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XXV. Some Account x)f the Lycoperdon solidum of the Flora Vir- 

 ginica, the Lycoperdon cervinum of Walter. By James Mac- 

 bride, AJ.D. of South Carolina. Communicated by the President. 



Read June 3, 181?. 



This fungus is most frequently dug up in lands which have not 

 been cleared of their original wood more than three or four years, 

 in the preparation for planting. It is found at various depths, 

 from a few inches to two feet, and is sometimes met with partly 

 above ground. I have seen it in every variety of soil, except 

 swampy; but it is found in greatest abundance, and appears to 

 attain to the greatest size, in loose rich lands, the forest-trees of 

 which w-ere different species of oak, Juglojis alba, Linn., and 

 Finns Tccda. It is very common in the southern states; but is 

 rarely seen further north than Maryland. Its shape is irregular; 

 the largest specimens approach the globular form, or the cylin- 

 drical with globular ends. I have seen a specimen which weighed 

 fifteen pounds; and I am credibly informed a single tuber has 

 weighed thirty or forty pounds. 



The common opinion entertained of this substance is, that it 

 is the root of the Fi-ythrina Jierbacea or Convolvulus panduratus, 

 both of which have large roots, and that of the latter penetrating 

 the earth to a considerable depth. The usual appellation of it is 

 Indian Fotatoe or Indian Bread. It was used by the Indians as 

 an article of food, as their name for it {Tuckahoe) is said to imply. 



Fugitive 



