548 



Thk Half-frKE MorEIv (Edibi^F.) 

 Morchclla scniilihcra D. C. 



The half-free morel is so called because the lower half of the bell- 

 shaped cap is free from the stem. It is included here because it dif- 

 fers so greatly from Morchclla couica and yet is apt to be found 

 growing right along with that species. The cap is rarely more than 

 2 or 3 cm. (i inch) long and is usually much shorter than the stem. 

 The pits on the surface of the cap are considerably longer than broad. 

 The cap is usually considerably pointed at the top but deformed speci- 

 mens occur in which it is hemispherical and very blunt at the apex. 

 The stem is white or whitish, usually more or less mealy, hollow, and 

 often somewhat swollen at the base. The whole plant is 5 to lo cm. 

 (2 to 4 inches) high. It may be used in any way in which the other 

 morels are used. Morels should not be gathered immediately after 

 rains as they are then water-soaked and soon spoil. 



Collected in Champaign county. 



