EXAMINATION OF A MUSHROOM. 



197 



in the interior. At 777 they are much more distinct, and 

 here is also manifest a difference between the upper and 

 lower sections, which is still more marked at IV and V. 

 The upper spreading portion is called the pileus ; at V 

 the lower edge of the pileus is still attached by a circular 

 membrane to the stalk. In this stage the membrane is 



Fig. 246. 



called the veil ; later on, as seen in Fig. 246, it is torn 

 away from the pileus and now forms the annulus, or ring, 

 about the stalk. Upon the under side of the pileus are 

 produced a great many vertical, thin plates, called lamella 

 or gills. If we make a vertical section through the pileus 

 so as to cut across a number of the lamellae, they will 



Fig. 246. The Common Mushroom (Agaricus campestris) ; a, the 

 pileus ; 6, the lamellae ; c, the annulus. (Thomd.) 



