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SUMMARY 1. Disciseda cervina is semi-hypogeal in the earlier stages but becomes completely hypogeal by developing a mycelial layer round it. 2. The sporophore is attached by a well developed mycelial cord of complex structure. 3. The development is of the lacunar type. 4. The peridium consists of three layers: mycelial layer, pseudo-parenchymatous layer and the endoperidium. 5. The mycelial layer forms around the entire fruit-body a sandy case which crumbles down when the plant is exposed by wind. The sandy case persists as an apical disc and helps in inverting the plant. 6. The mouth is formed at the base by the gelatinization of the basal part of the mycelial cord penetrating the exoperidium and the endoperidium. When the top-heavy plant becomes inverted the mouth assumes an apical position. 7. The structure of the gleba and the origin of the capillitium is of the same type as described for other members of the family. 8. The hypogeous habit has been secondarily acquired under changed environmental conditions. 9. The genus Disciseda is a highly specialized member of the family Lycoperdaceae. The writer is deeply indebted to Dr. Nazir Ahmad and Sher Ahmad Khan Lodhi for aid in the preparation of the manuscript and to Dr. Donald P. Rogers for reading the typescript.
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