38 COLLECTING AND STUDY OF THE MINUTE FUNGI OF ESSEX.
distinct circulatory motion or cyclosis of the granular plasma, sometimes in a
single and sometimes in contrary directions, is exhibited within the deeper sub-
stance of the plasmodium. This phenomena of cyclosis is most readily observed
in those forms, like Didymium serpula, in which the plasmodium assumes a
reticulate, or much ramified, mycelium-like outline, the motile currents of sarcode
under such conditions closely corresponding with those common to the
pseudopodic reticulations and ramifications of the Foraminifera and Labyrin-
thulina. Following upon the plasmodium state, the highly characteristic so-called
vegetable phase is now arrived at. In this condition animal vitality is apparently
entirely suspended, the aspect being usually that of a minute gasteromycetous
fungus mostly stalked, and with a sphoeroidal, ovate, or urn-shaped capitulum, or
sporangium. The outer wall of this capitulum is more or less coriaceous, and is
found interiorly to be densely packed with spore-like bodies, mostly held together
by a dense network of delicate anastomosing fibres of a horn-like consistence. By
the dehiscence of a cup-like lid, or the disintegration of the walls of the sporan-
gium, the contained spores are eventually liberated and repeat the metamorphoses
just described. It is from the external likeness, to certain fungi, of the quiescent
sporangia of the Myxomycetes, as developed from the plasmodium, that the argu-
ments in favour of the vegetable nature of these singular organisms have been
chiefly based."
This description of the life-history may be permitted to pass un-
challenged, except in so far as the inferences are concerned, and we
do not concur in the assumption that "their purely animal nature is
established beyond question." We admit that the phases are
remarkable amongst fungi, but then the later stages would make
quite as remarkable an appearance amongst the sponges, to which
they are sought to be affiliated.
From personal experience we are unable to give practical hints
on the cultivation of the Myxomycetes. Specimens collected im-
mature may be placed under a bell glass, or inverted tumblers, and
kept in a moist atmosphere until fully developed.
Having detailed the method of working two groups of moderate
dimensions, which may be studied by themselves, our promise appears
to have been redeemed, and all that remains now to be done is to
leave the subject to the careful consideration of members of the Club,
with the hope that some practical steps will be taken in this direction.
The investigation need not by any means be confined to the male
members, especially as regards the first group, which entails no physi-
cal exertion save walking, no vasculum save an old book, and nothing
need soil the fingers, for the collection may be made in kid gloves.
Whether any organization is to be attempted must rest with the
Club. If names are to be sought or sent in, or other details pro-
posed, it seems advisable that individuals should be left entirely free,
to work as they please, and when they please. Perhaps with the sole