3. Trichia iowensis Macbr.

[Plate III]., Figs. 3, 3 a, 3 b; [Plate X]., Fig. 5.

Sporangia sessile, gregarious, spherical or reniform, with no hypothallus, purple brown; spores and spore-mass yellow; elaters with three or four spiral bands unevenly distributed, and with occasional inflations, sparingly branched, spinulose, especially where inflated, spinules long, 3–6 µ, recurved, often bifid or trifid, especially at or near the acuminate tip; spores delicately warted, 9–11 µ.

This species occurs not rarely and is found on the bark of Populus, so far, exclusively. The sporangia are inconspicuous until opening by fissure they display the yellow spores and capillitial threads. The species is immediately recognized by its elaters, whose numerous and lengthened spinules are unlike those of any cognate form, reminding one of the capillitium of Ophiotheca. Related to the two preceding, but distinct by its spinulose capillitium.

Iowa, Missouri; Black Hills, South Dakota.

Trichia andersoni Rex carefully described by Morgan, Myx. Mi. Val., p. 38, belongs with this first group, four small species, the inconspicuous. To the present writer in each the structure seems distinct. In the herbarium a small bit of Anderson's material has rested long; but it must not be lost to sight. The species is sure to be taken again in the cool mountains, somewhere abundant; as these stretch from Alberta to far Alaska. The capillitium is very even the taeniae closely wound, the elater-ends often furcate.

4. Trichia varia (Pers.) Rost.

[Plate IV.], Figs. 3, 3 a, 3 b.