20 OMENSETTKR : 



green." He next day obtained considerable ({iiantities, and 

 found that a few of them in a dark room gave sufficient 

 light to read. 



Concerning a native luminous species, Clitocybe illudcus, 

 observed b}' the writer in Lower Providence, but not tested, 

 Charles Mcllvaine has this to say : — 



" Grows in clumps or large masses about stumps or deca}^- 

 ing trees, from August to October. Its bright, deep yellow is 

 attractive from a distance. As man\' as fifty plants may form 

 a cluster. 



" The mysterious property of phosphorescence is possessed 

 by this fungus. As heat is known to develop in masses of the 

 fungus, it is of interest to know whether it is from the phos- 

 phoresence or a ferment. Its radiance by night surpasses its 

 splendor by da}^ Mr. H. I. Miller, of Terre Haute, Indiana, 

 first drew the writer's attention to this quality. A large box 

 of specimens sent b}^ him retained their luminous quality after 

 three days of travel, to such an extent that the print of a news- 

 paper could be read when held close to the mass. 



" Mr. Miller writes : ' There is something about this fungus 

 which generates heat. When I bring in a basketful of it, for 

 the pleasure its phosphorescence affords my friends, I find that 

 after having been in the basket for two or three hours, and 

 while piled one bunch on top of another, that to insert one's 

 hand among the different clusters is like putting it close to a 

 red hot stove.' 



"This fungus is so inviting in quantity and beauty that 

 one turns from it with a regret that lingers." 



The species in question contains a minor, irritant poison, 

 acting locally on the gastro-intesliual tract, and should not 

 be eaten. 



Where in woodland border's there stands a stately toad- 

 stool, siren-like, immaculate — beware the tempter, for within 

 that queenly beauty lies the draught of death. 



Perhaps if all cases of fatal poisoning by supposed mush- 

 rooms were traced to their source, the A))ia)iita plialloides 



