400 to 800 diameters, the asci, or spore sacks, can be separated and their 

 structure studied. 



Of the genera included in the Discomjcetes the genus Peziza com- 

 prises by far the largest number of described species. The plants in this 

 genu.s are generally small, thin, and tough. A few of them have been 

 recorded as edible by European authors, but not specially commended ; 

 one form, Peziza cochleata, has been spoken of by Berkeley as being 

 gathered in basketfuls in one county in England, where it is used as a 

 substitute, though a very indifferent one, for the Morel. 



Vittadini says the Verpa dig italiformis Persoon, a small brownish-col- 

 ored mushroom, is sold in Italian markets for soups, but that, "although 

 sold in the markets, it is only to be recommended when no other fungus 

 offers, which is sometimes the case in the spring." P. aurantia Vahl., a 

 small Peziza growing in clusters in the grass, is reported as edible by a 

 member of the Boston Mycological Club, who speaks well of it. 



The genera Morchella, Gyromitra, Helvella, and Mitrula contain, how- 

 ever, what may be considered the most desirable edible species. Types 

 of these four groups are represented in Figs. 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10, Plate C. 



The plants of these genera have a stem and cap. The cap, however, 

 differs very much from that of the ordinary mushroom. In the genus 

 Morchella the cap is deeply pitted and ridged so that it presents a honey- 

 combed appearance. In Gyromitra the cap is convolutely lobed but not 

 pitted. In Helvella the cap is very irregular and reflexed, and in Mitrula 

 the cap is ovate or club-shaped and smooth. In all four of these genera 

 the hymenium is superior, i. e., it is on the upper and outer surface of the 

 caj), the interior surface being barren. 



In Plates C and D are figured 9 types of edible fungi included in the 

 family Ascomycetes, sub-family Discomycetes. 



Plate C. 

 Fig. 1. Morchella esculenta Pers. ^'^ Common Morel.'''' 



Edible. 



Gentis Morchella Dill. Receptacle pileate or clavate, impervious in the 

 centre, stipitate, covered with hymenium, which is deeply folded and 

 i^itted. — Cooke. 



In this genus the species have a general resemblance to each other in 

 size, color, form, te.xture, and flavor. The cap is usually a dull yellow, 

 sometimes slightly olive-tinted, darkening with age to a brownish leather 

 tinge. The stems are stout and hollow, white or whitish. This genus has 

 a very wide geographical distribution, but the species are not numerous. 

 Cooke describes twenty-four, some of them found in India, Java, Great 

 Britain, Centra] and Northern Europe, Australia, and North America. 

 Peck describes six species found in New York State. The lines of demar- 

 cation l:)etween species are not very decided; but as none of the species 



