EDIBLE MUSHROOMS. 45 



DUSKY CAPS. 



Agaricus (Clitocybe) nebular is. 



(Plate IV. Fig. 1.) 



The Dusky Caps are not uncommon late 

 in autumn, mostly growing on dead leaves 

 on the borders of woods, or on rubbish 

 heaps in the corners of large gardens. The 

 cap is of a cloudy grey colour, and from 

 three to six inches in diameter, soon be- 

 coming nearly flat, and often with a frosted 

 surface, as if dusted with flour. The gills 

 run for a considerable distance down the 

 stem, which latter is a little thickened at 

 the base, and wholly deficient of a ring. 

 The gills and spores are white. When cut 

 in section the white flesh is seen to be firm 

 and thick, and it has a heavy but not dis- 

 agreeable odour. Nearly always a number 

 of specimens will be found growing together, 

 so that we have seen sufficient to fill 

 a bushel basket within the space of two 

 or three square yards. Another brighter 



