Guide to the Mushrooms 133 



Flesh. — Thin^ white. 



Gills. — Adnata^ adhering together, white, then 

 flesh color, at last black ; in dry weather they some- 

 times remain more or less firm, but in moist weather 

 they melt or deliquesce into a black fluid. 



Spores. — Cylindrical, black. 



Stem. — ] to 2 inches to 1-3 inch thick, equal, 

 smooth, hollow, white, fragile. 



Ring. — Very slight near base (inferior) formed 

 by cap adhering to stem, often wholly wanting. 



Volva. — None. 



Odor. — Earthy. 



Taste. — Mild, nutty. 



Habitat. — On rich soil, about elm trees or de- 

 cayed stumps of elms, in large clumps, very fre- 

 quent from very early spring until late in fall. 

 Found in all sections of the United States. 



Edible. — Because of its frequency, length of sea- 

 son and delicate flavor, it forms what should be one 

 of the most highly prized mushrooms. One that 

 the amateur can readily determine and easily gath- 

 er a dish from almost any street where elm or pop- 

 lar trees are used for purposes of shade. 



