218 KEPOBT OF THE STATB BOTANIST 



The mass of tubes is generally somewhat convex in the mature 

 plant, though it may be plane in the young plant. This also 

 sometimes assumes a pinkish stain where bruised. 



The stem varies greatly in length and thickness, and is some- 

 times crooked and deformed. It is usually reticulated at the top 

 only. 



Cap one and a half to four inches broad ; stem one to four 

 inches long, one-third to two-thirds of an inch thick. 



The Bitter boletus occurs in woods and in open places. A 

 favorite place of growth is in a soil largely composed of decayed 

 wood and other vegetable matter. It is frequently found growing 

 about much-decayed stumps and prostrate trunks of hemlock 

 trees. It may be found from July to September. 



The taste of the tiesh in this Boletus, as well as in many species 

 of Lactarius and Russula, is an important aid in the specific iden- 

 tification. In tasting fungi for this purpose care should betaken 

 to select only fresh, sound specimens, and the part tasted should 

 not be swallowed. 



