lies Hymenomycetes and Gasteromycetes are (1) the normal
basidium, that is, the fruitful club-shaped cell which supports the
naked spores, (2) the cystidium or sterile cell, an aborted or atrophied
basidium, and (3) the paraphyses, hypertrophied basidium, the one organ,
the basidium, being the basis of it all, according as it experiences an
arrest of development, as it grows and fructifies, or as it becomes
hypertrophied.

In the family Ascomycetes a minute ascus or spore case envelops the
sporidia, and takes the place of the basidium, and the hymenium consists
of (1) the asci containing the sporidia, (2) the paraphyses, and (3) a
colorless or yellowish mucilage which envelops the paraphyses and asci.
The asci are present in all species. In some species, however, the
paraphyses are rare, and the mucilaginous substance is entirely wanting.
The asci differ in shape and size, according to the species. The
paraphyses, when present, are at first very short, but they rapidly
elongate, and are wholly developed before the appearance of the asci.
They are linear, simple or branched according to the species of plant,
usually containing oily granules. There is some difference of opinion
among mycologists as to the special functions of the paraphyses, some
considering them as abortive asci, and others, like Boudier, as
excitatory organs for the dehiscence of the asci, by which the spores
are liberated.

The family Ascomycetes is rich in genera and species.

It consists largely of microscopic fungi, however, and the only group
which will be considered here is that which includes plants of the
mushroom family which are edible and indigenous to this country, viz.,
the sub-family Discomycetes.

DISCOMYCETES.

The name Discomycetes, "disk-like fungi," does not give an accurate idea
of the distinguishing characteristics of this sub-family, the discoid
form only belonging to the plants of one of its groups. In the
Discomyceteae the hymenium is superior, that is, disposed upon the upper
or exterior surface of the mushroom cap. The sporidia are produced in
membraneous asci, usually four or eight, or some multiple of that
number, in each ascus; Cooke says "rarely four, most commonly eight."
The sporidia are usually hyaline, transparent; colored sporidia are
rare.

The asci are so minute as to be imperceptible to the naked eye; but if a
small portion of the upper surface of the cap is removed with a pen
knife and placed under