562 



MUSHROOMS, EDIBLE AND OTHERWISE 



The next layer is called the exoperidium and is composed of two layers, the inner 

 one quite thin and cartilaginous in M. cinnabarinus it is a bright red ; this is 

 attached to a rather thick, gelatinous, outer layer which soon falls away, exposing 

 the endoperidium, which is the layer seen in older specimens. Within the endoper- 

 idium are the spores, which are pale ochraceous or sulphur color, globose or 

 elliptical in shape. They are contained in a separate membrane or sac ; when they 



Figure 480. Polysaccum pisocarpium. 



mature the sac contracts and forces the spores out into the air. The mycelium 

 of this plant is especially peculiar, being composed of a bundle of root-like strands, 

 translucent and jelly-like when young and fresh, but becoming tough and hard. 

 This genus is called by some authors Calostoma, meaning a beautiful mouth, a very 

 appropriate name, as the mouths of all American species are red and quite 

 beautiful. 



Mitremyces cinnabarinus. Dcs:\ 



The rooting strands are long, compact, dark when dry. Exporidium bright 

 red, smooth internally ; the outer layer thick, gelatinous when fresh, finally break- 

 ing - into areas and curling inward. The separation is caused by the fact that the 

 cells of the thick gelatinous portion expand by the absorption of water, 

 while those of the inner layer do not, hence the rupture occurs. The endoperidium 



