EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 



203 



Figure 12. The Conical Morel (Morchellji conica). Natnia! size. — Oritriiuil.) 



The Esculent Morel. (Morchella esculenta.) 



This is the common morel and the most abundant of its tribe. It is 

 distinguished principally by the more rounded shape of the cap, and the 

 irregular pits which are formed by the ribs extending in all directions. 

 The color is greyish or leaden in young specimens, but changes to a buflf 

 in mature plants. They are found singly or in groups, frequenting the 

 borders of woods, appearing along the lane, in old orchards, and in the 

 vicinity of evergreen trees. A colony of them lifting their sponge-like 

 heads in the green grass is an inspiring sight to the fungus epicure who 

 learns to look for them each season in the same haunts. 



All morels should be crisjt and fresh when eaten. If they have been 

 frosted several times or softened by rain and age they should be rejecterl. 

 as they prove somowhnt indigestible under those circumstances. 



