EDIBLE MUSHROOMS. 77 



LANKY MOREL. 



Morchella semilibera. 



(Plate IX. Fig. 3.) 



In some localities this long-stemmed 

 Morel is more plentiful than the foregoing 

 species, from which it differs, not only by 

 the length of the stem, but by a more 

 permanent and reliable character, which is 

 that the lower edge of the pileus is free 

 from the stem all round, and is attached 

 beneath about half-way up, whence the 

 name of semilibera or " half free." The 

 cap is smaller than in the Common Morel, 

 and more conical, and the pits narrower 

 and more elongated. This is also a spring 

 species, and is found in similar localities ; 

 the two will sometimes be found growing 

 together. As an esculent, the one appears 

 to be equally good with the other, but both 

 are local, if not rare. It is deeply to be 

 regretted that no plan has ever been dis- 

 covered for the artificial culture of- Morels. 



