THE SPORE-SAC FUNGI 



487 



Morchella deliciosa. Fr. 

 The Delicious Morel. Edible. 



This and the preceding species would indicate by their names that they have 

 been held in high esteem for a long time, as Profs. Persoon and Fries, who 

 named them, lived more than a hundred years ago. The Delicious Morel is 

 recognized by the shape of its cap, which is generally cylindrical, sometimes 

 pointed, and slightly curved. The stem is rather short and, like the stem of all 

 Morels, is hollow from the top to the bottom. 



It is found associated with other species of Morels, in woods and wood 

 borders, also in old apple and peach orchards. They need to be cooked slowly 

 and long. Coming early in the spring, they are not likely to be infested with 

 worms. The flesh is rather fragile and not very watery. They are easily dried. 

 Found through April and May. 



Figure 410. Morchella deliciosa. Two-thirds natural size. 



Morchella esculenta var. conica. Pers. 

 The Conical Morel. Edible. 



The Conical Morel is very closely related to M. esculenta and M. deliciosa, 

 from which it differs in having the cap longer than it is wide, and more pointed, 

 so that it is conical or oblong-conical. The plant, as a general thing, grows to 



