the
name given the group by De Bary, but applies it in a more restricted
sense, classifying on a botanical basis. Both De Bary and Massee have
their earnest disciples. M. C. Cooke takes the ground that the
Myxomycetes are entitled to mention as "_fungi_ which produce their
fructification enclosed within a peridium," although considering them as
an aberrant group which, on account of certain peculiarities of their
early or vegetative stage, should no longer be classed as having
affinity with Gasteromycetes. Without further discussion of the subject,
it is sufficient, for our present purpose, to state that mycologists now
very generally agree in regarding this group as quite distinct from the
Gasteromycetes.

The species are minute, rarely exceeding a millimeter in diameter, at
first pulpy, then dry. In the early or vegetative stage the "slime
mould" is plasmoidal, consisting of a mass of protoplasm without cell
wall, and prefers damp surfaces, such as rotting leaves, moist logs,
etc. The whole substance is slippery or slimy and presents different
hues, red, orange, violet, brown, etc., according to species, but never
green. It is in the reproductive or fruiting stage that their
resemblance to microscopic puff-balls appears, the sporangium in many
species exhibiting a distinct peridium or outer coat which encloses the
spores together with the hair-like threads called the capillitium. On
the ripening of the spores this peridium ruptures, allowing their
escape, the capillitium lending valuable aid in their dissemination.

GENERA OF GASTEROMYCETES, ACCORDING TO SACCARDO.

I.--PHALLACEAE, OR PHALLOIDEAE.

Dictyophora, Desvaugh.
Ithyphallus, Fr.
Mutinus, Fr.
Kalchbrennera, Berk.
Simblum, Klotzsch.
Clathrus, Mich.
Colus, Cav. & Sech.
Lysurus, Fr.
Anthurus, Kalchbr.
Calathiscus, Mont.
Aseroe, La Bill.
Staurophallus. (?)

II.--NIDULARIACEAE.

Nidularia, Fr. & Nordh.
Cyathus, Hall.
Crucibulum, Tul.
Thelebolus, Tode.
Dacryobolus, Fr.
Sphaerobolus, Tode.
Polyangium, Link. } Genera delenda.
Atractobolus, Tode. }

III.--LYCOPERDACEAE.

Gyrophragmium, Mont.
Secotium, Kunze.
Polyplocium, Berk.
Cycloderma, Klotzsch.
Mesophellia, Berk.
Cauloglossum, Grev.
Podaxon (Desv.) Fr.
Sphaericeps, Welw. & Curr.
Tylostoma, Pers.
Queletia, Fr.
Battarrea, Pers.
Husseya