. carolinensis

OO On living leaves, preferably, spore-mass brown 16. S. herbatica

1. STEMONITIS CONFLUENS Cooke & Ellis.

PLATE XI., Figs. 4, 4 a, 5.

1876. Stemonitis confluens Cke. & Ell., Grev., V., p. 51. 1894. Stemonitis splendens var. confluens Lister, Mycet., p. 112. 1899. Stemonitis confluens Cke. & Ell., Macbr., N. A. S., p. 114. 1911. Stemonitis confluens Cke. & Ellis, List., Mycet., 2nd ed., p. 147.

"Sporangia fasciculate, confluent on a persistent hypothallus, dark fuscous; peridia very fugacious; stipes united at the base, erect, furcate; spores large, brown, globose. On oak bark.

"The stems are branched in a furcate manner and confluent at the base, forming a compact tuft. The capillitium is membranaceous at the angles; spores very large compared with allied species, being 12 mu. The specimens were too fully matured for more satisfactory description."

Such is the original description of this unique and interesting species. The sporangia occur in close-set tufts or clusters, are distinct, separate at their tips and bases only; perhaps not always at base. The capillitium rises by branching from the columella, rather more prolific than usual, and combines to form a distinct superficial net of large even meshes. From the outer arcs of the bounding net spring rather long acute processes which should support the peridium. This, however, is altogether rudimentary. In most places there is no sign of peridium at all, but here and there between contiguous sporangia opposite processes unite and at their point of union a tiny circular disk of the peridial membrane appears. At intervals, therefore, over the entire sporangium are seen these small brown disks, each about equalling in diameter the size of the average mesh. At other points the sporangia do not seem at all coalescent, but where the opposing processes do meet the union is perfect and the little disk seen edgewise looks like some delicate counter strung upon a wire.

The interest attaching to this in view of what has been said about Amaurochaete and Brefeldia is obvious.

Under the lens the spores and capillitium are concolorous, dark fuscous, the spores distinctly verruculose, about 12.5 mu.

The original gathering here described was from New Jersey; twenty years later Mr. Ellis was so fortunate as to find again fine specimens all on oak bark. The sporangia are quite small, only 3 mm. high, when blown out concolorous with the habitat.

2. STEMONITIS TRECHISPORA (Berk.) Torr.

PLATE XX., Figs. 11, 11 a, 11 b, 11 c.

1909. Stemonitis fusca (Roth) Rost. var. trechispora (Berk.), Fl. Myxom., Torrend, p. 141. 1911. Stemonitis fusca var. trechispora Torr., List., Mycetozoa, 2nd ed., p. 144.

Fructification in form of aggregations of more or less coalescent, small, dark-brown or dull black, sessile sporangia; hypothallus continuous, well-developed; columella black, gently tapering to a point beneath the apex, the capillitial branches, irregular, few, but passing into an open rather evenly-meshed net, the mesh several times the spore-diameter, free-ending branch-tips not lacking; the spores by transmitted light distinctly brown, the epispore a beautiful reticulation, a dozen or more cells to the hemisphere, 10-12 mu.

This is entered sometimes as a variety of S. fusca to which species relationship would seem remote. The differences lie in form, color and structure. The spores alone are distinctive; there are none such, so far, none just like them, elsewhere in the genus. Torrend and Lister both enter the form as varietal; why not set it out, and save questions? The habitat approaches that of Amaurochaete, but the sporangia are distinct.

For our specimens we are indebted to the kindness of Dr. Roland Thaxter. The specimens were taken in a half-dry marsh, near Cambridge.

Material from Toronto sent by Professor Faull is also provisionally here referred. The form has netted spores, but they are not quite the same. The structure besides is more that of an amaurochaete; it has the peculiar basal webs and band-like stipes at base, stipes that never rise from horizontal to perpendicular and characterize Reticularia and especially Brefeldia as well as the usual amaurochaete. See Plate XX., Figs. 9, 9a, 9b.

3. STEMONITIS FUSCA (Roth) Rost.

PLATE VI., Figs. 4, 4 a, 4 b

1787. Stemonitis fusca Roth, Roem. Mag. Bot., I., p. 26. 1875. Stemonitis fusca (Roth) Rost., Mon., p. 193. 1892. Stemonitis fusca Rost., Massee, Mon., p. 72. 1895. Stemonitis fusca Roth, List., Mycetozoa, p. 110. 1899. Stemonitis fusca (Roth) Rost., Macbr., N. A. S., p. 115. 1899. Stemonitis maxima Schw., Macbr., N. A. S., p. 116.

Sporangia tufted, generally in small clusters 6-8 mm., the individual sporangia slender, cylindric, blue-black or fuscous, becoming pallid as the spores are lost, stipitate; stipe short, about one-fourth the total height, black, shining; hypothallus scanty, but common to all the sporangia; columella prominent, attaining almost the apex of the sporangium, freely branching to support the capillitial net; capillitium of slender dusky threads, which freely anastomose to form a dense interior network, and outwardly at length combine to form a close-meshed net; spores pale, dusky violet, usually beautifully spinulose-reticulate, but sometimes warted or spinulose only, or nearly smooth, 7-7.5 mu.

As here set out the description is intended to include S. maxima Schw. of the former edition. Rostafinski, Mon. l. c., describes S. fusca Roth. as having "spores smooth." Since most American gatherings have reticulated spores, and since Schweinitz described a black American species, his specific name seemed appropriate for all except smooth-spored forms.

In the meantime two things have happened; Mr. Lister has examined the specimens remaining in the Strasburg herbarium and finds them with reticulate spores. The statement quoted from the Monograph evidently does not apply to all of Rostafinski's material; but under the circumstances the name fusca may easily take the field, especially since another discovery makes for the same conclusion. The evidence is good that S. maxima Schw. was indeed the largest, i. e. perhaps, the tallest stemonitis he ever saw! probably, as his scanty herbarium-remnant shows, S. fenestrata Rex!

4. STEMONITIS UVIFERA n. s.

PLATE XX., Figs. 8, 8 a, 8 b, 8 c.

Sporangia tufted, generally in medium-sized clusters much as in S. fusca. The individual sporangium 7-9 mm. high, dark, slender, brown, becoming dull black or pallid as the spores are lost, stipitate, the stipe about one-fourth to one-third the total height, black polished shining; hypothallus distinct, common to all sporangia, purple-brown, shining; columella distinct, attaining almost the summit of the sporangium but inclined to waver a little at last, in other words, flexuose toward the top, freely branching, the branches rather stout, anastomosing to support the capillitial net; the meshes larger, several times the spore-diameter, the spores sooty-brown, distinctly warted or spinulescent, about 7-8 mu, clustered in groups of four or more.

Mt. Rainier, Washington,—1914.

5. STEMONITIS DICTYOSPORA Rost.

1873. Stemonitis dictyospora Rost., Mon., p. 195; Myc. Fen., pp. 114, 122. 1879. Stemonitis dictyospora Rost., Mass., Mon., p. 83(?). 1888. Stemonitis dictyospora Rost., Sacc. Syl. Fung., Vol. VII., p. 397. 1893. Stemonitis castillensis Macbr., Nat. Hist. Bull., Vol. 11, p. 381.

PLATE X., Figs. 5, 5 a, 5 b.

Sporangia crowded in colonies of unusual size, 4-8 cm., tall, rigid 18-25 mm., slender, erect, stipitate, black throughout; the columella prominent, reaching nearly to the apex, abundantly branched, the branches forming an intricate dark brown capillitium; the net large-meshed several times the spore-diameter; the spores reticulate, spinulose, clear violet, 7-8 mu.

We here recover as is believed one of Rostafinski's best-described species. Our material is from Nicaragua, by kindness of Professor Shimek. Its relationship is with S. fusca where Rostafinski placed it. The phrase describing spore-color is his.

6. STEMONITIS NIGRESCENS Rex.

1891. Stemonitis nigrescens Rex, Proc. Phil. Acad., p. 392. 1911. Stemonitis fusca Roth, Lister, Mycetozoa, 2nd ed., p. 143.

Sporangia gregarious, upon a common hypothallus, erect, small, cylindric, stipitate; stipe black, extremely short, about half a millimetre; columella reaching the apex; capillitium violet-black, darker near the surface, forming a complete superficial net at the lower part of the sporangium only, elsewhere irregular or vanishing; spore-mass nearly black; single spores violet-black under the lens, the epispore spinulose and reticulate, about 8 mu.

The author of this species remarks: "This species is noteworthy for its comparatively short stipes, its very spinulose spores, and its black or nearly black color, the slight violet tint being only apparent on close inspection, especially in fresh moist specimens."

It is a small but very beautiful form, at first sight to be mistaken for a short S. fusca, though much more intensely black. The capillitium is concolorous, the inner network of rather few open meshes, the outer of large hexagonal openings, the arcuate threads of which are remarkable for the size, and especially the number, of the peridial processes, as many as five or six sometimes appearing along one side of a single mesh. The stipe is very short, and the columella runs as a straight, gradually diminishing axis to the very apex of the sporangium. Total height 3-5 mm.

The English Monograph includes this with S. fusca; but it seems quite distinct in size, habit, color, etc., and has been found in the mountainous regions of Virginia and North Carolina, as well as about Philadelphia.

7. STEMONITIS VIRGINIENSIS Rex.

1891. Stemonitis virginiensis Rex, Proc. Phil. Acad., p. 391. 1899. Stemonitis virginiensis Rex, Macbr., N. A. S., p. 130. 1911. Comatricha typhoides Rost., List., Mycetozoa, 2nd ed., p. 158.

Sporangia erect, gregarious, from a common hypothallus, generally clustered, cylindric or elongate-ovate, stipitate; stipe black, shining; columella reaching the apex, where it blends with the capillitium; capillitium delicate, the meshes of the net small, scarcely greater than the diameter of the spores; spore-mass umber brown; epispores reticulated, with ten or twelve meshes to the hemisphere, 5-7 mu.

This is a beautiful, and, as it seems to us, a very distinct, species. The markings on the epispore are sufficient to identify it. These are conspicuously banded somewhat as the spores of Trichia favoginea, for example. In habit, size of the sporangia, and capillitial branching, this species recalls Comatricha typhoides (Bull.) Rost. All the sporangia examined are, however, plainly stemonitis in type, possessing the characteristic superficial net.

Until further light this may stand as offered in the first edition. Miss Lister prefers to enter it, banded spores and all, with the comatrichas, on account of color, size and occasional default (?) of surface net.

Virginia, Dr. Rex.

8. STEMONITIS WEBBERI Rex.

PLATE XI., Figs. 6, 7, 8.

1891. Stemonitis webberi Rex, Proc. Phil. Acad., p. 390.

Sporangia clustered, usually in small tufts 1 cm. wide, rusty brown in color, 8-10 mm., including the stipe, which is jet black, shining, and much expanded at the base; hypothallus continuous, well-developed, a thin, transparent pellicle; columella black, tapering upward, giving off at intervals the capillitial branches, and becoming dissipated just below the obtuse apex; inner capillitial network very open, the branches far apart, anastomosing but a few times before breaking into the surface net to form large, irregular meshes, 50-125 mu; spores minutely roughened, fuscous, 8-9 mu.

These three forms, 8, 9, 10, are sometimes entered as varieties of a single species. Dr. Rex himself was inclined to take that view. There is no doubt of close similarity; it is a question of clearness in our dealing with the subject.

All three forms occur abundantly in the Mississippi Valley, but are generally,—always, as it seems to the writer,—distinguishable by the hand-lens. If we take No. 9 as type, 10 has an eccentric columella; 8 is shorter, about 1 cm., of a different tint, Dr. Rex even says "spores ferruginous in mass". To the west and southwest, the capillitium becomes coarser, more decidedly brown. In short, however similar in presentation the phases may sometimes appear, it would seem that each at its best is distinct enough for immediate recognition.

West of the Mississippi River chiefly: Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, etc.

9. STEMONITIS SPLENDENS Rost.

PLATE VI., Figs. 6, 6 a, 6 c, 7, 7 a.

1875. Stemonitis splendens Rost., Mon., p. 195. 1880. Stemonitis morgani Peck, Bot. Gaz., V., p. 33. 1893. Stemonitis splendens Rost., Macbr., Bull. Lab. Nat. Hist., Vol. II, p. 381. 1894. Stemonitis splendens Rost., List., Mycetozoa, p. 112, in part. 1899. Stemonitis morgani Peck, Macbr., N. A. S., p. 118. 1911. Stemonitis splendens Rost., List., Mycetozoa, 2nd ed., p. 145.

Sporangia clustered irregularly, sometimes forming patches 6-10 centimetres or more in extent, rich purple-brown in mass, cylindric, long, 15-18 mm., stipitate; stipe black, polished, shining, rising from a common hypothallus, which extends as a thin silvery film beneath the entire colony, but does not usually transcend its limits; columella black, percurrent, sparingly branched; capillitium of fuscous threads, within forming a network very open, the branches scarcely anastomosing until they reach the surface where they form the usual net of small meshes, pretty uniform in size, and presenting very few small, inconspicuous peridial processes; spores brown, very minutely warted, about 8 mu.

This elegant species occurs not rarely on rotten wood, usually in protected situations, although sometimes on the exposed surfaces of its habitat. The sporangia attain with us unusual height, sometimes 2 cm.; plasmodia, 6-8 cm., in diameter. The clear brown tufts appear in the autumn, marvels of graceful elegance and beauty; at sight easily recognizable by the large size and rich color. In Iowa it is almost universally present on fallen stems of Acer saccharinum Linn., and it appears to be widely distributed, by far the most beautiful of all this beautiful series.

New England to Iowa, South Dakota, Washington, and British Columbia. Professor Shimek brings a dusky phase from Nicaragua!—the type?

The plasmodium is white on maple stems, more creamy on stems of linden, on which wood it is more rarely found: occasionally on ash-stumps; even on the fallen bark of trees preferred.

In 1875 in his famous Monograph, Rostafinski set out three species with "dusky violet spores". These are his Nos. 94, 95 and 96.

The first one of these he calls S. fusca, "spore-mass, etc., violet-black, individual spore clear violet, smooth, 7-9 u."

The second species he writes down S. dictyospora, "hypothallus, stalk, columella, capillitium and spore-mass, violet-black, spore netted and fringed, clear-violet, 7-9 mu."

The third species is S. splendens, "hypothallus stalk, columella and spore-mass violet-black, spore smooth, clear-violet, 7-8 mu."

It will be observed that in color down to color of the spore by transmitted light, the three species are exactly the same; constitute a suite, so to say. It has since turned out, as noted under our No. 3, that the spores of S. fusca are netted. Error in description here is not surprising; the reticulations are sometimes faint. In S. dictyospora they are admittedly strong, and the inference was that the 'gladkie' spores of the third species might be netted also. This is no criticism: lenses were fifty years since not nearly so good for such discoveries as the oil-immersion is now.

However; Rostafinski made his specific diagnosis turn largely upon the mesh-width in the superficial net. This comes out in the 'opis' following the description, and upon this the European decision in Rostafinski's favor as against S. morgani largely turns. Tropical gatherings are probably always darker, and evidently from such, from the north coast of South America, the original description was drawn. Specimens before us from the same latitude are dusky indeed; no clear brown at all, but purplish withal.

For the sake of harmony we may therefore now substitute the earlier name "with reservations"! but our description remains as before, presenting the really splendid, shining things that adorn our northern fields. Dr. Rostafinski called the large open meshes of the net 'oka', eyes; lumina let us say! quite uniform they are in 9 and 10, much less so in 8.

10. STEMONITIS FENESTRATA Rex.

1890. Stemonitis splendens R. f. fenestrata Rex, Proc. Phil. Acad., p. 36.

Sporangia aggregated, in tufts 2 cm. or more in diameter, rich purple brown, on a common hypothallus, more or less erect, stipitate, tall, about 2 cm., slender, triangular in section; stipe black, about one-third the total height, passing into a slender columella which is lateral in position, not central, but little branched, continued almost to the apex; the capillitium consisting almost entirely of the peripheral net, which presents meshes of unusual uniformity of size and shape; spores in mass brown, colorless by transmitted light, nearly smooth, 6-7.5 mu.

The remarkable shape of the sporangium and the peculiar regularity of the surface net, the lateral columella, all combine here to warrant the erection of a distinct species. Dr. Rex referred this to S. baeuerlinii Mass. At that time he had not the author's description, and had seen only a very poor fragment received with notes in a letter. Mr. Massee's description makes it immediately evident that whatever other affiliations S. baeuerlinii may have, by description it has at least none with S. fenestrata nor with our northern form of S. splendens. Massee's species is described as having the "mass of spores black", the capillitium with "branches springing from the columella; the main branches more and more numerous, thicker and irregular towards the apex of the sporangium, and often form irregular flattened expansions":—etc. This suggests some form of S. dictyospora Rost.: see under our No. 5. Possibly for such reasons Lister referred it to S. splendens Rost., which as we have just seen, was undoubtedly regarded by the author as a form of the fuscous group.

The long, slender, simple columella is not only lateral, but occupies indeed the sharp vertical angle of the triangular, prismatic sporangium. Furthermore, the sporangium is at maturity strangely twisted, so that the columella in its ascent accomplishes one or more spiral turns. In forms collected by Dr. Rex, which seemed to him most nearly to agree with Massee's species, the inner capillitium is somewhat abundant, but the character of the columella just the same.

Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kansas, Colorado, Iowa; India!

11. STEMONITIS SMITHII Macbr.

1893. Stemonitis smithii Macbr., Bull. Lab. Nat. Hist. Ia., II., p. 381. 1894. Stemonitis microspora List., Morg., Jour. Cin. Soc., p. 54. 1911. Stemonitis ferruginea var. smithii Lister, Mycetozoa, 2nd ed., p. 150.

Sporangia in small clusters, close-packed and erect, not spreading, bright ferruginous prior to spore dispersal, cylindric, stipitate, of varying height; stipe jet-black, shining, about one-third the total height; hypothallus generally well developed; columella black, gradually tapering, at length dissolving in capillitial threads and net some distance below the diminished plumose apex; capillitium of fuscous threads, the inner network of abundant, sparingly united branches uniformly thickened, the surface net very delicate, composed of small, regular, polygonal meshes, the peridial processes few; spore-mass bright ferruginous, spores by transmitted light pale, almost colorless, smooth, 4-5 mu.

The species as thus constituted includes forms varying in size from 2.5-3 mm. only. The common form heretofore known everywhere in America as S. ferruginea is from 10-15 mm. high. The type to which the specific name S. smithii was originally applied is 2.5 mm. high and rejoices in smooth, almost colorless spores, 4-5 mu.

The plasmodium in the case of the species now considered is as concerns the type, of course, unknown. In one or two gatherings referred here the color of the plasmodium was noted greenish-yellow. This has the look of S. flavogenita; but small spores and delicate make-up take it the other way. Miss Lister makes it varietal to No. 12, next following.

12. STEMONITIS AXIFERA (Bull.) Macbr.

PLATE VI., 5, 5 a, and 5 b.

1791. Trichia axifera ferruginea Bull., Champ. de la Fr., p. 118, tab. 477. 1818. Stemonitis ferruginea Ehr., Syl. Myc. Berol., p. 20; et auct. Europ. ex parte; Americ., non. 1894. Stemonitis ferruginea Ehr., List., Mycetozoa, p. 115, in part. 1899. Stemonitis axifera (Bull.) Macbr., N. A. S., p. 120, in part. 1911. Stemonitis ferruginea Ehr., Lister, Mycetozoa, 2nd ed.

Sporangia terete, acuminate, fasciculate small in dense clusters, distinctly ferruginous in color, stipitate, from 10-15 mm. in height; the stipe black one-third to one-half the total height, not shining or polished; columella evenly branching, dissipated before reaching the acuminate apex; capillitium-branches clear brown anastomosing and dividing more or less to bear the superficial fine-meshed net; spores pallid, faintly ferruginous, smooth or nearly so, 5-6 mu.

This would seem to be the common ferruginous species of the world. Doubtless Micheli had the thing before him when he drew Tab. 94, clathroidastrum, Hoffman and Jacquin seem to have recognized the form. To be sure, under the present plasmodic limitations we cannot be quite certain about these references. Not until 1791 does anyone write down a particular species as marked by a white plasmodium, and distinguish it from other similar fructifications having similar origin. Bulliard, l. c., does this, discriminating between T. axifera ferruginea and C. typhoides; see under the last-named species. Youthful Ehrenberg, in his doctor's thesis, nearly thirty years later, draws a similar parallel but ignores the great French author, writing S. ferruginea Ehr. as though the thing had never been seen before! By this name it has been called until very lately; Fries accepting it, but noting that the plasmodium, for him at least, was yellow!

In 1904 Dr. E. Jahn, following Fries' suggestion, established the fact that Ehrenberg's white-plasmodic species had small spores, that Fries had in mind a form with larger spores, having indeed yellow plasmodium; but see number 13 below.

It is for the present assumed that the plasmodium of our American S. axifera is white. So far, there are few or no observations which establish the fact. The color, the small smooth spores, the fine-meshed capillitial net and the general dimensions determine the reference.

13. STEMONITIS FLAVOGENITA Jahn.

PLATE XX., Figs. 10, 10 a, 10 b.

1829. Stemonitis ferruginea Ehr., Fries, Myc. III., p. 158, Syn. excl. 1899. Stemonitis axifera (Bull.) Macbr., N. A. S., p. 120, in part. 1904. Stemonitis flavogenita Jahn, Abh. Bot. Ver. Brandenb., XLV, p. 265. 1911. Stemonitis flavogenita Jahn, List., Mycetozoa, 2nd ed., p. 149.

Sporangia cylindric, obtuse, closely fasciculate, "cinnamon brown," stipitate, 5-7 mu; stipe short, black, columella ceasing abruptly below the apex; capillitium a loose net-work with many broad expansions; the peridial net very delicate, the meshes small but uneven, 6-15 mu, with many projecting points; spores pale ferruginous, verruculose, 7-9 mu.

This is S. ferruginea Ehr. of Fries with its plasmodium yellow. Fries says "flavicat," becomes yellow, if one may follow the analogy of corresponding Latin verbs of color, so that the record of color-changes in the present species is yet to be recorded.

Until further experience may advise to the contrary, we may assume that all stemonites cinnamon-brown in color, with widened columella-tip, and pale yellowish spores 7-9 mu in diameter, have at some time in their history a yellow plasmodium, and accordingly represent in America the new-found species.

The larger spores, and, the strange proliferate development of the columella-tip, to which Miss Lister has happily called attention, constitute the essential diagnostic features here.

Our only specimens so far are from Oregon.

14. STEMONITIS PALLIDA Wingate.

PLATE XIII., Fig. 3

1897. Stemonitis pallida Wing., N. A. F., Ell. and Ev., No. 3498. 1899. Stemonitis pallida Wing., Macbr., N. A. S., p. 123. 1911. Stemonitis pallida Wing., List., Mycetozoa, 2nd ed., p. 149.

Sporangia gregarious, or somewhat clustered, erect, cylindric obtuse, short, blackish brown, rubescent, becoming pallid, stipitate; stipe short, black, polished, rising from a thin, brown, or iridescent hypothallus; columella percurrent, ceasing abruptly at the apex; capillitium filling the interior with abundant branches which form at the surface a close-meshed net, little developed above, making the apex very blunt; spores in mass, dark brown, by transmitted light dusky, nearly smooth, 7.5 mu.

This species is well recognized at sight, among the fuscous forms, by its scattered, erect habit. In color it is not unlike S. fusca, but has an added reddish tinge. In form it is peculiar by virtue of the blunt rounded apex which seems to be a constant character. The spores under moderate lens are perfectly smooth, under the 1-12 they present very delicate low scattered papillae.

Rare; eastern part of United States.

15. STEMONITIS CAROLINENSIS Macbr.

PLATE XIII., Fig. 5.

1894. Stemonitis tenerrima Berk. & C., Morg., Jour. Cin. Soc., p. 53. 1899. Stemonitis carolinensis Macbr., nom. nov., N. A. S., p. 152. 1911. Stemonitis pallida Wing., Lister, Mycetozoa, 2nd ed., p. 149.

Sporangia tufted in scattered clusters, small, slender, cylindric but tapering from the apex, at first ferruginous then ashen or purplish, stipitate; the stipe short, black and shining, one-fourth the total height or less, even; hypothallus well developed, black or very dark brown; columella black, gradually diminishing, at length dissipated some distance below the clavate or acuminate apex of the sporangium; capillitium dense, the inner of many, scarcely expanded, pallid, freely anastomosing branches, the outer a net of very small meshes, often less than the spores, 3-15 mu, peridial processes imperceptible; spore-mass pale ferruginous, spores by transmitted light pale violaceous brown, smooth, 6-7 mu.

Very closely related to the preceding, but recognizable by its proportionately much more slender, taller, acuminate sporangia, paler, and denser capillitium and the remarkably close-meshed net.

Not uncommon south: Kentucky, Alabama.

16. STEMONITIS HERBATICA Pk.

PLATE XVI., Figs. 14, 14 a, 14 b.

1874. Stemonitis herbatica Peck, Rep. N. Y. Mus., XXVI., p. 75. 1899. Stemonitis axifera (Bull.) Macbr., N. A. S., p. 120, in part. 1911. Stemonitis herbatica Pk., Lister, Mycetozoa, p. 148.

Sporangia clustered, in scattered tufts, cylindric, obtuse, pallid ferruginous, stipitate or sometimes nearly sessile; stipe fuscous or jet-black, only slightly expanded below, much shorter than the columella; hypothallus scanty or none; columella lessening upward, sometimes attaining the apex of the sporangium, sometimes dissolved in capillitial threads some distance below; capillitium of rich brown threads forming the usual inner network of medium density, with many wide expanded nodes, the surface net made up of delicate, almost colorless threads surrounding small polygonal meshes; spore-mass ferruginous, spores by transmitted light very pale, brownish, minutely warted, 7-9 mu.

The plasmodium of this species is variously cited from white to yellow. Probably each report is true, dependent on the relative time of the observation.

The low tufts of brown sporangia with short black stipes, borne often as Dr. Peck found them, assembled on living leaves, distinguish this little species. In the former edition this form was tentatively enrolled under S. axifera (Bull.); but see further under that species.

Probably widely distributed, but confused with short forms of other species; sometimes also on rotten wood or other substratum; so reported.

New York to Iowa; Washington and Oregon. Reported also from Europe.

3. Comatricha (Preuss) Rost.

1851. Comatricha Preuss, Linnaea, XXIV., p. 140. 1873. Comatricha Rostafinski, Versuch, p. 7.

Sporangia cylindric or globose, stipitate; stipe prolonged upward to form a more or less extended and tapering columella bearing branches on every side, which by repeated divisions and reunions form the capillitium; ultimate branch-tips free, not supporting a surface net parallel to the peridial wall; peridium evanescent, perhaps sometimes not developed at all.

The genus Comatricha was set off from Stemonitis by the joint effort of Preuss (1851) and Rostafinski (1873-5). Preuss included in his genus, Comatricha, alien forms, and besides failed to give an accurate definition; included, however, in his list some species which have since been known by his generic name.

The distinction between the two genera is almost an artificial one, and species are sometimes arbitrarily assigned to one genus or the other. The diagnosis in any case turns upon the presence or absence of a surface net, formed, in Stemonitis, by the anastomosing of the ultimate divisions of the capillitial branches. In Comatricha the anastomosing is general, from the columella out, and is not specialized at the surface.

Recent attempts to reunite the genera here compared seem to result in no apparent advantage. The genera come very near together, but their separation along the line suggested by Rostafinski remains convenient.

Key to the Species of Comatricha

A. Sporangia closely clustered.

a. Obovate or short cylindric.

1. Spores verruculose 1. C. caespitosa

2. Spores reticulate 2. C. cylindrica

b. Elongate, reddish-brown, tufts extended 3. C. flaccida

B. Sporangia scattered more or less widely.

a. Capillitium lax, open.

i. Sporangia long, 10-12 mm. 4. C. longa

ii. Sporangia shorter, capillitium irregular 5. C. irregularis

b. Capillitium dense.

i. Sporangia large, to 10 mm., spore-mass black 7. C. suksdorfii

ii. Sporangia smaller—6 mm.

O Spore-mass brown, spherical, conoidal, etc., generally with more or less lengthened stipe 8. C. nigra

OO Spore-mass violaceous or purplish 9. C. aequalis

iii. Sporangia ovate or cylindric, minute, to 3.5 mm.

O Cylindric, spore with few, scattered warts 10. C. typhoides

OO Smaller, capillitium irregular, loose 6. C. laxa

OOO Total height to 2 mm. or much less.

+ Columella digitately divided 11. C. elegans

+ Columella lamprodermoid, and on leaves 12. C. rubens

+ Columella stemonitoid 13. C. pulchella

+ Columella furcate at tip 14. C. ellisii

++ Columella almost percurrent. 15. C. subcaespitosa

1. COMATRICHA CAESPITOSA Sturgis.

PLATE XI., Figs. 12, 13, 14.

1893. Comatricha caespitosa Sturg., Bot. Gaz., XVIII., p. 186. 1894. Diachaea thomasii Rex, var., List., Mycetozoa, p. 92. 1899. Comatricha caespitosa Sturg., Macbr., N. A. S., p. 124. 1911. Diachaea caespitosa Lister, Mycetozoa, 2nd ed., p. 121.

Sporangia densely crowded or cespitose, sub-sessile or short stipitate, clavate, 1-1.5 mm. high, the peridium gray, iridescent with blue tints, comparatively permanent but finally disappearing; columella attaining two-thirds to three-fourths the height of the sporangium, giving rise throughout its length to the dense blackish capillitium; hypothallus delicate, inconspicuous; capillitium, the main branches thick at the point of origin, frequently anastomosing, and becoming gradually thinner toward the surface of the sporangium, the tips pointed, free, forming the network; spores blackish-violet in mass, by transmitted light pale brownish-violet, rough, 9.5-13 mu.

A very distinct and curious species. The sporangia are densely crowded, though by the nature of habitat somewhat tufted. The shape of the individual sporangium is quite uniformly clavate or obovate, decidedly truncate above. The spores are uniformly verruculose and plainly unequal.

This species, as indicated, was by its author described as a comatricha. To transfer it to another genus seems idle, especially when long established generic boundaries must be seriously disturbed expressly to admit the new arrival.

New England, North Carolina, on moss and lichens.—Dr. Sturgis.

2. COMATRICHA CYLINDRICA (Bilgram) Macbr.

1905. Diachaea cylindrica Bilgram, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad., 524. 1911. Diachaea cylindrica Bilgram, List., Mycetozoa, 2nd ed., p. 121.

Sporangia cylindrical with obtuse apex, sessile, gregarious, iridescent, steel-gray or bronze, 1 to 1.7 mm. high, .5 to .65 mm. thick; hypothallus whitish, rugose; sporangium-wall membranous, hyaline, not adhering to the capillitium; columella arising from the hypothallus and extending nearly to the apex, brown, very light and semi-translucent near the base, irregular, flexuous, limeless throughout; capillitium brown, radiating from the columella to the periphery, repeatedly branching and anastomosing; spores warted, the warts connected by ridges forming a more or less perfect, coarse reticulation, violaceous, pale, 10-12 mu.

This is a very interesting species closely related to the preceding from which it differs chiefly in the reticulation and generally more uniform character of the spores. The author hesitated about the generic reference, finally referring it to Diachaea despite the lack of calcium, because it was sessile and had a peridium rather more persistent than is usual in comatrichas. But the presence of lime in stipe and columella is an essential element in the diagnosis of Diachaea, while length of stem is everywhere variable in stipitate forms of every genus, and the persistence of the peridium is also an uncertain factor; hangs on long in C. typhoides, e. g.

On dead twigs, etc.—Philadelphia,—Mr. Bilgram; New Hampshire.

3. COMATRICHA FLACCIDA List.

1894. Comatricha flaccida List., Morg., Jour. Cin. Soc., p. 51. 1894. Stemonitis splendens, var. flaccida List., Mycetozoa, p. 112. 1894. Comatricha flaccida (List.) Morg., Macbr., N. A. S., p. 133. 1911. Stemonitis splendens, var. flaccida List., Mycetozoa, 2nd ed., p. 146.

Sporangia semi-erect, close crowded in tufts two inches in diameter, ferruginous, from a dark brown hypothallus, sessile or short stipitate; columella weak, crooked, percurrent, generally enlarged irregularly at the apex; capillitium of few, slender, brown branches which anastomose sparsely and irregularly as in C. irregularis, and present when freed from spores the same chenille-like appearance; spore-mass ferruginous brown; spores by transmitted light bright reddish brown, minutely warted, 8-10 mu.

"Growing on old wood and bark of Oak, Willow, etc. The component sporangia 5-10 mm. in length. The early appearance is much like that of a species of Stemonitis, but the mature stage is a great mass of spores with scanty capillitium, as in Reticularia; the columellas, however, are genuine and not adjacent portions of wall grown together."—Professor Morgan.

Professor Morgan's herbarium material is at hand for study. It meets his description, needless to say, very generally. In what remains of the type the membranous connections are obscure; in fact the relation of such peridial (?) fragments to the capillitium in any way, is no longer evident. But in any event the colony does not impress one as something prematurely or improperly developed, a stemonitis gone begging;—nothing of that kind; it is clearly a comatricha, easily identifiable with no trace of a surface net but, with long free tips in plenty.

Misled no doubt, by the peridial fragments referred to, Mr. Lister in Mycetozoa, l. c., associated this with S. confluens Cke. & Ell., but entered it as a variety of S. splendens Rost., just the same. In the second edition of the Monograph, Ellis' species is set out, but Morgan's retains the old position.

In light of present knowledge, the relationship suggested would be difficult of proof. If C. flaccida Morgan be related to the splendens group at all, it must be with the form known as S. webberi Rex., but it differs from this in almost every particular. It has no net, with meshes uniform or diverse; it is clear brown in color, with a tinge of red, beneath the lens; the spores are smaller, distinctly warted and with the reddish tinge of the capillitium; and in short, it seems to be a comatricha and not a stemonitis.

Specimens from western Washington differ in some particulars but are apparently the same thing.

Ohio, Kentucky, Washington, California; not common.

4. COMATRICHA LONGA Peck.

PLATE VI., Figs. 2, 2 a, 2 b.

1890. Comatricha longa Peck, Rep. N. Y. Mus., XLIII., p. 24.

Sporangia crowded in depressed masses or tufts, black, long, cylindric, even, stipitate; stipe black, shining, generally very short; hypothallus well developed, black; columella black, slender, weak, generally dissipated some distance below the apex; capillitium of slender brown or dusky threads anastomosing to form an open network next the columella, but extended outwardly in form of long free slender branchlets, now and then dichotomously forked; spore-mass blue-black, spores by transmitted light dark brown, globose, spinulose, some of them faintly reticulate, about 9 mu.

A very remarkable species. Rare in the west, more common, as it appears, in the eastern states. The sporangia occur in tufts about 1 or 2 cm. wide, springing generally from crevices in the bark of decaying logs, especially willow and elm, in swampy places. The sporangia are remarkable for their great length. Generally about 20-25 mm., specimens occasionally reach 50 mm.! The capillitial branches are so remote that the spores are scarcely retained by the capillitium at all. Well described and figured by the author of the species, Forty-third Rep. N. Y. State Museum, p. 24, Pl. 3.

New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Iowa.

5. COMATRICHA IRREGULARIS Rex.

1891. Comatricha irregularis Rex, Proc. Phil. Acad., p. 393.

Sporangia crowded in flocculent tufts, very dark brown or black, semi-erect or drooping, 4-5 mm. in height, irregularly cylindric, variable, stipitate; stipe black, distinct, often one-half the total height; hypothallus well developed, brown, shining; columella central, slender, flexuous, reaching the apex, where it blends, by branching, with the capillitium; capillitium loose, open, composed of arcuate threads which radiate from the columella, and are joined together, forming a central, irregular reticulation of large meshes, brown, paler toward the surface, where the free ends are sometimes colorless; spore-mass black, spores by transmitted light brown, minutely warted, 7-8 mu.

Related, no doubt, to C. longa, but differing in habit, stature, as in texture and structure of the capillitium. In C. longa the inner net is extremely simple,—a row or two of meshes at most, and the radiating branches are long and straight; in the species before us the inner network is well developed, and the radiating branches proportionately shorter and abundantly branching, with pale or white free tips.

Generally, though not always, found growing in the crevices of the bark on fallen logs of various deciduous trees. September. Not common.

This is thought to be C. crypta Schw., N. A. F., 2351; but the description under that number does not make clear what form Schweinitz had before him, the present species or C. longa, and the herbarium specimen of Schweinitz is "utterly lost"; the later specific name is accordingly adopted.

New England west to the Cascade Mountains; south to Kansas and Texas.

6. COMATRICHA LAXA Rostafinski.

PLATE V., Figs. 5, 5 a.

1875. Comatricha laxa Rost., Mon., p. 201. 1877. Lamproderma ellisiana Cooke, Myx. U. S., p. 397. 1891. Comatricha ellisiana (Cooke) Ell. & Ev., N. A. F., 2696.

Sporangia scattered, gregarious, sub-globose or short cylindric, and obtuse, dusky stipitate; stipe short, black, tapering rapidly upward from an expanded base; hypothallus scant or none; columella erect, rigid, sometimes reaching nearly to the apex of the sporangium, sometimes dichotomously branched a little below the summit, before blending into the common capillitium; capillitium lax, of slender, horizontal branches, anastomosing at infrequent intervals and ending in short, free tips; spores pallid, nearly smooth, 7-9.5 mu.

A very minute, delicate little species, about 1-1/2 mm. high; the stipe half the total height. In general appearance the shorter forms of the species resemble slightly C. nigra, but are distinguished by a much shorter stipe and much more open capillitium. The sporangia of C. nigra mounted on long capillary stipes always droops more or less; the sporangia of the present species stand rigidly erect. The sporangia vary in form and in the branching of the columella. In the more globose phases, the columella almost always shows a peculiar dichotomy near the apex; in the cylindric types, this peculiar division fails.[36] In fact, the shape is determined chiefly by the mode of branching as affects the columella. Rostafinski's figure, on Tab. XIII, does not present the type usually seen in this country, nor even in Europe if we may judge from later illustrations.

The species with us has received various names, but so far as can be determined, all apply to the same thing, and comparison of specimens from Mr. Ellis with those from Europe show the correctness of the nomenclature here adopted.

Rare, but widely distributed; across the continent.

7. STEMONITIS SUKSDORFII Ell. & Everh.

PLATE XI., Figs. 9, 10, 11.

1882. Stemonitis suksdorfii Ell. & Everh., Bull. Washb. Coll., Vol. I., p. 5. 1892. Stemonitis suksdorfii Ell. & Everh., Mass., Mon., p. 76.

Sporangia scattered in small tufts or gregarious, cylindric, obtuse at both ends, sometimes widened above, black, 2-6 mm., stipitate; stipe jet-black, shining, even, about one-half the total height; hypothallus not continuous, dark brown; columella black, rather slender, terminating in two or more large branches just below the apex; capillitium exceedingly dense, dark fuscous or black, the flexuous threads anastomosing in a close network, with abundant free pallid extremities; spores in mass, blue-black, by transmitted light fuscous or dark violaceous-brown, minutely warted, 10-12 mu.

Easily recognizable at sight by its sooty color. Entirely unlike any of the preceding. The type of the capillitium is that of C. pulchella, but it is very much more dense and entirely different in color. The sporangia are often widened above, and fairly truncate; the total height about 6 mm. Found on the bark of fallen twigs of Abies, Larix, etc. Distributed by Ell. & Everh. under this name as an exsiccata. The evanescent peridium is colorless; when free, white or silvery.

8. COMATRICHA NIGRA (Pers.) Schroeter.

PLATE XI., Figs. 1, 2, 3.

1791. Stemonitis nigra Pers., Gmel., Syst. Nat., p. 1467. 1801. Stemonitis ovata, var. nigra Pers., Syn., p. 189. 1863. Stemonitis friesiana DeBy., Rab. Eur. Fung., No. 568. 1875. Comatricha friesiana (DeBy.) Rost., Mon., p. 200. 1889. Comatricha nigra (Pers.) Schroeter, Pilz. Krypt. Fl. v. Schles., I., p. 118. 1894. Comatricha obtusata Fr., Lister, Mycetozoa, p. 117. 1899. Comatricha nigra (Pers.) Schroeter, Macbr., N. A. S., p. 128.

Sporangia scattered, ferruginous or dark brown, globose or ovoid, stipitate; stipe long, hair-like, tapering upward, black; hypothallus none; columella rapidly diminished toward the top, at length dissipated; capillitium of slender flexuous threads, radiating horizontally, repeatedly branching and anastomosing to form an intricate dense network, from the surface of which project a few short hook-like peridial processes; spore-mass black, spores by transmitted light dark violaceous, smooth or nearly so, 7-10 mu.

This species, when typical, is easily recognized by its almost globose sporangia mounted on long slender stocks. These are 2 or 3 mm. high and generally persist, as Persoon noticed, a long time after the sporangium has fallen. The sporangia are at first black; after spore disposal pale ferruginous. In shape they vary from ovate to spherical. Sometimes they are umbilicate below, so that a vertical section would be obcordate. Care must be taken to distinguish the present species from blown-out forms of Lamproderma.

This most common species seems to be also the center of widest differentiation. In a valuable paper on the Myxomycetes of Dr. C. H. Peck's Herbarium Dr. Sturgis points out the varying relationships of a group of surrounding forms. According to account C. nigra verges on one side to C. laxa, on the other to aequalis which the Listers enter as varietal here. However, in the former the more rigid, direct and simple branching from the columella is usually determinative; in the latter the color, form, and generally more delicate structure, and a tendency to grow in tufts will serve to distinguish.

In this discussion we have assumed as typical the globose sporangium, with the variations in the direction of ovate, obovate, ellipsoidal, etc., the capillitium flexuous and more richly anastomosing near the columella. On the drier slopes in the mountains of Colorado specimens are especially abundant, in proper season covering apparently the lower surface of every barkless twig or fallen stem or tree entire! In such a field one might imagine every possible variation open to observation. Probably such is the case; but as a matter of fact a single small plasmodium at lower levels will sometimes show greater range of variation than were noted on the mountain-side. The cylindric forms were for some reason few, and when noted were short, though often surmounting stems of double the usual length.

Rostafinski calls this C. friesiana, a name suggested by De Bary. By this name the species was commonly known for many years. More recently some writers prefer C. obtusata Preuss; but C. obtusata Preuss, as figured by that author (Sturm's Deutsch. Fl., Pl. 70), is surely more likely Enerthenema papillata, and the author says in his description "capillitio vertice soli innato." Persoon certainly recognized the species, and his description, though brief, is yet applicable to no other European species. There seems no reason why the name he gave should not be permanently adopted. Rostafinski's figure, Tab. XIII., shows an ellipsoidal sporangium, not cylindric.

On the lower levels of the Mississippi valley, the species is not common. Possibly overlooked by reason of its minuteness.

Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Iowa, Colorado, North Carolina, Missouri.

9. COMATRICHA AEQUALIS Peck.

PLATE VI., Figs. 3, 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d; and PLATE XVIII., Figs. 13, 13 a, 13 b.

1890. Comatricha equalis Peck., Rep. N. Y. Mus., XXXI., p. 42.

Sporangia gregarious, seldom erect, usually inclined, curved or nodding, dark brown, becoming violet, cylindric, acuminate-obtuse, stipitate; stipe about half the total height, 2-2-1/2 mm., black, polished, even; hypothallus well developed, brown, continuous; columella black, tapering gradually, and attaining almost the summit of the sporangium; capillitium dense, of flexuous tawny threads which, by repeated branching, form an intricate network, the free extremities numerous, short, and pale; spores dark violaceous, distinctly warted, 7.5-8 mu.

A very graceful, elegant species, related to C. pulchella and C. persoonii, but distinct by its much greater size and smaller spores. The specimens before show us the perfection of beauty in this genus; the polished stipe, the symmetrical capillitium, the soft purple-brown tints, are remarkable, and enable one to recognize the form at sight.

Specimens from Oregon are unusually fine; larger than usual, reach 7 mm. total height, and when blown out present the tints of violet in unusual clearness; var. C. pacifica. Plate XVIII., Figs. 13, 13a, and 13b.

New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois; Oregon, Professor Peck.

10. COMATRICHA TYPHOIDES (Bull.) Rost.

PLATE VI., Figs. 1, 1 a, 1 b.

1772. Mucor stemonitis Scopoli, Fl. Carn., II., pp. 493-494 (?). 1774. Mucor stemonitis Schaeffer, Icones. Tab., CCXCVII (?). 1780. Stemonitis typhina Wiggers, Prim. Fl. Hols., p. 116 (?). 1791. Trichia typhoides Bulliard, Champ. de la France, p. 119, t. 477, II. 1796. Stemonitis typhina Persoon, Myc. Obs., I., p. 57, in part. 1805. Stemonitis typhoides (Bull.) D. C., Fl. Fr., p. 257. 1829. Stemonitis typhoides (Bull.) Fr., Syst. Myc., III., p. 158. 1873. Comatricha typhoides (Bull.) Rost., Vers., p. 7. 1875. Comatricha typhina (Pers.) Rost., Mon., p. 197. 1895. Comatricha stemonitis (Scop.) Sheldon, Minn. Bot. Stud., p. 473. 1899. Comatricha stemonitis (Scop.) Sheld., Macbr., N. A. S., p. 130. 1911. Comatricha typhoides Rost., List., Mycetozoa, 2nd ed., p. 157.

Sporangia gregarious, scattered, cylindric, erect, sometimes arcuate, obtuse, 2-3 mm. high, at first silvery, then brown, as the peridium vanishes, stipitate; stipe black, about one-half the total height or less; hypothallus distinct, more or less continuous, reddish-brown; columella tapering upward, black, attaining more or less completely the apex of the sporangium; capillitium, arising as rather stout branches of the capillitium, soon taking the form of slender, flexuous, brownish threads, which by repeated anastomosing form at length a close network, almost as in Stemonitis, the free, ultimate branches very delicate and short; spore-mass dark brown; spores by transmitted light, pale, almost smooth, except for the presence of a few scattered but very prominent umbo-like warts, of which four or five may be seen at one time, 5-7.5 mu.

This is our most common North American species. It occurs everywhere on decaying wood, sometimes in remarkable quantity, thousands of sporangia at a time. The plasmodium, watery white in color, infests preferably very rotten logs of Quercus, on which in June the sporangia rise as white or pallid columns. The peridium is exceedingly delicate, less seldom seen here than in some other species, but likely to be overlooked entirely. The spores when fresh have a distinct violet or bluish tinge; in old specimens they are almost colorless. In any case they are well marked by the large papillae already referred to.

C. typhina, var. heterospora Rex, differs from the type in several particulars: the sporangia manifest a closer habit; the capillitium is made up of more slender threads and forms a yet denser network; the spores between the large papillae are marked by a more or less perfectly formed reticulation.[37]

As to nomenclature, this is our old friend C. typhina (Pers.) Rost. It should be, more properly, called C. typhina Rost., for it is not Persoon's species exactly. But Scopoli, l. c., by citing Hall, Gleditsch, and Micheli, so describes our form as to leave small doubt that he had before him our common species. Schaeffer's figures also come to the rescue, which, though by no means satisfactory, yet can probably refer to no other species. However, Bulliard gives the first good account and figure, and in concord with the decision of our English colleagues, the name afforded by the famous Champignons is here adopted.

Widely distributed. Maine to California, and from British America to Nicaragua.

11. COMATRICHA ELEGANS (Racib.) List.

PLATE XVI., Fig. 12.

1884. Rostafinskia elegans Racib., Rozpr. Akad. Krak., XII., 77. 1888. Raciborskia elegans Berl., Sacc. Syl., VII., p. 400. 1894. Raciborskia elegans Berl., List., Mycet., p. 133. 1909. Comatricha elegans List., Br. Mus. Guide to Mycet., p. 31.

Sporangia loosely gregarious, globose, purplish-brown, small, 1-1.5 mm. in total height, stipitate; stipe black, subulate, to 1 mm,; columella at first divided into a few main branches, from which by repeated subdivision the delicate, anastomosing, flexuose capillitial threads take origin; spores pale brownish-violaceous, spinulescent, 8-10 mu.

South Carolina. Colorado:—Dr. Sturgis.

12. COMATRICHA RUBENS Lister.

1894. Comatricha rubens List., Mycet., p. 123.

Sporangia gregarious, globoid or ellipsoidal, 1-1.5 mm., pink-brown, stipitate; peridium persistent below; stipe .5-1 mm., black, shining; columella to more than half the sporangium, giving off on all sides the brownish-violaceous, flexuose threads of the capillitium, somewhat thickened and broadly attached to the persisting peridial cup; spores lilac-brown, spinulescent, 7-8 mu.

Another border species, looking to the lamprodermas. Philadelphia, by courtesy Mr. Bilgram.

13. COMATRICHA PULCHELLA (Bab.) Rost.

PLATE XIII., Fig. 4, and PLATE XII., Figs. 16 and 16 a.

1837. Stemonitis pulchella Bab., Trans. Lin. Soc., p. 32. 1841. Comatricha pulchella Bab., Berk., Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., I. vi., p. 431, Pl. XII., 11. a. b. 1848. Stemonitis tenerrima Curtis, Am. Jour., VI., p. 352. 1873. Stemonitis tenerrima Berk. & C., Grev., II., p. 69. 1876. Comatricha pulchella (Bab.) Rost., Mon. App., p. 27. 1875. Comatricha persoonii Rost., Mon., p. 201. 1894. Comatricha persoonii Rost., List., Mycet., p. 122. 1899. Comatricha pulchella (Bab.) Rost., Macbr., N. A. S., p. 129. 1899. Comatricha persoonii Rost., Macbr., N. A. S., p. 132, excl. syn. 1911. Comatricha pulchella Rost., List., Mycet., 2nd ed., p. 156. 1911. Comatricha pulchella var. gracilis Wing., List., Mycet., 2nd ed., p. 156.

Sporangia very minute, 1 mm. high, scattered, ovate or ovate-cylindric acuminate, pale brown or ferruginous, stipitate; stipe short, black, nearly even; hypothallus none, or merely a circular base to the tiny stem; columella straight, gradually tapering, reaching almost if not quite to the apex of the sporangium; capillitium dense, a network of flexuous brown threads, rather broad within, ending in slender tips without; spore-mass brown, spores by transmitted light pale "lilac brown," or pale ferruginous, minutely but uniformly warted, 6-8 mu.

Probably widely distributed but rarely collected. Pennsylvania, Iowa; Okoboji. Toronto,—Miss Currie.

14. COMATRICHA ELLISII Morg.

PLATE XII., Figs. 15 and 15 a.

1894. Comatricha ellisii Morg., Jour. Cin. Soc., p. 49. 1899. Comatricha laxa Rost., Macbr., N. A. S., p. 127. 1911. Comatricha nigra Schroet., List., Mycet., 2nd ed., p. 152.

Sporangia short, erect, oval or ovoid to oblong. Stipe and columella erect, brown and smooth, rising from a thin pallid hypothallus, tapering upward and vanishing into the capillitium toward the apex of the sporangium, the stipe usually longer than the columella. Capillitium of slender pale brown threads; these branch several times with lateral anastomosing branchlets, forming a rather open network of small meshes, ending with very short free extremities. Spores globose, even, pale ochraceous, 6-7 mic. in diameter.

Growing on old pine wood. Sporangium .3-.6 mm. in height by .3-.5 mm. in width, the stipe usually a little longer than the sporangium.

On the strength of the clear descriptions and beautiful drawings of Celakowsky, Myxomyceten Boehmens, p. 52; Taf. 2, Figs. 7 and 8, this elegant little species as described by my colleague Professor Morgan was, in the former edition, referred to C. laxa Rost. It was then reported from New Jersey only. Since then we have specimens from Ohio and from southern Missouri, all true to form, almost identical. It seems wise accordingly, while recognizing the relationship of the form to both C. laxa, and to C. nigra as well, to give it here an individual place again. It is very small; but once studied may thereafter be easily recognized by a hand-lens. The form is definite, clean-cut, and the spores are pronouncedly smaller than in either of the two related species.

15. COMATRICHA SUBCAESPITOSA Peck.

PLATE XII., Figs. 17, 17 a.

1890. Comatricha subcaespitosa Peck, N. Y. Mus. Rep. 43, p. 25.

Sporangia scattered or sometimes in loose clusters, cylindric, obtuse, about 1.5-2 mm., dark brown, stipitate; stipe short, one-fifth total height; hypothallus minute; capillitium regular, the branching quite uniform parallel, flexuous, brown with a tinge of violet, not dense; columella well-defined, almost percurrent; spores brown in mass, under lens dusky, nearly smooth, 9-10 mu.

The larger spores, regular, erect form, and clustered habit separate this form from others with which it will be naturally associated. See page 283 under Addenda.

4. Diachaea Fries

1825. Diachaea Fries, Syst. Orb. Veg., I., p. 143.[38]

Sporangia distinct, globose or cylindric, the peridium thin, iridescent, stipitate; the stipe and columella surcharged with lime, white or yellowish, rigid, thick, tapering upward; capillitium of delicate threads free from lime, radiating from various points on the columella, branching and anastomosing as in Comatricha to form a more or less intricate network, the ultimate branchlets supporting the peridial wall.

Rostafinski placed this genus near the Didymieae on account of the calcareous columella and the non-calcareous capillitium. On the other hand the structure of the capillitium and the iridescent simple peridium ally Diachaea to Lamproderma and the Stemoniteae; the only distinction being the calcareous stem. It is simply an intermediate genus to be placed here more conveniently than anywhere else in what is of necessity a linear arrangement.

Key to the Species of Diachaea

A. Stipe and columella white.

a. Sporangium cylindric 1. D. leucopodia

b. Sporangium globose.

i. Evidently stalked 2. D. splendens

ii. Stalk very short, 5 mm., conic.

O Spores warted 3. D. bulbillosa

OO Spores faintly netted 4. D. subsessilis

B. Stipe yellowish or orange 5. D. thomasii

1. DIACHAEA LEUCOPODIA (Bull.) Rost.

1791. Trichia leucopodia Bull., Champ. de la France, Pl. 502, Fig. 2. 1825. Diachaea elegans Fries, Syst. Orb. Veg., I., p. 143. 1875. Diachaea leucopoda (Bull.) Rost., Mon., p. 190.

Sporangia rather closely gregarious, metallic blue or purple iridescent, cylindric or ellipsoidal, obtuse, sub-umbilicate below, stipitate; stipe short, much less than one-half the total height, snow-white, tapering upward; hypothallus white, venulose, occurring from stipe to stipe to form an open network over the substratum; columella thick, cylindric, tapering, blunt, terminating below the apex, white; capillitium springing from every part of the columella, of slender threads, brown, flexuous, branching and anastomosing to form an intricate net; spores in mass nearly black, by transmitted light dull violaceous, minutely roughened, 7-9 mu.

A very beautiful species; not uncommon in the eastern states; rare west of the Mississippi. Easily recognized, amid related forms, by its snow-white stem, a feature which did not escape the notice of Bulliard and suggested the accepted specific name. Fries adopted the specific name proposed by Trentepohl and wrote D. elegans, simply because to him the peridium was "admodum elegans."

The peridium is exceedingly thin and early deciduous; the stipe long persistent. The plasmodium, dull white, was observed by Fries at the beginning of the century; "morphoseos clavem inter myxogastres hoc genus primum mihi subministravit."

This species, as the diachaeas generally, affects fallen sticks and leaves in orchards and forests and even spreads boldly over the foliage and stems of living plants.

New England, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, Ohio, Iowa, California, Canada.

2. DIACHAEA SPLENDENS Peck.

PLATE VII., Figs. 1, 1 a, 1 b, 1 c.

1877. Diachaea splendens Peck, Rep. N. Y. Mus., XXX., p. 50.

Sporangia gregarious, metallic blue with brilliant iridescence, globose, stipitate; stipe white, short, tapering upward; hypothallus white, venulose, a network supporting the snowy stipes; columella white, cylindric, passing the centre, obtuse; capillitium lax, of slender, anastomosing, brown, translucent threads; spores in mass black, by transmitted light dark-violaceous, very coarsely warted, 7-10 mu.

This is perhaps the most showy species of the list. The globose brilliantly iridescent sporangia are lifted above the substratum on snow-white columnar stalks; these are again joined one to another by the pure white vein-like cords of the reticulate hypothallus. The plasmodium may spread very widely over all sorts of objects that come in the way, dry forest leaves and sticks, or the fruit and foliage of living plants. Closely resembling the preceding, but differing in the globose sporangia, it may be instantly recognized under the lenses by its coarsely papillate spores.

Not common. New York, Pennsylvania, Ontario, Ohio, Iowa, Nebraska.

3. DIACHAEA SUBSESSILIS Pk.

1879. Diachaea subsessilis Pk., Rep. N. Y. Mus. Nat. History, XXXI., p. 41. 1894. Diachaea subsessilis Pk., Lister, Mycetozoa, p. 92.

Sporangia gregarious or closely crowded, small, about .5 mm., dull iridescent-blue, greenish-gray, etc., globose or depressed-globose, short-stalked or nearly sessile; stipe generally very short, reduced sometimes to a mere persistent cone, white; columella obsolescent or reduced to white conical intrusion of the stipe; capillitium radiating from the stipe, brown, consisting of branching, anastomosing threads, paler at the tips; hypothallus very scanty or none; spores minutely warted, the papillae arranged in an irregular, loose net-work, violet-brown, paler under the lens, 10-12 mu.

This species is easily recognizable by its diminutive size and generally defective structure; i. e. it has the appearance of a degenerate or depauperate representative of some finer form. Besides the type, yet to be seen in Albany, Dr. Sturgis reports the species from Connecticut and from the Isle of Wight! A small gathering is before me from Colorado. Every sporangium is borne upon a calcareous pedicel, very short indeed, but real. The var. globosa referred to in the English text under D. leucopodia has not appeared so far as reported, on this side the sea, but even such variety could scarcely in the hands of a collector take the place of the form now under consideration.

Specimens of D. subsessilis from Europe correspond remarkably with those described by Drs. Peck and Sturgis. Mr. Lister would have our species a synonym for Lamproderma fuckelianum cracovense (Rost.) Cel.

Rare; from Connecticut to Colorado.

4. DIACHAEA BULBILLOSA (Berk. & Br.) List.

1873. Didymium bulbillosum Berk. & Br., Jour. Linn. Soc., XIV., p. 84. 1898. Diachaea bulbillosa Lister, Jour. Bot., XXXVI., p. 165. 1911. Diachaea bulbillosa Lister, Mycetozoa, 2nd ed., p. 119.

Sporangia gregarious, globose, small, iridescent purple, stipitate; stipe conical, white, sometimes brown, half-a-mm., half the total height; columella clavate, white or brown; capillitium of purple-brown threads united to form a lax net; spores violet-grey, marked with scattered warts "6-8 in a row across the hemisphere", 7-9 mu.

Java, Berkeley & Broome, op. c. Toronto, Canada; cited here by courtesy of Miss Currie who gives the spores 7.8 mu.

5. DIACHAEA THOMASII Rex.

PLATE V., Fig. 6, 6 a.

1892. Diachaea thomasii Rex, Proc. Phil. Acad., p. 329.

Sporangia gregarious, more or less crowded, purple and bronze, iridescent, globose sessile or short stipitate; stipe, when present, very short, thick, tapering rapidly upward, orange; hypothallus orange, prominent venulose, continuous; columella ochre yellow, rough, cylindric, tapering upward to one-half the height of the sporangium, obtuse; capillitium lax, of slender brown rigid threads, radiating from the columella in every direction, anastomosing to form a loose, large-meshed network; spore-mass brown; spores by transmitted light violaceous, minutely, unevenly warted, 10-12 mu.

The peculiar orange color of the calcareous deposits in stipe and columella easily distinguish this species. The capillitium is also distinctive, rigid, simple, and comparatively scant, lamprodermoid. Rex calls attention to the fact that under low magnification the spores appear spotted; but the spots are occasioned simply by the closer aggregation, at particular points, of the ordinary papillae.

A southern species. All the specimens so far reported are from the mountains of North Carolina.

The specimens referred to under this name by Lister, Mon., p. 92, as coming from "Kittery, U. S. A." (Kittery, Maine?), are, no doubt, according to Mr. Lister's figures, Comatricha caespitosa Sturgis. See under that species.

C. LAMPRODERMACEAE

Sporangia distinct, generally gregarious, more or less spherical; capillitium developed chiefly or solely from the summit of the columella.

Key to the Genera of the Lamprodermaceae

A. Columella percurrent; capillitium from a disk at the apex 1. ENERTHENEMA

B. Columella scarce reaching the centre of the sporangium.

a. Capillitium not forming a net 2. CLASTODERMA

b. Capillitium forming an intricate net 3. LAMPRODERMA

c. Minute, capillitium rudimentary 4. ECHINOSTELIUM

1. Enerthenema Bowman

1828. Enerthenema Bowman, Trans. Linn. Soc., XVI., p. 152.

Sporangia stipitate, the stipe extended as a columella, which entirely traverses the sporangium and forms at the apex an expanded disk; from this depends the capillitium.

Key to the Species of Enerthenema

A. Spores free 1. E. papillatum

B. Spores in clusters 2. E. berkeleyanum

1. ENERTHENEMA PAPILLATUM (Pers.) Rost.

PLATE V., Fig. 3.

1801. Stemonitis papillata Pers., Syn., p. 188. 1828. Enerthenema elegans Bowm., Trans. Linn. Soc., XVI., p. 152. 1862. Comatricha obtusata Preuss, Sturm, Deutschl. Flora, Pl. LXX. 1876. Enerthenema papillatum (Pers.) Rost., Mon. App., p. 28.

Sporangia scattered or crowded, stipitate, spheroidal, naked, black fuscous, above, shining, adorned with a minute, black papilla; stipe black, opaque, conical or attenuate upward, about equal to the peridium; columella at the apex expanded into a shining disk; capillitium springing from the lower side of the disk or from its edge, made up of scarcely forked threads which are free below; spores violaceous or fuscous black, minutely warted, 10-12 mu.

Rare. Wisconsin, Ohio, South Carolina, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Colorado.

This is one of the few species so well marked that Persoon's description, l. c., is definitive: "Stylidio toto penetrante. Capillitium exacte globosum, sub-compactum, in eius apice stylidium papillae in modum prominet." For this reason Bowman's specific name elegans is discarded.

2. ENERTHENEMA BERKELEYANUM Rost.

1876. Enerthenema berkeleyanum Rost., Mon. App., p. 29. 1913. Enerthenema syncarpon Sturgis, Myxo. Col., II., p. 448.

This species corresponds to the preceding in all respects except in the fact that the spores are clustered in groups of four to twelve and are a little larger, 11-13 mu, strongly spinulose on the exposed surface.

Dr. Sturgis reports this from Colorado, l. c., but discards Rostafinski's specific name on the ground that the type has disappeared; only the spores of some fungus hyphae remain in the place and these may have been mistaken by Berkeley. This seems hardly possible since such supposition would not account for the generic reference either by Berkeley (and Broome) or by Rostafinski. The description in the Monograph is minute as that of one who had the form under his lenses. Rostafinski saw Berkeley's specimens.

For a similar case, see under Prototrichia metallica, Mycetozoa 2nd ed., p. 261.

South Carolina, type; Colorado.

2. Clastoderma Blytt

1880. Clastoderma Blytt, Bot. Zeit., XXXVIII., p. 343.

Sporangium globose, distinct, stipitate; the columella short or obsolete; the capillitium of few sparsely branched threads, which bear at their tops the persistent fragments of the peridium, but are not otherwise united.

Distinguished from Lamproderma by the peculiar manner in which the peridium is ruptured, and by the simplicity of the scanty capillitium. So far there appears to be but a single species.

1. CLASTODERMA DEBARYANUM Blytt.

PLATE XIII., Fig. 6, and PLATE XVI., Fig. 13.

1880. Clastoderma debaryanum Blytt, Bot. Zeit., XXXVIII., p. 343. 1886. Orthotrichia microcephala Wing., Jour. Myc., II., p. 126.

Sporangia scattered or gregarious, very minute, 1-12 to 1/4 mm. in diameter, the peridium fugacious, except the minute patches that adhere to the capillitial branchlets, and the slight annulus at the base of the columella; stipe long, unequal, dark below, above paler; columella almost none, giving early rise to the comparatively few slender threads which by their repeated forking make up the capillitium; spores globose, even, violaceous, 8-9 mu.

Reported in the United States so far from Maine, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois.

The sporangia are very small, but beautiful, delicate little structures, found on the bark of living red oak in this country; in Norway it seems to have been seen first on a dead polyporus. Its minuteness doubtless causes it to be generally overlooked, N. A. F., 2498.

3. Lamproderma Rostafinski

1873. Lamproderma Rostafinski, Versuch, p. 7.

Sporangia stipitate, globose, or ellipsoid; columella cylindric or inflated or clavate at the apex, scarcely attaining half the height of the peridium; peridium shining with metallic tints, deciduous, except where, at the base of the columella, it forms a ring around the stipe; capillitium rising in tufts or by simple branches from the columella, the threads regularly forked, generally united into a net.

The lamprodermas are distinguished from the comatrichas, to which they are most nearly allied, by the arrangement of the capillitium, its development from the apex only of the columella, the continuation of the stipe within the peridium. In other words, the peridium leaves the stipe some distance below the point where the lowest capillitial branches take origin. In mature specimens the peridium has often entirely disappeared, its only trace, a collar, more or less distinct, around the stipe, marking the beginning of the columella. Nevertheless the peridium is far more persistent than in any comatricha, and shows in yet greater brilliancy the wondrous metallic tints and iridescence of Comatricha and Diachaea. Older authors, so far as can be seen, distributed the species between Physarum and Stemonitis.

Key to the Species of Lamproderma

A. Peridium metallic blue.

a. Stipe short, stout.

1. Capillitium tips colorless 5. L. violaceum

b. Stipe long, slender.

1. Capillitium of dark, tapering, oft-united threads 3. L. columbinum

2. Capillitial threads rigid, dark brown, seldom united 4. L. scintillans

B. Peridium not blue, silvery.

a. Stipe long, slender.

1. Capillitium very intricate, forming a compact net 6. L. arcyrionema

2. Capillitium of rigid dark brown threads 1. L. physaroides

b. Stipe short, heads large, 1 mm. or more 2. L. robustum

1. LAMPRODERMA PHYSAROIDES (Alb. & Schw.) Rost.

1805. Physarum physaroides Alb. & Schw., Consp. Fung., p, 103. 1875. Lamproderma physaroides (Alb. & Schw.) Rost., Mon., p. 202.

Sporangia gregarious, wide-spreading, globose, the peridium persistent with a silver metallic, sometimes brassy, lustre; stipe long, brown or black, tapering upward; hypothallus well developed, brown or purple, usually not continuous; columella swollen, obtuse, short at best, hardly attaining the centre of the sporangium; capillitium very rigid, of simple or sparingly branched, dark-brown threads radiating from the clavate apex of the columella and only here and there anastomosing toward the surface, the ultimate divisions distinctly rough; spores lilac brown, rough, 10-12.5 mu.

This species is well described and illustrated in Rostafinski's Monograph. It is well marked by its clavate columella and peculiarly simple, dark rigid capillitium, the branches of which rise in great numbers immediately from the columella, and maintain their primitive thickness during the greater part of their length. The transverse vincula are often at right angles to the principal branches, and the meshes, where formed, are often long and rectangular. Externally, it resembles L. arcyrionema, but is by its spores and capillitium instantly distinguished. Rostafinski gives the spores 12.5-14.2 mu. Large spores are less common in the specimens before us. Lister figures a sessile variety.

In our first edition this species was entered from lists published for New England, New York, and Ohio. The intervening years, however, have brought no confirmation. Specimens from Maine and Ohio, with large spores, represent L. columbinum, and those cited for New York are forms of L. violaceum. It is accordingly doubtful that L. physaroides (A. & S.) Rost. occurs in North America. That it is to be found in Europe there seems no doubt. The figure and description by Schweinitz, l. c., may indeed be inconclusive, but Rostafinski's citation and abundant description leave no doubt as to his opinion; while numerous localities named would indicate adequate material. What Rostafinski described will no doubt obtain wider recognition some day.

2. LAMPRODERMA ROBUSTUM Ell. & Evh.

1892. Lamproderma robustum Ell. & Evh., Mass., Mon., p. 99. 1894. Lamproderma violaceum var. sauteri Rost., List., Mycetozoa, p. 129. 1899. Lamproderma sauteri Rost., Macbr., N. A. S., p. 140.

Sporangia gregarious, globose, dull black, the peridium when present silvery, shining, or simply smooth, transparent and without iridescence, stipitate; stipe short, black, tapering rapidly upward, annulate with the persisting base of the peridium; columella short, thick, truncate, and widened at the top; hypothallus well developed, brown or purple; capillitium dense, made up of dark brown branches, numerous and rather slender, repeatedly branched and anastomosing toward the surface to form a slight delicate network with abundant free ends; spores dark purple brown, rough, 14-16 mu.

This species in outward appearance resembles L. physaroides, from which it is easily distinguished by the much greater diameter of the globose sporangium, 1 mm. or more. The persistent base of the peridium is also characteristic, very prominent sometimes, and visible to the naked eye. The capillitium is also unlike that of L. physaroides; resembles more nearly that of L. violaceum. From the latter species L. robustum is distinguished by the color of the peridium, and by the larger, darker spores and generally different capillitium. In our former edition this is called L. sauteri Rost. That much-quoted author distinguished L. violaceum and L. sauteri; the English authors make the last named a variety only of the former. This our American species is not.

It is, as presented in our western mountains, clear-cut, well defined, not a variety of anything. The original name is therefore restored.

Lamproderma arcyrioides (Somm.) Morgan is probably a form of L. columbinum. The original L. arcyrioides has not yet been certainly identified in North America; see following species.

Colorado, Oregon, Washington, California.

3. LAMPRODERMA COLUMBINUM (Pers.) Rost.

1796. Physarum columbinum Pers., Obs. Myc., I., p. 5. 1875. Lamproderma columbinum Rost., Mon., p. 203.

Sporangia scattered, gregarious; rich violet or purple with metallic iridescence, globose, stipitate; the stipe long, three-fourths the total height, slender, subulate, black; hypothallus scant, purplish or brown; columella small, one-third the height or less, tapering or acute, black; the capillitium brown throughout, not dense, arising from nearly all parts of the columella, freely branching and anastomosing to an open, large-meshed network; spore-mass black, spores by transmitted light dark brown, rough, 10-12 mu.

Rostafinski distinguished this beautiful species by the color of the peridium and the conic columella. According to Mr. Lister, Rostafinski was not specially careful in labelling his material, different forms having been included under this specific name. Nevertheless, the description is well drawn, and excludes L. physaroides completely. At all events our American specimens correspond so well with the description of L. columbinum (Pers.) Rost. that there seems no doubt that we have here what the Polish author figured and described, whether or not he was always consistent in applying his labels. The color distinguishes at sight the present species from L. physaroides, and the capillitium and large rough brown spores distinguish it from L. violaceum. The capillitium of the minute L. scintillans is much denser and more rigid, and the spores smaller. The stipe when dry is ciliate.

This is the common species of our western mountains, especially on the Pacific slope. In the Cascades every dark ravine is certain to show it in later summer and autumn, far extended colonies covering the moist surfaces of every mouldering log; the myriad globoid sporangia giving back when brought to the sunlight the most extravagant blues and greens with all the splendor of metallic sheen, their brilliant beauty never fails to quicken the attention of even the most insensate tourist.

Abundant in the western forests, in the east extremely rare; Maine, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington, Oregon; Vancouver, Canada.

4. LAMPRODERMA SCINTILLANS (Berk. & Br.) Morg.

PLATE V., Figs. 2, 2 a.

1877. Stemonitis scintillans Berk. & Br., Jour. Linn. Soc., XV., p. 2. 1877. Lamproderma arcyrioides, var. iridea Cke., Myx. G. B., p. 50. 1892. Lamproderma irideum (Cke.) Mass., Mon., p. 95. 1894. Lamproderma scintillans (Berk. & Br.) Morg., Jour. Cin. Soc., p. 47.

Sporangia gregarious, scattered, globose or depressed-globose, rich metallic blue or purple, iridescent, stipitate; the stipe long, slender, even, inclined and nodding or sometimes erect; hypothallus small, circular; columella cylindric, small, not reaching the centre, black; capillitium dense, of rigid, straight, sparingly branched or anastomosing, brown threads, which are sometimes white or colorless just as they leave the columella; spores globose, rough, violaceous brown, 8 mu.

This is L. irideum of Cooke and of Massee's Monograph. Its capillitium is remarkable, and constitutes an easy diagnostic mark. The threads appear at first sight entirely simple, but are really several times furcate, and not infrequently anastomose. The spores are covered with sparsely sown large papillae, easily seen under moderate magnification.

This is one of our earliest species. To be sought in May on beds of decaying oak leaves in the woods, especially in wet places, near streams, etc.

Rare. New England, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Iowa.

5. LAMPRODERMA VIOLACEUM (Fries) Rost.

1829. Stemonitis violacea Fries, Syst. Myc., III., p. 162. 1875. Lamproderma violaceum (Fries) Rost., Mon., p. 204.

Sporangia closely gregarious or scattered, depressed-globose, more or less umbilicate below, metallic blue or purple, sessile or short stipitate; stipe stout, dark brown or black, even; hypothallus, when the sporangia are crowded, a thin, continuous, purplish membrane; when the sporangia are scattered, the hypothallus discoidal; columella cylindric or tapering slightly upward, the apex obtuse, black, attaining the centre of the sporangium; capillitium lax and flaccid, made up of flexuous threads branching and anastomosing to form a network, open in the interior, more dense without, the threads at first pale brown as they leave the columella, becoming paler outward to the colorless tips; spores minutely warted, violaceous gray, 9-11 mu.

This is our most common species; found on decaying sticks and logs late in the fall. Its pale capillitium will usually distinguish it, especially where the sporangia are empty; then the pallid free extremities of the capillitial branches give to the little spheres under the lens a white or hoary appearance not seen in any other species.

The plasmodium is at first almost transparent, then amber tinted, sending up tiny semi-transparent spheres on shining brownish stalks. As the changes approach maturity, the sporangia become jet-black, and only at last when the spores are ready for dispersal does the peridium assume its rich metallic purple tints. Colonies a meter in length, two or three decimeters in width, are sometimes seen!

New England, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, South Dakota; Toronto. Common.

6. LAMPRODERMA ARCYRIONEMA Rost.

PLATE V., Figs. 1, 1 a.

1875. Lamproderma arcyrionema Rost., Mon., p. 208.

Sporangia gregarious, scattered, globose, silvery gray or bronze, iridescent, erect, stipitate; stipe black, long, two-thirds to three-fourths the total height, slender, rigid; columella slender, cylindric, attaining about one-third the height of the sporangium when it breaks into the primary branches of the capillitium; capillitium exceedingly intricate, made up of slender, flexuous brown threads which frequently branch and anastomose to form an elegant round-meshed network resembling that of Arcyria, free ultimate branchlets not numerous; spores in mass jet-black, by transmitted light violaceous, smooth, or only faintly warted, 6-8 mu.