The genus Merulius has a fruiting surface of irregular folds or wrinkles, forming shallow, irregular pits instead of a deeply honeycombed surface. Merulius lacrymans ( Jacq.) Fr., the "weeping" merulius, or "house fungus," often occurs in damp cellars, buildings, conduit pipes, etc. It is very destructive to buildings in certain parts of Europe (see Figs. 189, 190). Merulius tremellosus Schrad., is very common in woods during autumn. It is of a gelatinous consistency, and spread on the under surface of limbs or forms irregular shelves from the side (see Figs. 191, 192).

Plate 73

Merulius lacrymans. Figure 189. - Upper plant in conduit pipe leading from wash room, Gymnasium C. U., Autumn, 1899. Figure 190. - Lower plant from under surface decaying hemlock spruce log in woods near Freeville, N. Y., October, 1899. Margin of plants white, fruiting surface a network of irregular folds, golden brown, or brown. Copyright.

Plate 74

Merulius tremellosus. Figure 191. - Natural size.

Figure 192

Enlarged to show character of fruiting surface. Fruiting surface yellowish; margin and upper surface in shelving forms, while, hairy. Copyright.

Plate 75, Figure 193

Phlebia merismoides. On rotting log, woods near Ithaca, November 23, 1898 (No. 2634 C. U. herbarium). Various shades of orange, yellow or yellow brown when old. Copyright.

Plate 76, Figure 194

Phlebia merismoides. Portion' of a plant 2 1/2 times natural size, to show interrupted folds of fruiting surface. For colors see Fig. 193. Copyright.