ly, observations tending to elucidate species can only be occasionally
introduced. ■ i
In the early state, the sporangium of Physarum is quite pulpy,
and has been compared by L in k to a hcny. When mature, the
peridium in almost every instance is scurfy or furfuraceous, and
hursts in such a manner that the greater portion of it splits into
small pieces, which separate and fall away: this effect seems to
he produced by the elastic action of the filaments within the
peridium, which remain attached to the base, and contain the
intermingled mass of sporules. , , i •
The genus Cionium differs from Physarum only by being
furnished with a columella.
Fig. 1 . P lm . aureum, nat. size. Fig. 2. Ditto, magnified. Figs. 3^ & 4. The
^arne, showing the progress o f deMseence. Fig. 5. Sporules and fdaments.
.—All except Fig. 1. more or less magmf ed.
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