idly took place in
many of the cells. In few instances did any development take place,
beyond the formation of networks of mycelium, or masses of toruloid
cells, but, in one or two, distinct sporules were developed on the
filaments arising from some of the larger septate spores; and in a few
others, _Penicillium_ and _Aspergillus_ produced their characteristic
heads of fructification. With regard to the precise nature of the
spores, and other cells present in various instances, little can be
said, as, unless their development were to be carefully followed out
through all its stages, it is impossible to refer them to their
correct species or even genera. The greater number of them are
apparently referable to the old orders of fungi, _Sphaeronemei_,
_Melanconei_, _Torulacei_, _Dematiei_ and _Mucedines_, while some
probably belonged to the _Pucciniaei_ and _Caeomacei_.

Hence it is demonstrated that a large number of the spores of fungi
are constantly present in the atmosphere, which is confirmed by
the fact that whenever a suitable pabulum is exposed it is taken
possession of by floating spores, and soon converted into a forest
of fungoid vegetation. It is admitted that the spores of such
common moulds as _Aspergillus_ and _Penicillium_ are so widely
diffused, that it is almost impossible to exclude them from closed
vessels, or the most carefully guarded preparations. Special
contrivances for the dispersion of the spores in the different groups
follow a few general types, and it is only rarely that we meet with
any method that is confined only to a species or genus. Some of
the more significant forms of spores may be illustrated, with their
modes of dissemination.

BASIDIOSPORES is a term which we may employ here to designate all
spores borne at the tips of such supports as are found in the
_Hymenomycetes_ and _Gasteromycetes_, to which the name of basidia has
been given. In fact, under this section we may include all the spores
of those two orders, although we may be ignorant of the precise mode
in which the fruit of most of the _Myxogastres_ is developed. Guarding
ourselves at the outset against any misinterpretation as to the use of
this term, which, in fact, we employ simply to designate the fruit of
_Hymenomycetes_, we may have excuse in our desire to limit special
terms as much as possible. In the _Agaricini_ the spores are
plentiful, and are distributed over the hymenium or gill plates, the
surface of which is s