1918^ The Lactarias of North Carolina 7 



2. Lactarius pergamenus Fr. 



L. glaucescens Crossland. 



Plates 3 and 40. 



Cap 7-13 cm. broad, depressed in center at maturity, the margin 

 upturned, surface dry, not zoned, smooth or more often rugose- 

 wrinkled as in L. volemus, especially towards the center, glabrous, 

 nearly white or with brownish-buff shades and deeper colored areas, 

 especially when old; rarely with a faint pinkish tint. Flesh nearly 

 white or creamy, firm and solid. Milk white at first, changing slowly 

 to a glaucous green or not changing, very peppery or at times only 

 moderately so. 



Gills very close, narrow, many forked, only 1.5 mm. wide, white 

 at first, then light fleshly cream, turning honey color in fresh plants 

 when wounded, or a glavicous green usually where there is much milk, 

 and in age becoming dull cinnamon-straw color. 



Stem 4-5 cm. long, smooth, pruinose when very fresh, color of cap, 

 1.3-1.7 cm. in diameter in middle, tapering very gradually downward, 

 very firm and solid. 



Spores (of No. 904) pure white, spherical to short-elliptic, smooth, 

 5-5.6 X 6-7.5)11. 



This species is most like L. piperatus, but differs in the much closer 

 and even narrower gills, more solid and firm flesh, much less pep- 

 pery milk, and smaller and smoother spores. The green color of the 

 milk cannot be relied upon, as in the same plant it may change color 

 in one part and not in another. 



Miss Burlingham has recognized the name L. glaucescens as cover- 

 ing the form with greenish change, but our plants agree so exactly 

 with Fries' description that I do not think we are justified in consid- 

 ering this whimsical character as of specific importance. 



Very abundant in summer. In mid- July, 1917, it was more abund- 

 ant, perhaps, than all other mushrooms put together, and it is, thero- 

 fore, important to know that the species is not only edible but very 

 good when properly prepared. If the plants are parboiled and the 

 water thrown away the peppery taste is got rid of, and they may then 

 be creamed or otherwise served to taste. 



