486 



The Fawx-colored Peuteus (Edibee) 

 Pint cits ccrz'iinis Schaeff. 



Plutcus cervinus is a very common and widely distril^uted mush- 

 room which occurs from early spring until late autumn. It occurs on 

 logs, stumps, etc., and also on the ground where roots or decaying 

 wood is buried. Often successive crops are found in the same place 

 week after week throughout the growing season. The plant is said 

 to occur also on old sawdust piles. 



The cap is 5 to 15 cm. (2 to 6 inches) broad, at first bell-shaped, 

 then convex, and finally nearly flat. It is fleshy but quite fragile. The 

 color and character of the surface are very variable. It is usually 

 smooth or with only a few loose fibers, Init sometimes the central 

 portion is covered with minute hairs. In wet weather the surface is 

 often somewhat sticky. The color varies from light brown to black- 

 ish brown, but occasionally specimens are found that are yellowish or 

 even white. The flesh is white. 



The gills are l)road, close together but not greatly crowded, and 

 free from the stem. They are at first white but become flesh-colored 

 or pink as the spores mature. The spores are light pink. 



The stem is 7 to 15 cm. (3 to 6 inches) long, solid and firm ])ut 

 rather brittle, and tapers slightly upward. It is usually white, with 

 dark fibers or streaks on the surface, but sometimes it is colored like 

 the cap. The stem is very easily removed from the cap. There is no 

 ring and no volva. When the plant grows from the side of a stump 

 or log the stem is apt to be curved in such a wav as to bring the cap 

 into a horizontal position. 



Plutcus ccrz'iuus is one of the earliest of the larger mushrooms and 

 is also one of the best. It is a great favorite on mv own table. Fried 

 in butter and served hot on toast it is delicious. 



Collected in Champaign, Jackson, and Union counties. 



