CLASSIFICATION OF FUNGI. 47 



early in the season, but oftener from August 

 to November. 



0MPHALIA = depressed. 



The stem in this genus is cartilaginous. The 

 gills run down the stem. The cap is somewhat 

 membranaceous. It is oftener depressed and 

 funnel-shaped. The gills are often branched. 

 The species grow in moist places. The plants 

 are generally small. The largest only measure 

 2 inches, the smallest only \ inch across the 

 cap. 



PLEUROTUS = side and an ear. 



In this genus the stem is sometimes want- 

 ing, or it grows on the side, or between the 

 centre and margin (eccentric). The plants 

 rarely grow on the ground. They are irregular 

 and fleshy or membranaceous. The time of 

 growth is generally in the autumn. There are 

 a few edible species. 



Section 2. RHODOSPOEJE, RED OR PINK SPORES. 



In this section of Agarics the spores are red, 

 pink, or salmon color. 



