THE FUNGI. 161 



them are said to be most delicious and nutritious articles 

 of food. Directions are given in the books for dis- 

 tinguishing the edible forms from those that are not 

 edible. As a matter of fact, however, there are deadly 

 poisonous forms which so closely resemble nearly all the 

 edible forms that even the expert acknowledges the im- 

 possibility of describing so that one unfamiliar with them 

 may be at all sure of distinguishing the edible from the 

 poisonous. The only safe rule for the novice is not to eat 

 Mushrooms, unless under the guidance of some one who 

 has had experience. 



All the more important species of Toadstools may be 

 brought under the following classification : 



A. THE HYMENOMYCETES, bearing exposed spores. 



I. The Agaricinece, or Gill-bearing Toadstools. 

 II. The Polyporiece, or Tube-bearing Toadstools. 



III. The Hydnece, or Tooth-bearing Toadstools. 



IV. The Clavariece, or Coral-shaped Toadstools. 



B. THE GASTEROMYCETES, bearing internal spores. 



V. The Puff Balls. 



I. The Gill-bearing Toadstools (Agaricinece) . By far 

 the largest number of Toadstools are included among the 

 Agaricinese. They are distinguished at once from mem- 

 bers of the other divisions by the gills, or lamellce, situated 

 on the under side of the pileus, or umbrella-shaped top. 



THE GILL-BEARING TOADSTOOLS. PRACTICAL STUDIES. 



1. Obtain a number of different kinds of gill-bearing 

 Toadstools. In collecting, dig well into the ground, and 

 secure the entire fructification, together with some of the 

 mycelium. Compare the specimens as to height of the 

 stipe, or supporting stalk, and the shape, diameter, and 

 color of the pileus. ^** BB ** l "* s ' e *^ 



CLARK'S HOT. -11 



