ORDER 4. PHALLOIDS, THE STINK HORN FUNGI.

We come now to the fourth and last order of the Stomach fungi
(Gasteromycetes) that we shall mention. In spite of their appellation
these fungi are strikingly beautiful, but their odor is most offensive.
They grow in woods, and are also found in cellars. Their history has
been carefully investigated by mycologists, and the novice will find
many beautiful illustrations in various works. In their early stage they
are enclosed in an egg-shaped veil (volva), having a gelatinous inner
layer. Some are bright-colored, others are pure white, and the stems of
one species look as if covered with lace work. The most familiar one,
Phallus impudicus, “the fetid wood witch,” we have placed in the list of
fungi at the end of this book, with its description.


CLASS II. ASCOMYCETES, OR SPORE SAC FUNGI.

This is the second division of the Basidia-bearing fungi. It includes
all the fungi that have the spores enveloped in delicate sacs called
asci. It is divided into several orders, but we will only mention the
one which contains the most familiar plants. This order is named the
Disc-like fungi (Discomycetes). In this the spore-bearing surface is on
the upper or outside surface of the mushroom cap. It is divided into
many genera, of which we shall mention three--the Cup fungi, or Pezizas,
the Morels or Morchellas, and the Yellowish fungi or Helvellas.

+PEZIZAS = the Cup fungi.+

These form a very large group, mostly growing on decaying plants. They