PUFF BALLS, LYCOPERDACE^ 



teur collectors, oftentimes, is the fact above 

 mentioned — that these puff balls can not 

 possibly be mistaken for poisonous species 

 of mushrooms. 



Calvatia cyathiforme. The more im- 

 portant of the two species mentioned from 

 the standpoint of its constant appearance and 

 wide distribution in the Eastern and Central 

 States is Calvatia cyathiforme (Plate XI, b). 

 The habitat of this species is much the same 

 as that of Agaricus campestris; and the pas- 

 tures usually bring it forth in some quantity 

 when the autumn is cool and moist. The 

 summer of 1914 was particularly cool and 

 moist in central New York, and under these 

 conditions the cyathiforme puff ball ap- 

 peared in quantity by the middle of August. 

 This species is more nearly broadly pear- 

 shaped than spherical, and the stipe-like 

 part is much reduced. It is usually from 

 two to five inches in diameter. It may be 

 clear white and smooth when young, but it 

 usually becomes pink, brown, or purple- 

 brown when older; and either when in 



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