THE PURPLE-BROWN-SPORED AGARICS 



311 



When the stem is first cut 

 there exudes from the wound 

 a yellowish liquid which is 

 quite a sure ear mark of this 

 species. 



There is a tradition that the 

 spores will not germinate un- 

 less they pass through the 

 alimentary canal of the horse 

 or some animal. However this 

 may be, it is found frequently 

 where no trace of the horse 

 can be found. It appears 

 from July to September. I 

 have found it in Fayette Coun- 

 ty, Ohio, in large rings, re- 

 sembling the Fairy - Ring 

 Mushroom, only the ring is 

 very large, as well as the 

 mushrooms. 



Agaricus abruptus. Pk. 

 Edible. 



Abruptus means to break 

 away, referring to the break- 

 ing of the veil from the mar- 

 gin of the cap. 



The pileus is creamy-white, 

 dry and silky, quite irregular 

 in shape when young, turning 

 yellow when bruised or when 

 the stem is cut. 



The gills are slightly pinkish 

 when the veil first breaks, gradually growing a deeper pink, in mature specimens 

 becoming brownish, soft, free from the stem, quite close, unequal. 



The stem is creamy-white, much darker toward the base, hollow, rather stiff, 

 quite brittle, frequently found to be split lengthwise, ventricose, tapering toward 

 the cap. 



The veil is rather frail, one portion of it often adhering to the cap and another 

 portion forming a ring on the stem. 



Through the courtesy of Captain Mcllvaine I am able to present an excellent 



Piguke 252. Agaricus arvensis. Two-thirds 

 showing veil. 



natural size, 



