MUSHROOMS 



case there is no stem, tlie cap grows squarely against 

 the surface of a tree or stump. Some stems are solid, 

 while others are hollow, like a piece of rubber tubing. 

 The stem often breaks easily, but in some plants it is 

 impossible to divide it evenly in breaking. 



When the plant is young, the edge of the cap lies 



close to the stem. 

 ■""'' In some mush- 

 rooms, the cap 

 spreads out with- 

 out ever Ijcing fas- 

 tened to the stipe. 

 In others, threads 

 grow from the 

 edge of the cap 

 and from the outer 

 layer of the stem. 

 These interlace 

 and form a deli- 

 cate veil which 

 closes the space 

 between the cap 

 and stipe. The 

 veil remains firm for a while but is finally torn by the 

 opening cap. Its remnants are left for a time as a 

 ring on the upper part of the stem, or else parts of it 

 hang in flakes from the edge of the cap. 



Examine a mushroom of this kind, and you will see 



66 



M' 



.^6 



Parts of a ^Musliroom. 1, The Cap or Pilous; 

 2, The Gills Where Veil is Torn; 3, The 

 Veil; 4, Part of Veil Remaining on Stem. 

 This Forms the Ring or Annulus; 5, The 

 Stem, or Stipe; G, The Volva or Cup. 



