208 



STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



The Engraved Puff-Bail. (Lycoperdon caelatum.) Fig. 18. 



This puff-ball is much like the preceding one in structure and behavior 

 but can be readily distinguished by its larger size and the yellowish 

 olive color of the mature spore-mass. The sterile base is sometimes the 

 larger part of the fungus and is often anchored to the soil by a heavy 

 root-like growth below. It is found in much the same places as the pre- 

 ceding species. 



Figure 18. The Engraved Puff ball (Lycoperdon caelatum). 



—(Original.) 



About one-half natural ilze. 



The Giant Puff-Bail. (Bovista gigantea.) Fig. 19. 



The Giant puff-ball, a veritable fungus football, is not only the Goliath 

 of its tribe but, when well developed, has no other rival in size among 

 fungi. Thus marvelous stories are sometimes told about the dimensions 

 to which this fungus occasionally attains. The largest specimens seen 

 by the writer measured nearly sixty inches in circumference and 

 weighed fifteen pounds ; a fungus omelette for a whole neighborhood. 



Its surface when young resembles white kid leather while its resem- 

 blance to a huge loaf of unbaked bread is very striking. How many of 

 these fungus delicacies are kicked into oblivion every season by persons 

 unfamiliar with their appetizing possibilities, there is no record to show; 

 it suflBoes to say that the well informed fungus hunter would as quickly 

 think of demolishing a basket of fresh eggs which he might happen to find 

 as to destroy a goo(i specimen of this fungus. 



