| # MICRO-FUNGI: WHEN AND WHERE TO FIND THEM by ## Thomas Brittain 1882

## OCTOBER DURING this month, and onwards during the year, the Nidulariacei may be found, and are well worth the looking for. They are not leaf-fungi of which I have hitherto spoken, but one species, Thelobolus terrestris may be found upon fir leaves. The dying or dead stems of ferns, especially of Pteris aquilina, are the habitats of many of them ; others may be found on dead twigs lying on the ground, or in other similar situations. Many of them are in appearance like small birds' nests, hence the name of Nidulariacei In one species, Crucibulum vulgare, there are from four to six of these egg-like bodies on an average in each nest about the size of a moderate-sized pin's head. If one of these egg-like bodies be softened in water and broken up, it will be found to contain thousands of oval transparent spores. Although I have bestowed much trouble in looking for these curious plants, I have only met with a few of them. Cyathus vernicosus I found at Broughton-in-Furness in August, 1875; and Sphaerobolus stellatus in October of the same year at Marple. It will be observed that the fungi referred to are comparatively large, and may be readily recognised if the student is fortunate enough to meet with them. Some of them will measure from quarter of an inch to half an inch or more in diameter. There are many species of Ascobolus, which belong to the Elvellacei, now to be met with, and they are easily recognised. Numerous of them are of a bright orange or yellow colour, and grow upon cow-dung. They may be found in almost every pasture where cows feed. The fruit of the Ascobolus, when well mounted, forms one of the most beautiful of microscopic objects. The spores are in countless numbers of pod-like cases called asci, and are very transparent. They should be mounted in jelly or fluid. After many trials, I have been compelled to give up Canada balsam as a medium for these objects. Besides the above so easily found there are numerous other species which require carefully looking for; some are black, some green, and others of various shades. A many of them are very small. By far the larger number of the species are to be found upon the dung of animals, the cow, horse, rabbit, sheep, and others furnish numerous species. Some have been found upon leather and old rags, but I must not occupy the space necessary for a fuller account of these interesting fungi. I will only add that they may be found anywhere in the proper season. Some of the species may be met with all the year round. At the present time cow-dung is the favourite nidus upon which several species grow in great abundance. Some of the Myxogastres (a most interesting family, and a great puzzle to the science student) come to the front about this time, while others of them are over, and will not appear again until spring. Physarum album is a very interesting member of the family. Damp shady places, especially woods, should be explored in search of it. It may be found on various substances. My most pleasing specimen I found on leaves of ground ivy in October of last year. Other species may be found on dead branches of trees lying on the ground or on rotten wood. Various species of Arcyria (they also belong to the Myxogastres) may now be met with on rotten wood, or on moss in damp places. They are exceedingly beautiful microscopic objects, and are comparatively common. The Arcyria punicea, the common name of which is "Splendid Arcyria," does truly merit that name. It is of a rich red colour, aboat the size of a large pin's head. and clusters of the fungus are usually found together. There are other members of the family that will be met with by the diligent student, but I name this one specially, as it is of all of them the most easily found in consequence of its bright colour. The Trichia (also Myxogastres) are now to be met with. They also are found on rotten wood. One of them, Trichia rubiformis, is readily seen by its bright red colour, and is here known commonly as " Reddish Trichia." There are numerous species of the Trichia, almost all on rotten wood. During the month, and indeed during the winter, the forest, where dead sticks are scattered about, and dead stumps, in various conditions of rottenness may be met with, forms a rich hunting ground for the student. Not only are the above rich in minute fungi, but the thousands of leaves spread about under his feet are almost all more or loss covered with minute cryptogams. I have rambled miles among such scenes of dead vegetation, where I have found an infinity of life springing up from the ashes of the dead. Organisms, wonderful in their structure, rich in colour, and when seen under the lens of a good microscope, as beautiful as the loved flowers of the spring. The admirer of the common wild flowers finds his special botanical enjoyment gone as winter approaches, but it is not so with the microscopist; for him nature provides a perpetual feast. No frost or storm can deprive him of his plants The enjoyment when he meets with them is untold, and in due time they are placed in his cabinet, and become things of beauty for ever. I have once met with Xenodochus carbonarius as late as October, as also various members of the same genus; indeed, there are a goodly number of leaf-fungi still to be found. Rust, Smut, Mildew & Mould - M.C.Cooke - Plate 3 Fig. 29 Sheltered warm corners amongst rocks are likely places to find late specimens of micro-fungi; indeed, the thoughtful student will not overlook such promising localities. I abstain from giving a technical description of the fungi I have referred to, as I believe the small space I can occupy is better employed in indicating to the student what to look for, and the most likely places to find what he wants. Structure is best understood by personal examination with a microscope. I will close this paper by a reference to the Diachaea. The one species - for there is but oneùbelongs to the Myxogastres, and may be found when the special conditions exist all the year round. It is not so common as the other fungi I have spoken of. It grows in small tufts aggregated, and about the size of the Arcyria, but there is no beauty of colour to attract the eye, for it is perfectly black. The structure of the fungus is very beautiful, and very similar to the structure of the Arcyria. I have found this fungus but once, and that was some years ago, in a cucumber frame, upon a bit of very rotten wood. The fungus, I am inclined to think, is not very rare, but its blackness and small size prevent its being seen. Pages from The Northern Microscopist No. 10 October 1881

Return to index
Go to November