154 "(Rambles wttb IRature Stubents 



carefully, we shall find that it has sprung from a 

 network of white threads, which is called the spawn 

 or mycelium. Resting here and there upon this 

 network are small nodules, which will grow into 

 mushrooms in due time ; they first appear above 

 the ground as white balls, which, as they rise up 

 and gradually expand, divide into two parts, namely, 



AGARICUS CAMPESTRIS. 



the cap, which is botanically called the pileus, and 

 the stem or stipes. 



We notice next a thin membrane which envelops 

 the cap. This is torn away as the pileus enlarges ; 

 part of this veil or volva remains on the stem, and 

 is .called the annulus, and part clings to the outer 

 edge of the cap 



We take off the top of the mushroom and reverse 

 it, and now we see thin plates or gills radiating 

 from the centre of the cap. If we cut one of these 



