MICRO-FUNGI: WHEN AND WHERE TO FIND THEM


by

Thomas Brittain


1882


Plate II




I think it is desirable I should notice, for the information of the reader, that the representation of spores must be accepted as an approximation to their common appearance, for it will be found in numerous cases that they vary considerably in form and magnitude; also that with the spores for which he may be in search, as for example say Puccinia Vincae, he will probably find numerous Ureda spores, Trichobasis Vincae, mixed up with them on the same plant, Vinca major. This characteristic of the fruit of micro-fungi prevails extensively, and if borne in mind by the student in his microscopic investigations, will aid him in arriving at correct conclusions.

Figure I represents the general appearance of Puccinia graminis, Corn Mildew, and it is not difficult to meet with on the culms or leaves of corn or grass. Straw of the farmyard may frequently be found infested with it. The writer has obtained his best specimens from such straw.
Figure II Puccinia Glechomatis, Ground-Ivy brand. It is to be found on various species of veronica.
Figure III Puccinia coronata, Coronated Mildew, or crowned puccinia. It may be met with on various grasses. The student, in his examination of this fungus, must not expect all the spores to be crowned as represented in the engraving, for frequently, amongst a large mass of the spores, only a few will thus be decorated.
Figure IV Puccinia Anemones, Anemone Brand. Plentiful in the season on the common wood anemone. It is remarkable for being dotted over with minute protuberances. The two cells are nearly round.
Figure V Triphragmium ulmariae, Meadow Sweet Brand. This interesting compound fungus is developed upon the well-known meadow sweet, Spirea ulmaria, in autumn.
Figure VI Phragmidium bulbosum, Bramble Brand. The spores grow upon the leaves of the bramble in tufts, and are usually four-septate.
Figure VII Phragmidium gracile, Raspberry Brand. Grows in small tufts chiefly upon the leaves of the wild raspberry, and occasionally on the cultivated plant.
Figure VIII Zenodochus carbonarius, Burnet Chain Brand. Composed of a string of articulations of about ten or twelve in number, occasionally several more. In certain districts it is annually met with in plenty on the larger Burnet Sanquisorba officinalis.
Figure IX Trichobasis rubigo-vera, Corn Rust,, in its young condition; afterward the small stalk or peduncle becomes detached.
Figure X Uromyces alliorum, Garlic Rust. The peduncle is of considerable length, and this is a general characteristic of the various species of the Uromyces
Figure XI Chaetomium elatum, Straw Brittle Mould. Very common on rotting straw.
Figure XII Ascus of Nectria pulicaris, Blackish Nectria. The central figure represents the organism in its perfect condition, with its eight spores fully developed.



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