130 MUSHROOMS, EDIBLE AND OTHERWISE 



bution and found on branches, among moss and dead leaves. They are found in 

 clusters and solitary. They resemble in many ways M. alcalina but do not have 

 the peculiar smell. 



The plants in Figure 96 were photographed by Prof. G. D. Smith of 

 Akron. 



Omphalia. Fr. 



Omphalia is from a Greek word meaning the navel ; referring here to the 

 central depression in the cap. 



The pileus from the first is centrally depressed, then funnel-shaped, almost 

 membranaceous, and watery when moist ; margin incurved or straight. Stem 

 cartilaginous and hollow, often stuffed when young, continuous with the cap but 

 different in character. Gills decurrent and sometimes branched. 



They are generally found on wood, preferring a damp woody situation and a 

 wet season. It is easily distinguished from Collybia and Mycena by its decurrent 

 gills. In some of the species of the Mycena where the gills are slightly decurrent, 

 the pileus is not centrally depressed as it is in corresponding species of Omphalia. 

 There are a few species of Omphalia whose pileus is not centrally depressed but 

 whose gills are plainly decurrent. 



Omphalia campanclla. Batsch. 

 The Bell Omphalia. Edible. 



Campanella means a little bell. 



The pileus is membranaceous, convex to extended, centrally depressed, striate, 

 watery, rusty-yellow in color. 



The gills are moderately close, decurrent, bow-shaped, connected by veins, 

 rigid, firm, yellowish. The spores elliptical, 6-7X3-4/X. 



The stem is hollow, clothed with down, and paler above. 



This plant is very common and plentiful in our woods and is widely distributed 

 in the states. It grows on wood or on ground very heavily charged with decaying 

 wood. It is found through the summer and fall. It is delicious if you have the 

 patience to gather them. 



Omphalia cpicJiysia. Pers. 



The pileus is thin, convex to expanded, depressed in the center, sooty-gray 

 with a watery appearance, pallid to nearly white when dry. 



The gills are slightlv decurrent, whitish then gray, somewhat crowded. 

 The stem is slender, hollow, gray. The spores are elliptical, 8-1OX4-5/X. 



