Chapter V: Part 5

=T. albel´lum= Fr.—_albus_, white. =Pileus= about 3 in. broad, becoming pale-white, passing into gray when dry, fleshy, thick at the disk, thinner at the sides, _conical then convex_, gibbous when expanded, when in vigor moist on the surface, _spotted (mottled) as with scales_, the thin margin naked. =Flesh= soft, floccose, white, unchangeable. =Stem= curt, 1½-2 in. long, 1 in. thick at the base, reaching ½ in. toward the apex, _solid_, fleshy-compact, ovato-bulbous (conical to the middle, cylindrical above the middle), fibrillose-striate, white. =Gills= very much _attenuated behind, not_ emarginate, _becoming broad in front_, very crowded, quite entire, white. _Fries._

=Spores= elliptical, 6–7×4µ _Massee_; ovoid, 3µ _W.G.S._; ovoid, 3µ _Cooke_.

=Pileus= not becoming yellow. =Odor= weak when fresh, taste pleasant, almost that of cooked flesh. There are two forms: one larger, solitary, another smaller, connato-cespitose, quite as in A. albellus Sow. It is often confounded with smaller forms of A. gambosus. _Stevenson._

North Carolina, _Curtis_. Damp woods. Edible.

VI.—SPONGIO´SA. Pileus compact then spongy, smooth, moist.

* _Gills not discolored._

=T. vires´cens= Pk.—_viresco_, to grow green. =Pileus= convex or nearly plane, sometimes centrally depressed, moist, bare, _dingy-green_, the margin sometimes wavy or lobed. =Gills= close, gradually narrowed toward the outer extremity, rounded or slightly emarginate at the inner, white. =Stem= subequal, _stuffed or hollow_, thick but brittle, whitish, sometimes tinged with green. =Spores= broadly elliptical, 5×4µ.

=Pileus= 3–5 in. broad. =Stem= 3–4 in. long, 6–12 lines thick.

Thin woods. Essex county. July.

The dull smoky-green hue of the pileus is the distinguishing feature of this species. _Peck_, 44th Rep. N.Y. State Bot.

Quite common in West Virginia, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. July to October. _McIlvaine._

Edible. Tastes somewhat like many Russulæ, when cooked. Flavor good.

=T. fumidel´lum= Pk.—smoky. =Pileus= convex, then expanded, subumbonate, bare, moist, _dingy-white or clay-color clouded with brown_, the disk or umbo generally smoky-brown. =Gills= crowded, subventricose, whitish. =Stem= equal, bare, solid, whitish. =Spores= minute, subglobose, 4.5×4µ.

=Pileus= 1–2 in. broad. =Stem= 1.5–2.5 in. long, 2–3 lines thick.

Woods. Albany county and Catskill mountains. September and October.

The stem splits easily and the pileus becomes paler in drying. It sometimes becomes cracked in areas. _Peck_, 44th Rep. N.Y. State Bot.

On ground. Mt. Gretna. October and November. 1897. _McIlvaine._

The species was plentiful among the leaf mold, growing from the ground in mixed woods.

The caps are delicate in substance and flavor.

=T. leucoceph´alum= Fr. _Gr._—white; head. =Pileus= 1½-2 in. across, convex then plane, even, moist, smooth, but when young covered with a satiny down; water-soaked after rain. =Flesh= thin, tough, white. =Gills= rounded behind and almost free, white. =Stem= up to 2 in. long, ¼ in. thick, exterior hard, shining, fibrous; interior hollow but solid at base which is attenuated and rooting, twisted. =Smell= strong of new meal. Taste pleasant.

=Spores= 9–10×7–8µ.

Mt. Gretna, Pa. Grassy woods and borders. October to November, 1898. _McIlvaine._

Quite common. The caps are excellent.

=T. al´bum= Schaeff.—_albus_, white. =Pileus= fleshy, tough, convex, becoming plane or depressed, obtuse, very dry, even, _glabrous, white_, sometimes yellowish on the disk, rarely wholly yellowish, the margin at first involute. =Flesh= white, taste _acrid or bitter_. =Gills= emarginate, somewhat crowded, distinct, white. =Stem= solid, elastic, equal or tapering upward, externally fibrous, obsoletely frosted at the apex, white. =Spores= elliptical, 5–6µ, long.

=Pileus= 2–4 in. broad. =Stem= 2–4 in. long, 4–6 lines thick.

Woods. Common. August to October. This species is variable in color and in size, being sometimes robust, sometimes slender. It grows singly, in troops or in tufts. It has no decided odor, but a bitter unpleasant taste. _Peck_, 44th Rep. N.Y. State Bot.

Cooked, tender and of fair flavor.

** _Gills becoming discolored._

=T. persona´tum= Fr.—wearing a mask (from its many varieties of colors). (Plate XVIII, p. 60.) =Pileus= compact, becoming soft, thick, convex or plane, obtuse, regular, moist, bare, variable in color, generally pallid or ashy tinged with violet or lilac, the margin at first _involute and frosted with fine hairs_. =Flesh= whitish. =Gills= broad, crowded, rounded behind, free, _violaceous becoming sordid-whitish or dingy-brown_. =Stem= generally thick, subbulbous, solid, fibrillose or frosted with fine hairs, whitish or colored like the pileus. =Spores= dingy white, subelliptical, 8–9×4–5µ. On white paper the spores have a slight salmon tint, but they are regular in shape, not angular as in Entoloma.

=Pileus= 2–5 in. broad. =Stem= 1–3 in. long, 6–12 lines thick. _Peck_, 44th Rep. N.Y. State Bot.

Woods and open places, and growing from old, matted stable straw. Common over the United States.

When T. personatum becomes known to the collector, either in the field or on the table, it is sure to become a favorite. It is fleshy, rotund, stocky, moist and smooth, with a tendency in its cap to be wavy-rimmed and jauntily cocked in wet weather. It grows singly or in troops, occasionally in tufts of from five to six individuals. A patch of it is valuable and worth husbanding with covering of fine straw. Cortinarius violaceus resembles it somewhat in color and shape, but it shows a spidery veil, and has brown spores. It is edible.

The common name of T. personatum in England is Blewits, which translated into understandable English is believed to be “blue-hats.” It is everywhere eaten, being of substantial substance, good flavor and cookable in any way. It is especially fine in patties, stews and croquettes.

=T. nu´dum= Bull.—naked. =Pileus= about 3 in. broad, becoming purple-violaceous then changing color, reddish, fleshy, comparatively _thin_, convexo-plane then _depressed_, obtuse, even, smooth, with a pellicle which is moist and manifest in rainy weather; margin inflexed, thin, naked. =Flesh= thin, pliant, colored. =Stem= about 3 in. long, ½ in. thick, _stuffed, elastic_, equal, _almost naked_, mealy at the apex, _violaceous then becoming pale_. =Gills= rounded then decurrent (on account of the depressed pileus), crowded, narrow, of the same color as the pileus or deeper _violaceous_, but soon changing color, at _length reddish_ without the least tinge of violet. _Stevenson._

=Spores= 7×3.5µ _Massee_; 6–8×4µ _B._; 6×3µ _W.G.S._ On ground among leaves. Esculent, very good and delicate. _Cordier._ Edible. _Roze._ Edible, all American authorities.

VII.—HYGROPH´ANA. Pileus thin, water-soaked, etc.

* _Gills whitish, not spotted._

=T. grammopo´dium= Bull. _Gr._—a line; _Gr._—a foot. =Pileus= 3–6 in. broad, _pallid-livid_ or brownish-red when moist, whitish when dry, fleshy, very thin toward the margin, _campanulate then convex_, and at length flattened, obtusely umbonate, even, smooth, pellicle moist in rainy weather, not viscous, separating, flesh-colored when moist, white when dry, soft, fragile. =Stem= _tall_, about 3–4 in. long, ½ in. and more thick, _solid_, elastic, equal with exception of the _thickened base_, cylindrical, firm, smooth, _evidently longitudinally sulcate, whitish_. =Gills= arcuato-adnate or broadly horizontally emarginate, acute at both ends, _very crowded, quite entire_, very many shorter, somewhat branched behind, white.

Odor moldy. Striking in appearance; the chief of this group. There is a variety wholly white. In pastures and grassy woods. _Stevenson._

=Spores= 5–6µ _Massee_.

Distinguished by the grooved stem and crowded gills, which are adnate when the pileus is expanded. Often growing in rings.

North Carolina, _Curtis_. Not reported elsewhere. Esculent. _Cooke._ Much eaten in Europe.

=T. bre´vipes= Bull.—_brevis_, short; _pes_, a foot. =Pileus= about 2 in. broad, _umber then becoming pale_, fleshy, _soft, convex then becoming plane_, even, smooth, moist (opaque when dry); flesh of the pileus _becoming brownish_ when moist, becoming white when dry. =Stem= _solid_, very _rigid_, at length fibrous, _pruinate at the apex, externally and internally fuscous_; otherwise very variable, sometimes _very short_, 2–3 lines only long and thick, attenuated downward; commonly 1 in., sometimes bulbous, sometimes equal, more slender. =Gills= emarginato-free, _crowded_, ventricose, disappearing short of the margin, quite entire, becoming fuscous then whitish. Solitary. _Inodorous._ The pileus is often stained with soil. _Stevenson._

=Spores= elliptical, 7.5×5µ _Peck_; 7–4µ _Massee_.

Esculent and very delicate. _Paulet._ Esculent. _Cooke._

=T. hu´mile= Pers.—low, small. (Plate XVIII, fig. 6, p. 60.) Very variable in form and color. =Cap= 2–3 in. across, convex then expanded, wavy, flattened, sometimes umbonate, sometimes depressed, glabrous, occasionally powdered with thin white dust, fragments of veil, sometimes viscid. =Color= changes with moisture, blackish, grayish, and having somewhat the appearance of an oyster. =Gills= rounded-adnexed, with a slight tooth, arcuately decurrent, crowded, 2–3 lines broad, whitish. =Flesh= soft, whitish or grayish. =Stem= 1–2 in. long, up to ½ in. thick, equal (misshapen by pressure when tufted), light gray, _covered with fine down_, stuffed, becoming hollow, soft, fragile. Gregarious, usually tufted.

=Spores= 7–8×5–6µ _K._

Open woods, in gardens, among cinders, grass, etc., September to frost.

Woodland Cemetery, Philadelphia, 1897. _McIlvaine._

Its tufted habit and fair size, fleshy cap of good flavor, make it a desirable species. It cooks readily and the caps are of fine flavor.

=T. pæ´didum= Fr.—_pædidus_, nasty. =Pileus= about 1-½ in. across. =Flesh= very thin, tough, becoming whitish; bell-shaped then convex, at length expanded, umbonate, at length depressed round the conical, prominent umbo, moist, virgate or streaked with innate fibrils radiating from the center, otherwise almost even, smoky-mouse color, opaque, margin naked. =Gills= adnexed with a slight decurrent tooth, slightly sinuate, crowded, narrow, white then gray. =Stem= about 1 in. long and 2 lines thick, base slightly bulbous, tough, slightly striate, naked, dingy-gray. =Spores= elliptic-fusiform, 10–11×5–6µ.

In gardens, on dung-hills, etc. Small, tough, color dingy, without a trace of violet tinge. _Massee._

Edible. Cooks tender, and is of good flavor, notwithstanding its name, which in no way applies.

=T. subpulverulen´tum= Pers.—slightly dusty. =Pileus= 1–2½ in. across, convex then plane or depressed in center, even, innately pruinose, hoary, white, whitish, grayish, margin extending as a slight rim incurved beyond gills. =Flesh= white, thick, firm, hygrophanous. =Gills= rounded without a tooth, close, narrow, white. =Stem= 2–3 in. long, 3–5 lines thick, equal, solid, somewhat striate, whitish.

=Spores= 5×3µ _Massee_; 4×3µ _W.G.S._

Biological grounds, University of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia. May to November, 1898. _McIlvaine._

A species one is glad to find. It has a healthy substantial presence full of promise. It is a solitary grower among grass on lawns and pastures, but its individuals are neighborly. Caps and stems are excellent.

Grouped by F.D. Briscoe—Studies by C. McIlvaine. PLATE XXIV.

FIG. PAGE. FIG. PAGE.

1–2–3. CLITOCYBE 108 8. CLITOCYBE AMETHYSTINA, 107
OCHROPURPUREA,

4. CLITOCYBE 108 9. CLITOCYBE ODORA, 90
OCHROPURPUREA
(SECTION),

5. CLITOCYBE MAXIMA, 99 10. CLITOCYBE LACCATA, 107

6. CLITOCYBE MAXIMA 99 11. CLITOCYBE 100
(SECTION), INFUNDIBULIFORMIS,

7. CLITOCYBE NEBULARIS, 85

CLITO´CYBE Fr.

_Gr._—sloping. (From the depression of the pileus.)

=Pileus= generally fleshy, becoming thin toward the margin, flexible or tough, plane or depressed, margin involute. =Gills= adnate or decurrent, never sinuate. =Stem= confluent and homogeneous with flesh of pileus, somewhat elastic, with a spongy stuffing, frequently becoming hollow, externally fibrous. Universal veil when present conspicuous on the pileus like frost or silky dew, but commonly wanting.

Growing on the ground, frequently in groups. The thinner and hygrophanous species appear late in autumn. Some are quite fragrant. Collybia, Mycena and Omphalia are separated by their stems being cartilaginous, not externally fibrous as in Clitocybe. Tricholoma by its sinuate gills.

Variations in species of Clitocybe are great. A few are easily fixed in the genus, but many of them will puzzle the amateur and perplex the expert. The gills are always attached to the stem, and usually run down it. They are not notched next to the stem as in Tricholoma.

Like Tricholoma, Clitocybe has many species, most of which are common, and are probably edible. I therefore give Professor Peck’s description of all Clitocybes thus far submitted to him.

I know of but one species which is injurious to some persons—Clitocybe illudens. Many eat and enjoy it. It does not agree with others. A few untried species are suspicious to a like extent. Clitocybe illudens possesses the property of phosphorescence.

Several species of Clitocybe have not been seen or tested by me, nor have I information that these have been tested.

ANALYSIS OF TRIBES.

_A._ PILEUS FLESHY, OFTEN PALLID WHEN DRY, _not hygrophanous_.

Flesh firm, not watery, nor splitting into plates. Those which turn pale in drying differ from Series _B_ by their silky luster.

DISCIFORMES (disk-shaped). Page 85.

Pileus somewhat equally fleshy; convex then plane or depressed, obtuse, regular; gills at first adnate or regularly adnato-decurrent. Normally solitary.

* Pileus gray or brownish.

** Pileus violet or reddish.

*** Pileus becoming yellowish.

**** Pileus greenish, becoming pale.

***** Pileus white, becoming shining white.

Distinguished from white hygrophanous species and white species of Paxillus.

DIFFORMES (irregularly shaped). Page 94.

Pileus fleshy in the center, thin at the margin, at first umbonate, then expanded and depressed, irregular. Gills unequally decurrent, longer in some places than in others, sometimes rounded on one side of the stem or only reaching it as in Tricholoma. Stem somewhat cartilaginous externally, but fibrous.

Cespitose, often grown together at base, variable in form, sometimes solitary.

INFUNDIBULIFORMES (funnel-shaped). Page 98.

Pileus becoming thin from the fleshy center to the margin, at length funnel-shaped or deeply umbilicately depressed in the center. Stem spongy, externally fibrous. Gills deeply and equally decurrent from the first. Pileus often becoming discolored or pallid, not hygrophanous.

* Pileus colored or becoming pale, the surface (at least under a lens) innately flocculose or silky, bibulous, not moist.

** Pileus colored or pallid, smooth, moist in rainy weather.

*** Pileus shining whitish, with scattered superficial flocci or becoming smooth.

_B._ PILEUS FLESHY-MEMBRANACEOUS.

Flesh thin, soft, watery, hygrophanous.

CYATHIFORMES (cup-shaped). Page 104.

Flesh of pileus thin, consisting of two separable plates, disk not compact, hygrophanous, depressed then cup-shaped; gills at first adnate then decurrent, descending, straight. Color dingy when moist.

ORBIFORMES (round-shaped). Page 109.

Pileus somewhat fleshy, hygrophanous, convex then flattened or depressed, polished, not squamulose nor mealy; gills plane, horizontal, thin, crowded, adnate or decurrent with a small tooth. Color dingy or becoming watery pale.

* Gills becoming ash-colored. Pileus at first dark.

** Gills whitish. Pileus becoming pale.

VERSIFORMES (variable in shape). Page 106.

Pileus thin, convex then deformed, tough, more or less squamulose or furfuraceous; gills adnate, broad, rather thick, generally distant. Color hygrophanous.

* Pileus squalid or brownish with dark squamules. None known to be edible.

** Pileus bright, of one color.

_Series A._

I.—DISCIFOR´MES.

* _Pileus gray or brownish._

=C. nebula´ris= Batsch.—_nebula_, a cloud. (Plate XXIV, fig. 7, p. 82.) The Clouded clitocybe, Clitocybe nebularis, takes its name from the clouded-gray appearance of its thick cap, which is at first convex, but when mature, either flat or a little depressed. Its flesh is white, thickest in the middle, and in a vertical section is seen to taper rapidly downward into the stem. The gills are close together and rather narrow for the size of the plant. They are white or yellowish-white. The stout solid stem usually tapers upward from the base and is whitish.

The cap is two to four inches or more broad, the stem one to two inches long and about half an inch thick. The Clouded mushroom grows in woods, and sometimes forms large tufts or clusters among fallen leaves. It is found in autumn, but is not very common in this country. Authors differ in their estimate of the edible qualities of this mushroom, but the more recent ones generally agree in classing it as edible. “Mushrooms and Their Use,” _C.H. Peck_.

=Spores= 4.5×3µ _Cooke_; elliptical 6×3.5µ _Massee_; 3×4µ _W.G.S._

There has been great diversity of opinion as to the edibility of this species on the continent. Cordier and a friend suffered from it. Paulet counseled mistrust.

This fungus is quite common in the West Virginia mountains and in some parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where I have found it. It is, however, limited to localities. It is one of my favorites, being of marked flavor and agreeable consistency. I have not known it to harm anyone.

(Plate XXV.)

CLITOCYBE CLAVIPES.
About two-thirds natural size.
]

=C. cla´vipes= Pers.—_clava_, a club; _pes_, a foot. =Pileus= 1½-2½ in. across, rather convex at first, soon plane, at length almost obconical, very obtuse, even, glabrous, dry, sometimes all one color, brown, sooty, livid-gray, etc., sometimes whitish towards the margin, very rarely entirely white. =Flesh= loose in texture, white, thin at the margin. =Gills= deeply decurrent, continued down the stem as straight lines, rather distant, flaccid, quite entire, broad, entirely and persistently white. =Stem= 2 in. long, base ½ in. and more thick, conically attenuated upward, rather fibrillose, livid, sooty, solid, spongy within. =Spores= elliptical, 6–7×4µ.

In woods, especially pine. Resembling C. nebularis in color, but quite distinct. Smell pleasant, entire substance soft and elastic. _Fries._

=Spores= elliptical, 6–7×4µ _Massee_; sub-ellipsoid, 5–7×3–4µ _K._; 6×8µ _W.G.S._

Found in pine woods of New Jersey, and under spruce in West Virginia. Its substance is spongy, therefore does not stew well. Cooked in any other way it is delicate and of excellent flavor.

=C. gangræno´sa= Fr.—_gangræna_, gangrene. =Pileus= fleshy, convex then plane, obtuse, whitish, at first sprinkled with white powder, then naked, variegated, streaked. =Gills= slightly decurrent, arcuate, crowded, dingy-white. =Stem= somewhat bulbous, soft, striate, spongy, solid.

Stinking; large, flesh becoming blackish and variegated with black. Stem curved, sometimes excentric. Pileus whitish, here and there greenish, livid, etc. _Fries._

Var. _nigres´cens_ Lasch. Whitish; pileus thin, soft, at first convex, obtuse then plane, somewhat umbonate, and somewhat depressed; gills decurrent, very much crowded, narrow, stem solid, downy.

=Pileus= 2–3 in. broad. =Stem= 1¼-1½ in. long, 2–3 lines thick.

Odor rather sweet, taste unpleasant. _Cooke._

New Jersey, Haddonfield, pine woods. July to August. _McIlvaine._

This Clitocybe is in every way unattractive. It is not poisonous, but no one would care to eat it.

(Plate XXVI.)

CLITOCYBE MEDIA.
One-half natural size.
]

=C. me´dia= Pk.—_medius_, middle. Because intermediate between C. nebularis and C. clavipes. =Pileus= fleshy, convex, becoming plane or slightly depressed, dry, dark grayish-brown, the margin often wavy or irregular, flesh white, taste mild. =Gills= broad, subdistant, adnate or decurrent, whitish, the interspaces somewhat venose. =Stem= equal or but slightly thickened at the base, solid, elastic, not polished, colored like or a little paler than the pileus. =Spores= elliptical, 8×5µ.

=Pileus= 2–4 in. broad. =Stem= 1–2 in. long, 4–8 lines thick. Mossy ground in deep woods. North Elba. September.

This species is intermediate between C. nebularis and C. clavipes. In its general appearance, and in the character of the pileus and stem, it resembles C. nebularis, but in the character of the more distant gills and in the size of the spores it is nearer C. clavipes, of which it might perhaps be regarded as a variety. Two forms are distinguishable. In one the gills are more distant, slightly rounded behind, and adnate or abruptly terminated; in the other they are closer and more distinctly decurrent. The plant is edible. _Peck_, 42d Rep. N.Y. State Bot.

I have known this fungus very favorably since 1883, and regard it as one of the best. I have seen it in the West Virginia mountains only, but it will probably be found in cool, shaded, high localities all over the country. Both it and the C. nebularis are well worthy of search.

=C. viles´cens= Pk.—_vilesco_, of little value. =Pileus= convex, then plane or depressed, often irregular, glabrous, slightly pruinose on the involute margin, brown or grayish-brown, becoming paler with age, often concentrically rivulose. =Gills= close, adnate or decurrent, cinereous, sometimes tinged with dingy-yellow. =Stem= short, solid, sometimes compressed, grayish-brown, with a whitish tomentum at the base. =Spores= subglobose or broadly elliptical, 5–6.5µ; flesh whitish-gray, odor slight.

=Plant= gregarious, 1–2 in. high. =Pileus= 1–1.5 in. broad. =Stem= 1–2 lines thick. Grassy pastures. Jamesville, August. _Peck_, 33d Rep. N.Y. State Bot.

A pale form of this species grows on sandy soil, in which the pileus is smoky white, but it becomes grayish-brown in drying. The mycelium binds together a mass of sand, so that when the plant is taken up carefully a little ball of sandy soil adheres to the base of the stem. The stem is sometimes pruinose. The flavor is mild and agreeable. _Peck_, 50th Rep. N.Y. State Bot.

Sometimes plentiful about Philadelphia. Edible. Caps tender, slight flavor.

=C. comitia´lis= Fr.—belonging to an assembly. =Pileus= about 1½ in. across, fleshy, convex, then plane, obtuse, even, glabrous, rather moist but not hygrophanous, every part colored alike, sooty-umber, almost black. =Flesh= firm, white. =Gills= very slightly decurrent, horizontal, plane, thin, crowded, white. =Stem= 2–3 in. long, 3–4 lines thick, equally attenuated upward from the base, glabrous, sooty, elastic, stuffed. =Spores= elliptical, 7–8×4µ.

Damp places among mosses in pine woods, etc. Distinguished by the blackish color of the almost flat pileus, and the very slightly decurrent gills. Somewhat allied to C. clavipes, but firmer, smaller and inodorous. _Massee._

Rather rare. Found in New Jersey among pines; in Pennsylvania in mixed woods.

Edible. Good texture and flavor.

Photographed by Dr. J.R. Weist. PLATE XXVII.
CLITOCYBE MONADELPHA.
]

** _Violet or reddish._

=C. cyanophæ´a= Fr. _Gr._—blue. =Pileus= 3–4 in. broad, becoming bluish-dusky-brown, compact, convex then plane, obtuse, smooth. =Stem= 3 in. long, 1 in. thick at the base, attenuated upward, robust, solid, smooth, _becoming azure-blue_ when young, _abruptly white at the apex_. =Gills= deeply decurrent, crowded, violaceous, then becoming pale.

New York, Albion. In woods. October. Edible. _Dr. E.L. Cushing._

Specimens sent to me by Dr. Cushing are the first and only ones of the species I have seen. The description is accurate. The spores were cream color.

=C. monadel´pha= Morg.—_monas_, single; _adelphos_, a brother. From its cespitose habit. (Plate XXVII.) Densely cespitose. =Pileus= fleshy, convex then depressed, at first glabrous, then scaly, honey color, varying to pallid-brownish or reddish. =Stem= elongated, solid, crooked, twisted, fibrous, tapering at the base, pallid-brownish or flesh color. =Gills= short, decurrent, not crowded, pallid flesh color. =Spores= white, a little irregular, 7.5×5.5µ.

On the ground in wet woods, spring to late autumn. =Pileus= 1–3 in. =Stem= 3–7 in. _Morgan._

Grassy places. Menands. Albany county. September. Edible. Resembling Armillaria mellea, but distinguished from it by the absence of a collar from the stem, by the more decidedly decurrent lamellæ and by the solid stem. It is also more agreeable in flavor. It is related to C. illudens in habit and manner of growth. _Peck_, 51st Rep. N.Y. State Bot.

=Spores= 8×5µ _Peck_.

October 15, 1898. Identified by Professor Peck. September until frost.

Grows in great clusters about roots, etc., at Mt. Gretna. Frequently much water-soaked and uninviting. Taste variable, sometimes strong, woody.

It is edible, but care should be exercised in collecting to get young, fresh groups.

=C. socia´lis= Fr.—_socius_, a companion. =Pileus= about 1 in. broad, pale-yellowish with a reddish tinge, fleshy, convex then expanded, acutely umbonate especially when young, even, smooth, dry. =Flesh= moderately thin, white. =Stem= 1 in. long, 2 lines or a little more thick, solid, fibrous, commonly ascending, smooth, reddish, the rooting base hairy. =Gills= plano-decurrent, scarcely crowded, becoming yellow. _Fries._

A very pretty species, densely gregarious, inodorous. The stem is sheathed-hairy at the base like Marasmius peronatus. Its greatest affinity is with A. vernicosus, of which it is perhaps a variety. _Stevenson._

Quite common in pine woods of New Jersey. Though small, goodly messes of it may be gathered from its patches. The caps make a pleasing dish.

*** _Pileus becoming yellow._

None reported as tested for edibility.

**** _Pileus greenish or becoming pallid._

=C. odo´ra= Bull.—_odorus_, fragrant. (Plate XXIV, fig. 9, p. 82.) Fragrant. =Pileus= about 2 in. across, flesh rather thick, tough; soon plane and wavy, even, smooth, pale dingy green, silky when dry. =Gills= adnate, rather close, broad, greenish or pallid. =Stem= about 1–1½ in. long, 2 lines thick, base incrassated, elastic, stuffed. =Spores= elliptical, 6–8×4–5µ. In woods. _Massee._

Readily distinguished by the strong, aniseed smell, dingy bluish-green pileus, and the pallid or greenish gills.

Sometimes somewhat cespitose. Tough; size variable, color varies between pale green and greenish-gray, usually all colored alike, but the gills are sometimes white; smell pleasant, spicy, especially when dry. _Fries._

=Spores= 6×5µ _K._; 8×4µ _B._

A rather delicate, even exquisite dish. _Cooke._

Edible. Exceedingly spicy. The flavor is pleasant, but rather strong. A few specimens mixed with others of like texture but less flavor make a tasty dish.

=C. rivulo´sa= Pers.—_rivus_, a stream. (Named from rivulet-like streaks on pileus.) =Pileus= 1–3 in. across, flesh thin, convex then plane and depressed, obtuse, often undulately lobed, dingy flesh-color or reddish, becoming pale, glabrous, then covered with a whitish down. =Gills= slightly decurrent, broad, rather crowded, pinkish-white. =Stem= about 2 in. long, 3–4 lines thick, rather fibrillose, tough, elastic, whitish, stuffed. =Spores= elliptical, 6×3.5µ. _Massee._

Among grass by road-sides, etc.

Not common, but when found it is basket-filling. I have found it in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and West Virginia.

Edible. The caps are rather tough but become glutinous and tender when well cooked. Flavor fine.

***** _Pileus white, shining when dry._

=C. cerussa´ta= Fr.—_cerussa_, white lead. =Pileus= 1½-3 in. across, flesh thick at the disk, becoming thin toward the margin; convex then almost plane, obtuse, even, minutely floccose then almost glabrous, white. =Gills= adnate, then decurrent, very much crowded, thin, permanently white. =Stem= about 2 in. long, 3–5 lines thick, smooth, tough, elastic, naked, spongy and solid, white. Among dead leaves, etc.

Taste mild, smell almost obsolete. Stem rather thickened at the base and often tomentose. Pileus said to be gibbous, but not umbonate nor becoming rufescent. Gills not changing to yellowish. _Fries._

=Spores= 3µ _W.G.S._

Edible. Good.

=C. phylloph´ila= Fr. _Gr._—leaf-loving. Whitish-tan. =Pileus= 1–3 in. across, rather fleshy, convex then plane, becoming umbilicate and depressed, sometimes wavy, smooth and even. =Gills= thin, subdistant, white then tinged with ocher, rather broad, very slightly decurrent. =Stem= 2–3 in. long, equal, stuffed then hollow, whitish, tough, silky-fibrillose. =Spores= 6×4µ.

Among leaves in woods, etc.

=Spores= 6×4µ _Massee_; 6×3µ _W.G.S._; 5.5×2.8µ _Morgan_.

Found at Devon, Pa., 1888; Angora, West Philadelphia, 1897. It is equal to the Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) in texture, but not so high in flavor. Well cooked it is an agreeable and valuable food.

=C. pithyoph´ila= Secr. _Gr._—pine-loving. =Pileus= 2–3 in. broad, dead-white when moist, shining whitish when dry, fleshy but _thin_, rather plane, _umbilicate_, at length irregularly shaped, repand and undulato-lobed, even, _smooth, flaccid_, the margin slightly striate when old. =Stem= _somewhat hollow_, rounded then compressed, equal, even, smooth, obsoletely or scarcely pruinose at the apex, white tomentose at the (not bulbous) base. =Gills= adnate, somewhat decurrent, _very crowded_, plane, 2–3 lines broad, distinct, quite entire, white.

Odor not remarkable, but pleasant. Gregarious, somewhat cespitose; _white_ indeed, but when moist watery and _somewhat hygrophanous_, in which it evidently differs from A. phyllophila. A. tuba, which appears in the same places, is very like it. _Stevenson._

=Spores= 6–7×4µ _B._

Massachusetts, _Sprague_; New York, _Peck_, Bull. 1887.

Albion, Orleans county, N.Y., October, 1898, _Dr. Cushing_.

Several specimens received were clearly referable to C. pithyophila, though varying in having caps deeply depressed but not umbilicate. The white tomentosity at base was present but indistinct.

Four specimens were eaten and found good. Eaten enjoyably by Dr. Cushing.

=C. fus´cipes= Pk.—_fuscus_, dirty; _pes_, a foot. =Pileus= thin, broadly convex or plane, umbilicate, glabrous, whitish and striatulate when moist, pure white when dry, odor and taste farinaceous. =Gills= nearly plane, subdistant, adnate or slightly decurrent, white. =Stem= equal, glabrous or slightly mealy at the top, hollow, dingy brown when moist, paler when dry. =Spores= globose, 5–6µ.

=Pileus= 4–8 lines broad. =Stem= about 1 in. long. Under pine trees. Carrollton. September. _Peck_, 44th Rep. N.Y. State Bot.

Edible. Its small size gives it minor importance, but a quantity of it makes an excellent meal.

=C. can´dicans= Pers.—_candico_, to be shining white. Entirely white. =Pileus= about 1 in. across, flesh thin, convex then plane or slightly depressed, umbilicate, regular or slightly excentric, even, with an adpressed silkiness, shining, shining white when dry. =Gills= adnate then slightly decurrent, crowded, very thin, narrow, straight. =Stem= 1–2 in. long, 1–2 lines thick, even, glabrous, cartilaginous, polished, equal, hollow, base incurved, rooting, downy. =Spores= broadly elliptical or subglobose, 5–6×4µ. _Massee._

Among damp fallen leaves, etc.

Entirely white, small, rather tough; approaching Omphalia in the structure of the stem. The following form is described by Fries as occurring in pine woods: Stem thin, flexuous, base glabrous; pileus plane, not umbilicate, naked (without silky down). Gills scarcely decurrent.

A remarkable form but scarcely to be separated as a species. _Fries._

Quite common in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey. The caps are excellent when well cooked.

=C. dealba´ta= Sow.—_dealbo_, to whitewash. =Pileus= about 1 in. or a little more broad, white, _slightly fleshy, tough_, convex then plane and at length revolute and undulated, always dry (not watery in rainy weather), even, smooth, _somewhat shining_, but as if innately pruinose under a lens. =Flesh= thin, arid, white. =Stem= 1 in. long, 2 lines thick, _stuffed, wholly fibrous_, at length also tubed, equal, but often ascending, whitish, mealy at the apex. =Gills= _adnate_, scarcely decurrent, thin, _crowded_, white.

=Pileus= sometimes orbicular, sometimes upturned and wavy. _Odor weak, pleasant_, but not very remarkable. Most distinct from A. candicans in the nature of the stem.

Edible. Its top is _exceedingly like ivory_. Its charming flavor is exceeded by very few other fungi. _Stevenson._

Among leaves and grass. Woodland Cemetery, Philadelphia.

This charming fungus is common over the land. I have known it since 1881, and found it from North Carolina to West Virginia.

=C. robus´ta= Pk.—_robustus_, stout. =Pileus= thick, firm, at first convex, soon plane or slightly depressed in the center, glabrous, white, the margin at first involute or decurved, naked. =Flesh= white. =Gills= narrow, close, decurrent, whitish. =Stem= stout, rather short, solid, glabrous, equal or slightly tapering upward, often with a bulbous base, white. =Spores= elliptical, 8×4–5µ.

=Pileus= 3–4 in. broad. =Stem= 1–2 in. long, 8–12 lines thick.

Woods among fallen leaves. Catskill mountains. September to November.

This large and robust fungus is closely allied to C. candida Bres., from which it differs in the naked margin of the pileus, the absence of any marked odor and especially in the more elliptical shape of its spores. The same plant has been collected in Maryland by Mr. L.J. Atwater, who considers it edible, having eaten it with satisfaction and safety. _Peck_, 49th Rep. N.Y. State Bot.

This fungus is quite plentiful in Pennsylvania and in open oak woods in New Jersey. Its size and sometimes gregarious growth give it a permanent food value. Its texture is coarse, but when cooked it is highly satisfactory.

=C. gallina´cea= Scop.—_gallina_, a hen. Application not apparent. White; acrid. =Pileus= 1–1½ in. across, rather fleshy at the disk, margin thin; convex then depressed, but not funnel-shaped, even, dry, opaque. =Gills= slightly decurrent, narrow, crowded, thin. =Stem= about 1½ in. long, 2 lines thick, equal, even, solid. Among grass, moss, etc.

Resembling C. dealbata in form, but smaller, opaque, dingy-white, taste somewhat acrid. Stem solid, but not cartilaginous, about 2 in. long, equal, ascending or flexuous, excentric, at first floccosely mealy, always opaque, white. Pileus slightly fleshy, convex then plane, not depressed, obtuse, ½-1 in. broad, unequal, dry, pruinosely hoary; flesh white, compact, but thin. Gills adnato-decurrent, thin, crowded, plane. _Fries._

It loses its acridity in cooking and is quite equal to C. dealbata.

=C. trunci´cola= Pk.—_truncus_, trunk of a tree. =Pileus= thin, firm, expanded or slightly depressed in the center, smooth, dry, white. =Gills= narrow, thin, crowded, adnate-decurrent. =Stem= equal, stuffed, smooth, often excentric and curved, whitish.

=Plant= 1 in. high. =Pileus= 1 in. broad. =Stem= 1 line thick.

Trunks of frondose trees, especially maples. _Croghan._ September. _Peck_, 26th Rep. N.Y. State Bot.

=Spores= 5×3.5µ _Morgan_.

Found on maple trees in West Philadelphia, Pa. Edible. Good quality.

Grouped by F.D. Briscoe—Studies by C. McIlvaine. PLATE
XXVII_a_.
]

FIG. PAGE. FIG. PAGE.

1. CLITOCYBE MULTICEPS, 95 2. CLITOCYBE MULTICEPS, 95
VAR.

II.—DIFFOR´MES.

=C. decas´tes= Fr. _Gr._—a decade; a number of ten. From the stems being often joined in bundles of about ten. Densely cespitose. =Pileus= 5–12 in. across, soon almost plane, disk gibbous or obtuse; margin at first shortly incurved, then expanded, very much waved and often lobed, even, glabrous, dingy-brown or livid when moist, pale clay-color when dry. =Flesh= exceedingly thin except at the disk, whitish. =Stem= 4–7 in. long, ½-1½ in. thick, usually slightly thinner upward, rather soft, entirely fibrous, solid, white, usually curved and ascending, coalescent into a solid mass at the base. =Gills= adnato-decurrent, or often more or less adnexed, up to ½ in. broad, rather narrowed towards the margin, often wavy. =Spores= globose, smooth, 4µ diameter.

On the ground and on sawdust.

Albion, Orleans county, N.Y., _Dr. Cushing_. October, 1898.

On ground in grassy places (Woodland Cemetery, May 22, 1897). _McIlvaine._

Particularly welcome to toadstool lovers are the early comers. The present species is among the first. It is rich in quantity, substance and flavor.

=C. mul´ticeps= Pk.—_multus_, many; _caput_, a head. (Plate XXVII_a_, p. 94.) =Pileus= fleshy, thin except on the disk, firm, convex, slightly moist in wet weather, whitish, grayish or yellowish-gray. =Flesh= white, taste mild. =Gills= close, adnate and slightly decurrent, whitish. =Stems= densely cespitose, equal or slightly thickened at the base, solid or stuffed, firm, elastic, slightly pruinose at the apex, whitish. =Spores= globose, 5–8µ.

=Pileus= 1–3 in. broad. =Stem= 2–4 in. long, 3–6 lines thick.

Open places, grassy ground, etc. Albany and Sandlake. June and October. This species forms dense tufts, often composed of many individuals. In this respect it is related to such species as C. tumulosa, C. aggregata and C. illudens. From the crowding together of many individuals the pileus is often irregular. Sometimes the disk is brownish and occasionally slightly silky. The gills are sometimes slightly sinuate, thus indicating a relationship to the species of Tricholoma. The taste, though mild, is somewhat oily and unpleasant. The plants appear in wet, rainy weather, either early in the season or in autumn. Specimens have been sent to me from Massachusetts by R.K. Macadam and Professor Farlow, and from Pennsylvania by Dr. W. Herbst. _Peck_, 43d Rep. N.Y. State Bot.

West Virginia, New Jersey, Mt. Gretna, Pa. In May, and in autumn months. Very variable in size, color, shape of gills, texture and taste. _McIlvaine._

The early spring clusters are remarkable for their tenderness and excellence. Clusters of hundreds of individuals grew abundantly at Mt. Gretna in May, 1899. When the fungus was young the gills were sometimes adnate, almost free, often decurrent. The varying color of oysters is well seen in C. multiceps.

Edible. They should be well cooked. The addition of a little lemon juice or sherry conceals a slight raw taste sometimes present.

Photographed by Dr. J.R. Weist—Painted by C. McIlvaine.
PLATE XXIX_a_.
]

PAGE.
CLITOCYBE ILLUDENS 96

=C. illu´dens= Schw.—mocking, deceiving. (Plate XXIX_a_, p. 96.) =Pileus= fleshy, convex or expanded, smooth, generally with a small umbo. =Gills= not crowded, unequally decurrent, some of them branched, narrowed toward each end, the edge, in dry specimens, discolored. =Stem= firm, solid, long, smooth, tapering at the base.

=Height= 5–8 in., breadth of pileus 4–6 in. =Stem= 6–8 lines thick.

=Spores= 4–5µ _Peck_.

Grows in clumps or large masses about stumps or decaying trees from August to October. Its bright, deep yellow is attractive from a distance. As many as fifty plants may form a cluster. Cap from 2–6 in., fleshy, convex or expanded, often with a raised center directly over the stem; flesh juicy and yellow; gills yellow, widely separated, running down stem unequally; stem long, firm, solid, smooth, tapering toward base. When cooked the taste is rather saponaceous. Strong stomachs can retain a meal of them, but the fungus generally sickens the eater. Many testings show it to contain a minor poison. It is not deadly, but should not be eaten. Bull. No. 2, Phila. Myc. Center.

New York, _Peck_, Rep. 23–49. Well known in southern states. Indiana, _H.I. Miller_.

The mysterious property of phosphorescence is possessed by this fungus. As heat is known to develop in masses of the fungus it is of interest to know whether it is from the phosphorescence or a ferment. Its radiance by night surpasses its splendor by day. Mr. H.I. Miller, of Terre Haute, Ind., first drew the writer’s attention to this quality. A large box of specimens sent by him retained their luminous quality after three days of travel to such an extent that the print of a newspaper could be read when held close to the mass.

Mr. Miller writes: “There is something about this fungus which generates heat. When I bring in a basketful of it, for the pleasure its phosphorescence affords my friends, I find that after having been in the basket for two or three hours, and while piled one bunch upon top of another, that to insert one’s hand among the different clusters is like putting it close to a hot stove.”

This fungus is so inviting in quantity and beauty that one turns from it with a regret that lingers. Eaten in quantity it acts upon some persons as an emetic. I have several times eaten of it without other than pleasurable sensations, but persons partaking of the same cooking have been sickened.

=C. fumo´sa= Pers.—_fumus_, smoke. =Pileus= 1–3 in. across, fleshy, margin thin; convex, often gibbous when young, regular or wavy, even, pellicle not separable, glabrous, sooty-brown, soon livid or gray when dry. =Gills= adnate in regular forms, but often decurrent when the pileus is irregular, crowded, distinct, grayish-white from the first. =Stem= 2–3 in. long, 3–6 lines thick, almost equal, often twisted or curved, glabrous, dingy-white, apex mealy, solid, fibrous. =Spores= subglobose, 5–6µ diam.

In woods. Autumn.

Gregarious, somewhat cespitose, tough, rather cartilaginous. Pileus truly obtuse, never streaked, often regular. Smell none. _Fries._

Var. _po´lius_. Densely and connately cespitose. =Pileus= convex, then plane, obtuse, smooth, gray. =Stem= flexuous, smooth. =Gills= crowded, whitish. Edible. _Cooke_, 1891.

Var. polius found growing in large quantities in Boston navy yard in stone barn. Determined by Professor Peck. A fair edible. _R.K. Macadam._

This woods-growing Clitocybe has been many times found by me in a hot-house in Haddonfield, N.J. Professor Peck confirmed my identification. Either its spores or mycelium had evidently been carried thither in the wood-earth used by florists. The hot-house crops appeared in March, and continued until June.

Several of the plants showed an effort to comply with some condition unusual to them, by producing gills upon the upper side of the pileus. Those below were venose and crisped.

This wild species had thus been brought into cultivation. The cultivated plants were much more tender than the wild. Both are excellent.

=C. connex´a= Pk.—_connexus_, joined. From its relation to Tricholoma. =Pileus= thin, convex or expanded, subumbonate, clothed with a minute appressed silkiness, white, the margin sometimes faintly tinged with blue. =Gills= crowded, narrow, white inclining to yellowish. =Stem= equal or tapering downward, solid, whitish.

=Plant= 2–3 in. high. =Pileus= 2–3 in. broad. =Stem= 2 lines thick.

Ground in woods. Croghan. September.

The gills sometimes terminate rather abruptly and are not strongly decurrent, hence it might easily be mistaken for a Tricholoma. The margin of the pileus is sometimes marked with slight ridges as in Ag. laterarius. The odor is weak but aromatic and agreeable. _Peck_, 26th Rep. N.Y. State Bot.

Found in plenty in oak woods near Philadelphia, and in West Virginia; a few specimens in southern New Jersey. Autumn.

Edible, and quite equal to most of the Clitocybes.

=C. tumulo´sa= Kalchbr.—_tumulus_, a mound. Cespitose. =Pileus= 1–2 in. across, disk fleshy, margin thin; conico-convex then expanded, obtusely umbonate or obtuse, even, glabrous, brownish-umber, becoming pale, margin drooping. =Gills= more or less decurrent or slightly emarginate, crowded narrow, white, then grayish. =Stem= 3–5 in. long, unequal, usually thicker below, minutely downy, pallid, solid.

On the ground in woods. Spring and autumnal months. Readily distinguished by the densely clustered habit, and the umber pileus. The gills are very variable, sometimes distinctly decurrent, at others rounded behind, and almost resembling a Tricholoma. =Spores= subglobose, 5–6µ. _Massee._

California, _H. and M._; New York, _Peck_, Rep. 42.

Sent to me by Mrs. Mary Fuller, Washington, D.C. The specimens eaten were of good consistency and flavor.

III.—INFUNDIBULFOR´MES.

* _Pileus colored or becoming pale, etc., surface innately flocculose or
silky; not moist._

=C. gigante´a= Sow.—_giganteus_, of gigantic size. =Pileus= 6–10 in. across. =Flesh= rather thin in proportion to the size of the fungus, white, or tinged with tan, glabrous when moist, slightly flocculose when dry; margin involute then spreading, glabrous, rather coarsely grooved. =Gills= slightly decurrent, broad, very much crowded, branched and connected by veins, whitish then pale tan-color, not separating spontaneously from the hymenophore. =Stem= 1–2 in. long and nearly the same in thickness, equal, pallid, solid. =Spores= white, 5×3µ.

In woods, etc.

A very distinct species, very showy, large, subcespitose, entirely whitish tan-color; without close affinities. Stem solid, compact, and firm inside and outside, 2½ in. long, ½ in. thick, equal, even, glabrous. Pileus depressed from the first, then broadly, _i. e._, plano-infundibuliform, thin but equally fleshy, soft, not flaccid, but easily splitting from the margin toward the center (almost papery and involute when old), upward of a foot broad, often excentric and generally sinuately lobed, moist and adpressedly downy when growing, slightly flocculose and cracked into scales when dry; margin at first very thin, involute, pubescent, soon spreading, glabrous, at length revolute, coarsely furrowed or radiately wrinkled. Gills slightly decurrent, closely crowded, almost 3 lines broad (2–3 times as broad as thickness of flesh of pileus), connected by veins, thin, fragile, straight, but sometimes varying to crisped and anastomosing, whitish then yellowish or tinged with rufous, smell weak. _Fries._

This species was placed in Clitocybe in Syst. Myc. and Epicrisis, but in Hym. Europ. Fries removed it to Paxillus in which he is followed by Stevenson. Cooke and Massee continue it in Clitocybe. Dr. Somers found one measuring over 15 inches in diameter. _R.K.M._

North Carolina, _Schweinitz_. Edible, _Curtis_; Wisconsin, _Bundy_; California, _H. and M._; Nova Scotia, _Dr. Somers_.

Large quantities of Clitocybe gigantea grow in the West Virginia mountains, and in woods around Philadelphia. July to November.

Its substance is coarse, but of good flavor. It should be chopped fine.

=C. max´ima= Gärtn and Meyer. (Fl. Wett.)—greatest. (Plate XXIV, fig. 5, page 82.) =Pileus= as much as 1 foot broad, becoming pale-tan or whitish, _fleshy_, compact at the disk, otherwise thin, _somewhat flaccid_ (not capable of being split), broadly funnel-shaped, gibbous _with a central umbo_, always very dry, the surface _becoming silky-even_ or squamulose; margin involute, pubescent, always _even_. =Flesh= white, at length soft. =Stem= as much as 4 in. long, 1 in. thick, solid, compact, but internally spongy, _elastic_, attenuated upward, fibrillosestriate, whitish. =Gills= _deeply decurrent_, pointed at both ends, somewhat crowded, soft, simple, _whitish_, not changeable.

The pileus is always very dry because the surface absorbs moisture. Odor weak, pleasant, almost that of A. infundibuliformis. On account of its gigantic stature and color, it has often been interchanged with A. gigantea Sow.; it is in no wise, however, allied to that species, but is so closely allied to A. infundibuliformis that it might be taken for a very luxuriant form of it. _Stevenson._

=Spores= 6×4µ _Massee_; 5×3µ, _W.G.S._

New England, _Frost_; California, _H. and M._

Common in the West Virginia mountains, mixed woods in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. June to November. _McIlvaine._

It is coarse, dry, hard, but chopped fine and cooked in various ways, either by itself or with meats, it is a good food.

=C. infundibulifor´mis= Schaeff.—_infundibulum_, a funnel; _forma_, form. (Plate XXIV, fig. 11, p. 82.) The Funnel-form clitocybe, Clitocybe infundibuliformis, is a neat and pretty species easily recognized by the funnel shape of its mature cap and by its pale red color. When very young the cap is slightly convex and often adorned with a slight umbo in its center. As it matures the margin becomes elevated so that the cap assumes a shape somewhat resembling that of a wine glass. The margin is sometimes wavy. The flesh is thin and white. The gills are close, thin, white or whitish and decurrent. The stem is smooth, colored like or a little paler than the cap and mostly tapering from the base upward.

The cap is 2–3 in. broad, the stem 1½-3 in. long and ¼-½ in. thick.

The funnel-shaped mushroom grows in woods or copses in summer and autumn, especially in wet seasons. It is somewhat variable in color, but is usually a pale-red, tinged with buff, and sometimes becoming more pale with age. It delights to grow among fallen leaves, and often there is an abundant white cottony mycelium at the base of the stem. When it grows in clusters the caps are apt to be irregular because of mutual pressure. “Mushrooms and Their Use.” _Peck._

=Spores= 5–6×3–4µ _B._

Very common and in plenty after rains, when large patches of it may be found. I have usually found the light pinkish-buff color to abound, and the stem thinner than described by Prof. Peck. Size of cap from 1–3 in.

It is a good, reliable food species. The stem should be removed, and the caps well cooked.

** _Pileus colored or pallid, smooth, moist in wet weather._

=C. subzonal´is= Pk.—_sub_, under; _zonalis_, pertaining to a zone. =Pileus= thin, centrally depressed or subinfundibuliform, marked with two or three obscure zones, with a slight appressed silkiness, pale yellow. =Gills= close, narrow, equally decurrent, some of them forked, pallid or yellowish. =Stem= equal, slightly fibrillose, stuffed, pale yellow.

=Plant= 2 in. high. =Pileus= 2–3 in. broad. =Stem= 2–3 lines thick.

Ground in woods. _Croghan._ September. _Peck_, 26th Rep. N.Y. State Bot.

Found in oak woods, Angora, West Philadelphia, growing singly. Specimens few. Edible; pleasant.

=C. gil´va= Pers.—_gilvus_, pale brownish-yellow. =Pileus= 2–4 in. broad, _pale yellowish, fleshy, compact, convex then depressed_, very obtuse, even, smooth, _dampish when fresh_, polished and _shining_ when dry, here and there spotted as with drops, the margin remaining long involute. =Flesh= compact, not laxly floccose, but at length fragile, _somewhat of the same color as the pileus_. =Stem= 1–2 in. and more long, ½ in. and more thick, _solid, fleshy_, stout, not elastic, somewhat equal, smooth, paler than the pileus, villous at the base. =Gills= decurrent, thin, _very much crowded_, often _branched_, arcuate, narrow, _pallid then ochraceous_.

Odor not remarkable. The stem has been noticed at length also hollow, perhaps eroded by larvæ. It corresponds with the Paxilli. The primary form, which is very different from all the rest, is curt, obese, robust, scarcely ever infundibuliform. _Stevenson._

=Spores= 4–5×5µ _K._; 4–5µ _Massee_.

North Carolina, _Schweinitz_, _Curtis_; Pennsylvania, _Schweinitz_; New York, _Peck_, R. 51, under pines. July to September.

Mt. Gretna, Pa. July, 1898, ground, mixed woods. _McIlvaine._

=Pileus= 1–2½ in. across, depressed, almost infundibuliform, smooth. =Color= varied lemon to bright orange. =Flesh= lemon color throughout. =Gills= varying in color, usually same color as pileus. =Stem= all of one color, same as pileus, stuffed, sometimes short, and pointed, sometimes thickened at base. Taste and smell pleasant. Edible; good.

=C. subinvolu´ta= Batsch.—turned under at the margin. =Pileus= brick color, convex, depressed, smooth, margin closely involute. =Flesh= pallid. =Stem= paler, stout, straight, somewhat equal, veined on the lower part with oblique coalescing slightly elevated wrinkles, tomentose and inclining to flesh color above toward the gills, base obtuse. =Gills= decurrent, rather broad, of the same color as the pileus.

The stem is rough on the surface and destitute of luster. It resembles Paxillus involutus in size and habit, in the crenate and involute margin of the pileus, and in the stem being obsoletely veined at the base and tomentose toward the gills. _Stevenson._

New England, _Frost_; New York, _Peck_, Rep. 22.

Edible, _Cooke_.

=C. geo´tropa= Bull. _Gr._—the earth; _Gr._—to turn. From the turned down margin. =Pileus= 2–5 in. across. =Flesh= thick, white convex, then plane and finally more or less depressed, obtusely umbonate, the prominence remaining after the pileus becomes depressed, very smooth, even, margin thin, incurved, downy, pale pinkish-tan or buff. =Gills= decurrent, crowded, narrow, simple, white, then colored like the pileus. =Stem= 3–5 in. long, 1 in. or more thick at the base, slightly attenuated upward, compact, fibrillose, colored like the pileus or paler, solid. =Spores= elliptical, 6–7×4–5µ. _Massee._

In woods and on their borders. Often in rings or troops.

Differs from C. maxima in being firmer, glabrous, and color much more variable; from C. gilva in the thinner pileus, less crowded gills, and white flesh.

=Spores= 5–7µ _W.G.S._

In England and on the continent it is considered excellent and superior to most edible fungi.

Found in West Virginia, 1881; Haddonfield, N J., 1891. Spring and autumn. _McIlvaine._

Edible, coarse, dry. In stews and mixed to form croquettes or patties, it is a desirable species, owing to its plentifulness.

=C. splen´dens= Pers.—_splendens_, shining. Solitary. =Pileus= 2–3 in. across, flesh rather thick, white, plane then depressed or funnel-shaped, glabrous, shining, yellowish. =Gills= deeply decurrent, narrow, crowded, simple, white. =Stem= about 1 in. long, 3 lines thick, glabrous, colored like the pileus, solid, slightly thickened at the base or equal. _Massee._

In woods, among pine leaves, etc.

Intermediate between C. gilva and C. flaccida. The typical form of C. gilva differs in the compact pileus, often with drop-like markings, the very much crowded, somewhat branched, pale ochraceous gills and flesh. _Fries._

Sent to me from Trenton, N.J., by E.B. Sterling.

Edible; quality good, deficient in flavor.

=C. inver´sus= Scop.—_inverto_, inverted. =Pileus= 2–3 in. across. =Flesh= thin, fragile; convex, soon funnel-shaped, margin involute, glabrous, even, reddish or dull brownish-orange. =Gills= decurrent, simple, pallid then reddish. =Stem= about 1½ in. long, 2 lines thick, glabrous, rather rigid, paler than the pileus, stuffed, soon hollow. =Spores= subglobose, 4µ diameter. _Massee._

Among leaves, etc.

Gregarious, subcespitose, forming very large tufts, especially late in the autumn, deformed. Smell peculiar, slightly acid. Stem sometimes stuffed, usually hollow, hence compressed, rather rigid and corticated outside, not elastic, without a bulb, glabrous, whitish; the somewhat rooting base with white down, and often growing together in tufts, variously deformed, curved, ascending, etc. _Fries._

=Spores= subglobose, 4µ _Massee_; 3µ _W.G.S._

Closely resembles C. infundibuliformis, but differs from it in the color of gills and flesh. The entire plant is dark in color. Solitary; in troops; cespitose.

Found in mixed woods. Haddonfield, N.J. Summer and autumn.

That part of the plant which readily breaks away from the stem is tender and of good flavor. The remainder is tough.

=C. flac´cida= Sow.—_flaccidus_, limp. =Pileus= 2–3 in. across, flaccid, orbicular, umbilicate, umbo persistently absent, margin spreading, arched, glabrous, even, rarely cracking into minute squamules, tawny-rust colored, shining, not becoming pale. =Flesh= thin, pallid, rather fragile when fresh, but quite flaccid when dry. =Gills= deeply decurrent, arcuate, crowded, narrow, about 1 line broad, white, then tinged yellowish. =Stem= imperfectly hollow, elastic, tough, 1–2 in. long, 2–3 lines thick somewhat equal, polished, naked, reddish-rust color, base thickened, downy. =Spores= subglobose, 4–5×3–4µ.

Among leaves, etc. Gregarious, stems often grown together at the base. Sometimes solitary and regular. Summer and autumn. _Massee._

=Spores= subglobose, 4–5×3–4µ.

Found in 1886 in West Philadelphia—oak woods. Since in New Jersey, North Carolina, and interior of Pennsylvania.

Edible. Well cooked it compares favorably with C. infundibuliformis and others of like texture.

*** _Pileus shining white._

=C. cati´na= Fr.—_catinus_, a bowl. =Pileus= 2 in. broad, at first _white, in no wise hygrophanous_, then passing into pale flesh-color during rain, and into tan-color in dry weather, _fleshy_, moderately thin, plane then funnel-shaped, always obtuse, even, _smooth_. =Flesh= thin, _flaccid_, white. =Stem= 3 in. long, 1½ in. thick, _stuffed_, internally spongy, _elastic_, tough, thickened and tomentose at the base. =Gills= decurrent, _straight, descending_, not horizontal, broad, not much _crowded_, persistently white. _Fries._

Ray Brook, Adirondack mountains. August. The pileus is at first white, but in wet weather it becomes pallid or discolored with age. The plants were found growing among pieces of bark of arbor vitæ lying on the ground. _Peck_, 43d Rep. N.Y. State Bot.

Quite common in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey. Woods among dead leaves. August until frost.

Edible. Excellent in flavor and quality.

_Series B._

IV.—CYATHIFOR´MES.

=C. cyathifor´mis= Bull.—_cyathus_, a cup; _formis_, form. =Pileus= 1½-3 in. across, flesh thin, plano-depressed when young, then infundibuliform, even, glabrous, hygrophanous, rather slimy and usually dark brown when moist, becoming pale and opaque when dry, undulate in large specimens, the margin remains involute for a long time. =Flesh= watery, similar in color to the pileus, splitting. =Gills= adnate, becoming decurrent with the depression of the pileus, joined behind, distant, grayish-brown, sometimes branched. =Stem= spongy and stuffed inside, elastic, at length often hollow, 2–4 in. long, 3–4 lines thick, attenuated upward, brownish-fibrillose, fibrils forming an imperfect reticulation, colored like the pileus or a little paler, apex naked (not mealy), base villous. _Massee._

On the ground in pastures and woods, rarely on rotten wood.

Usually blackish-umber, but varies to paler grayish-brown, pinky-tan, pale cinnamon or brownish; then dingy-ochraceous or tan-color. Margin expanded when old, and also indistinctly striate. _Fries._

Var. _cineras´cens_ Fr. =Pileus= up to 1 in. across, thin, infundibuliform, pale smoky-brown. =Gills= decurrent, yellowish-white. =Stem= 1–2 in. long, 1½ line thick, grayish, reticulately fibrillose, hollow.

=Spores= 8×5µ _W.G.S._; 10–12×5–6µ, _B._; 9×6µ _Morgan_.

Mt. Gretna, Pa. Among leaves in woods. September to October. Gregarious. _McIlvaine._

Fair in quality.

=C. bruma´lis= Fr.—_bruma_, winter. From its late appearance. =Pileus= about 1 in. across. =Flesh= thin, expanded, umbilicate then infundibuliform and usually variously waved and lobed, glabrous, flaccid, hygrophanous, livid, whitish or yellowish when dry, disk often darker. =Gills= decurrent, about 1 line broad, crowded, pallid. =Stem= up to 2 in. long and about 2 lines thick, nearly equal, slightly curved, glabrous, whitish, often compressed, imperfectly hollow. =Spores= 4–5×3–4µ.

In woods, etc.