20 Guide to the Mushrooms 



of the sjDore other than the color, micro- 

 scopical examination is necessary. 



Stipe ok Stem. — The stem is usually 

 fastened to the center of the cap, but spe- 

 cies growing on wood frequently have the 

 stem at one side of the center, eccentric, or 

 at one side of the cap, lateral. When the 

 stem is wholly wanting, the plant is said to 

 be sessile. AYitli regard to shape, the 

 stem may be equals tapering upivard, bul- 

 bous at base, rooting. 



In texture, it may be fesliy, cartilagin- 

 ous; if the former it is brittle, if the latter, 

 tough. The interior of the stem may be 

 solid, that is fleshy throughout; liollow, 

 when there is a cavity in the center; if tuh- 

 ular, in the center, it is known as fistulose; 

 if filled with a pithy substance, it is stuffed. 

 On the outside, the stem may be smooth, 

 shiny, scaly, dotted with granules (granu- 

 lar), may have a twisted ai:>pearance or be 

 covered with a networl' (reticulated.) or be 

 wrinkled (rugose). 



Veil. — In the early stage of the develop- 

 ment of a mushroom the edge of the mar- 



