. Introduction to the study of fungi; their organography, classification, and distribution, for the use of collectors. Fungi. 190 INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF FUNGI Truffle, as a substitute for the genuine article (Fig. 78). Many of the species possess a strong penetrating odour, which may be useful in guiding animals where to search for them, but can scarcely be protective. From their habit they are very diffi- cult to find, and hence are regarded as more uncommon than they probably are. They seem to prefer a sandy soil, and are to be sought near the roots of trees. Altogether not more than s
. Introduction to the study of fungi; their organography, classification, and distribution, for the use of collectors. Fungi. 190 INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF FUNGI Truffle, as a substitute for the genuine article (Fig. 78). Many of the species possess a strong penetrating odour, which may be useful in guiding animals where to search for them, but can scarcely be protective. From their habit they are very diffi- cult to find, and hence are regarded as more uncommon than they probably are. They seem to prefer a sandy soil, and are to be sought near the roots of trees. Altogether not more than seventy-five species are known, of which no less than sixty are European. A very few occur in Australia, about fifteen in America, one or two in Africa, and about three in Asia, so that it is pre-eminently a FlGito^°n °J European group. Whether we regard them as degenerate Truffles or sub- terranean puff-balls, they appear to be the link which unites the Basidiomycetes to the Aseomycetes, by means of the Tuberacei or genuine Truffles. In old age, when the asci are dissolved, it is difficult to distinguish the species of Elaphomyces from the Hypogaei. In their earlier stage it is nob difficult to determine the character of the fructification. Then the walls of the in- ternal cavities are lined with basidia or elongated cells, crowned at the apex with two or four little spicules or sterigmata, at the tips of which the spores are produced. When mature the spores fall away, and he free in the cavities. From the number of spores that these cavities contain, the Eev. M. J. Berkeley was led to infer that spores were produced consecu- tively ; but there is no substantial evidence to support this view, and no analogy in any other group of Basidiomycetes, so that we fear the theory is untenable. Of the germination of the spores, the production of mycelium, and gradual development of the young plant, we are not aware that anything positive is known; and the Fungi themselves being of no e
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