BLACK-SPORED AGARICS. 



41 



the more common appearance, at least so far as my observation 

 goes. But not infrequently one finds forms which have the entire 

 outer surface of the cap torn into quite a large number of coarse 

 scales, and these are often more prominent over the upper portion. 

 Fine lines or striations mark also the entire surface of all the forms^ 

 especially toward the margin, where the scales are not so prominent. 

 The marginal half of the cap is also frequently furrowed more or 

 less irregularly, and this forms a crenate or uneven edge. 



Figure 40. Coprinus atramentarius, scaly form (natural size). 



The annulus or ring on the stem of the ink-cap is very different 

 from that of the shaggy-mane. It forms an irregularly zigzag 

 elevated line of threads which extend around the stem near the base. 

 It is well shown in Fig. 41 as a border line between the lower scaly 

 end of the stem and the smooth white upper part. It is formed at 

 the time of the separation of the margin of the cap from the stem, 

 the connecting fibres being pulled outward and left to mark the line 



