Young plant globose. Exoperidium subhygroscopic, cut about half way to 8 to 12 segments, partly reflexed but tips of segments drying incurved. Mycelial layer thin, usually adnate, with adhering sand. Fleshy layer drying thin, adnate. Inner peridium subpedicellate, in reality almost sessile but the outer peridium drawing away from it. Mouth flattened conical (or when old conical) seated on a depressed area, regularly sulcate-striate. Color of spore mass blacker than in most Geasters. Threads abont thickness of spores. Spores globose, rough, apiculate, 4-5 mc.
     This little plant is unique as to its mouth (well shown in our figures) from all other species. Morgan refers it to G. umbilicatus of Fries, and if we draw our conclusions only from what is published we should so refer it. Both Patouillard and Bresadola however, say "not umbilicatus" (*) and they are in better position to know than we are.
This plant was well described and figured by W. G. Smith (in Gard. Chron. 1873, p. 469) under the erroneous name of G. striatus. The figures have the mouth more protruding than our cut, but that is a condition of age. His figures show the same depressed area characteristic of the plant. He states "the striae of the mouth are so matchlessly perfect and beautiful that no art can do them justice." We believe however, our figure will give a good idea of them.
     Being unable to call this plant umbilicatus (as did Morgan) or striatus (as did Smith) we have named it in honor of Worthington G. Smith, who has done better work with Geasters of England. than any other mycologist.

Specimens in our Collection.

Florida, Mrs. Delia Sams.

(*) "Not umbilicatus but a species uuknown to me perhaps new."-Bresadola.
"Geaster umbilicalus of modern authors, but I am not certain that it is that species of Fries, and in any case it is not that of Montagne, neither of Leveille"-Patouillard.