PARTS OF A MUSHROOM 



that on the under side of the cap, reaching from the 

 stem to the edge, there are thin plates or gills. When 



^ \ 



bm ^ 



Mushroom 

 with Gills. 



Mushroom with Tubes; 

 or Pores. 



V 



Mushroom 

 with Teeth. 



the plant is young the gills cannot be seen. They are 

 hidden under the veil. As soon as this breaks they 

 come into sight. It is on the surface of the gills that the 

 spores are formed. When they 

 are ripe they fall to the ground 

 and grow into mushrooms, as you 

 will learn in the next chapter. 



If you wish to see these spores, 

 cut off the stem of the mushroom 

 and place the cap, gills downward, 

 upon a piece of paper. Choose 

 a plant with dark gills and use 

 white paper. Cover with a glass 

 so that the wind cannot touch it. In a few hours re- 

 move the glass and lift the cap carefully. You will 



67 



Spore Prints. 



