AGARICS WITH BLACK SPORES 



tioned below, does not lend itself for satis- 

 factory use in all mushroom recipes. 



The true Ink-Cap (Plate VIP, c), 

 Coprinus atramentarius, is usually a smaller 

 form than C comatus, with a cap distinctly 

 shorter. The cap is at first oval in form, 

 but later opens wider than in the previous 

 species. It is invariably slaty gray in color, 

 due to the background of the dark gills 

 showing through the hygrophorous tissues. 

 The plants are commonly found in clusters, 

 especially about sidewalks and paths. This 

 species is so rapidly deliquescent that it 

 should be put on ice as soon as gathered, and 

 promptly used. 



Coprinus micaceus is much smaller than 

 either of the preceding, and it occurs often 

 in solid phalanx covering several square feet 

 of space about old stumps or over decaying 

 roots, although it may be found in smaller 

 clusters about the lawn or meadow. When 

 young the tan-colored, obtusely conical cap 

 is covered with temporary, glistening scales, 

 like minute particles of mica. With age the 



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