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The Orange-brown Lactarius (EdibeE) 

 Lactarius voleiiius Fries 



Lactarius volcuius is a common and widely distributed species 

 whicli often is c|uite abundant. It grows in damp woods from July to 

 September, and when one specimen is found others are likely to be 

 found near by. It grows under the same conditions and often along 

 with Lactarius pipcratus. The ground in the woods on the sandstone 

 hillsides of Union and Jackson counties was fairly covered with these 

 two species during the early part of July, 191 6. This plant contains 

 an abundance of white milky juice which flows out rapidly and falls 

 from the plant in drops whenever the cap, gills, or stem are wounded. 

 Unlike the milk of Lactarius pipcratus, this is not at all bitter but is 

 quite pleasant to the taste. It becomes cjuite sticky as it dries. 



The cap is 5 to 12 cm. (2 to 5 inches) broad, at first convex, then 

 expanded and plane, or with a slight elevation at the center. Old 

 plants are sometimes depressed at the center. The surface is smooth 

 or wrinkled. The color varies from dull orange to brown. The flesh 

 is white, and (|uite thick and firm. 



The gills are close together, white or sometimes yellowish, and 

 attached scpiarely to the stem or slightlv decurrent on it. The spores 

 are white. 



The stem is 3 to 10 cm. ( i to 4 inches) long, solid, hard, and 

 often curved. The stem is colored like the cap but lighter. There 

 is no ring and no volva. 



This mushroom has long been known as an edible one and is con- 

 sidered excellent. 



Collected in lackson and Union counties. 



