gin, while the remainder constantly following, keep the passage open.
Sometimes the sporidia force an opening on both the upper and under
surface of the perithecium.
Of the genus Ceuthospora, proposed in the Systema Orbis
Vegetahilis, F r i e s has remarked, that an analysis of many of
the species is still required, in order to furnish a satisfactory
character. I have endeavoured in part to supply this desideratum,
by the description of the present and the following
plants, both of which I believe must be considered species of
Ceuthospora.
The plant now figured has perplexed many botanists. D e
C a n d o l l e described it as a Xyloma, and S c h m i d t , from its
habit, as a Phacidium; but it has no real asci. In a careful
analysis of perfect specimens, the internal structure is sufficiently
evident, and has been partly illustrated by M M . N e e s ,
and F. N e e s v o n E s e n b e c k . The main substance of the
perithecium is solid and homogeneous, like that of a Sclero-
tium; but towards the centre are 3-5 ovate, distinct masses or
nuclei, of a darker colour, which may be removed from the perithecium.
I f one of these masses be moistened, the sporidia,
mixed with a mucilaginous fluid, are propelled in streams, as it
were by some internal force. Sclerotium inclusum, S c h m i d t
and K u n z e , and Sphceria phceocomes, K e b . {Cryptosph. ca-
pillata, G r e v . ) belong to this genus. The latter, I regret to
find, I have figured in a young state, before the black nucleus
was visible.
Fig. 1. Ceuthospora phacidioides, natural size. Fig. 2. Two perithecia, one o f
them dehiscent^ and exhibiting two rounded orifices formed by the Jlowing of
the sporidia. Fig. S. A perithecium dividedy shewing the internal nuclei be~
ginning to dissolve into sporidia. Fig. 4. One o f the nuclei propelling the
sporidia in streams, as takes place on the applicatiofi o f moisture; magnified.
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