s;:''
' J The commencement of this fungus probably resembles that
of many other species, for we are unacquainted with the early
state of a great number. The filaments which form the web
alluded to in the description, are finer than those of a spider,
aud have not only the general appearance, but also the creeping
habit of a Conferva; and a specimen gathered in this stage
of growth, might, by a good botanist, be pronounced to belong
to that genus of Alg®. In the subsequent development, no
great change seems to take place in the elementary organisation
; tbe mass of filaments becomes denser towards the centre,
and the first evidence of the formation of pores is observed in a
few shallow pits or cavities, which gradually assume a more determinate
form, till at length they compose almost the entire
plant. The oldest plants, however, when slightly macerated
in water, may be reduced to their original filaments, being,
how'ever, of a darker colour, and more brittle texture. Under
a high microscopical power, they are obviously jointed.
Fig. 1. P d . ferruginosus in its young state. Fig. 2. Mature plants. Fig. 3. A
.section o f the pileus. Fig. 4. A small portion magnified. Fig. 5. Filaments
which fo rm the entire substance o f the plant. Fig. 6. Sporules. Figs. 5.
and 6. also magnified.
If
I# ii
1b
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