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The Smooth Lepiota (Edibee) 

 Lcpioia iia It cilia Fries 



This beautiful and excellent mushroom occurs in grassy places 

 such as pastures, along roadsides, and sometimes on lawns, from June 

 to November, but is usually most abundant during the latter part of 

 the summer. In some years it is extremely abundant, while in others 

 it is rather scarce. I have seen acres of ground white with it where 

 for several years previously only occasional specimens had been found. 

 Many people are afraid of this mushroom because of its minor re- 

 semblances to some of the poisonous Amanitas, but when one once 

 becomes familiar with the characters and appearance of the plant there 

 is no reason for making a mistake in collecting it. 



The cap is soft but very fleshy and thick. It is at first globose, 

 then expanded and nearly flat or with a blunt umbo or elevation in 

 the center. The surface is smooth and snowy white or smoky white, 

 and the flesh is thick and white. The cap is 5 to 10 cm. (2 to 4 inches) 

 broad and usually very regular in shape. 



The gills are somewhat crowded and entirel}^ free from the stem. 

 They are pure white or sometimes pinkish brown in verv old speci- 

 mens. The spores are white. 



The stem is white, smooth or with fine fibers on its surface, en- 

 larged at the base and tapering somewdiat upward. It is from 5 to 

 10 cm. (2 to 4 inches) long. The ring is rather thin and delicate but 

 distinct and conspicuous. It is sometimes lost in old specimens, but 

 usually some remnants of it can be found. There is no volva. 



This mushroom can ])e used in any way in which the common cul- 

 tivated mushroom is used and will be found just as good. It probably 

 could be cultivated for market just as profitably as is Agaricus cam- 

 pcstris and its appearance is even more inviting. Its taste even when 

 uncooked is mild and pleasant. The surface of the cap has a sort of 

 kid-leather texture which is unmistakable when one once becomes fa- 

 miliar with it. Nevertheless it must be remembered that Lepiota 

 uauciiia resembles in some respects the deadly Amanita, and one can- 

 not exercise too great care in collecting and using only specimens that 

 can be identified with absolute certainty. 



Collected in Champaign county. 



