106 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1896. 



Among the very latest specimens to be found, after winter has 

 stopped all vegetation, are sure to be some large, dry, cracked and 

 almost purple samples of this sort. The Hypholomas can be safely 

 eaten, but are not generally liked. 



The next group, with inky black spores, is the Coprinus family, 

 well known about "Worcester, where for several years there has been 

 an abundant autumnal crop of the Shaggy Mane mushroom, Coprinus 

 Comatus. This appears year after year in the same localities, and 

 cannot be mistaken for anything else. Its smaller relatives have to be 

 hunted for, and are usually not far away from the Shaggy Mane. 

 These are all perfectly safe to eat if fresh, and there is no hurtful 

 variety that can be mistaken for them. 



In the class having pink or ochraceous spores there are no species 

 which need detain us now, and I pass to the Leucosporj\3 or white- 

 spored division of the Agaricus, and among them we shall find only too 

 many kinds which deserve our attention, and as time is limited I shall 

 allude only briefly to a few of the most conspicuous and important 

 representatives. One of our finest mushrooms, alas too rare, is the 

 Lepiota procera or parasol mushroom. This seems to combine all 

 qualities which can be asked for in an edible mushroom. It is very 

 conspicuous by the elegance of its outline, its considera])le size, its 

 lovely soft, tawny color with brownish scales ; its flesh is white, its taste 

 and odor of the finest ; and, finally there is no hurtful mushroom which 

 can be mistaken for it. 



The Elm- tree mushroom is by no means rare. Young specimens 

 of this sort are excellent for the table. 



The Lactarius deliciciosus is found in moist pine woods and mossy 

 swamps, but is rare. Its general hue is orange ; its particular char- 

 acter being that drops of orange-colored juice exude from the bruised 

 or broken gills. 



The Russula family is quite common and possesses many especially 

 attractive representatives in this State. This species is quite peculiar 

 in its color, which is distinctly green, and so, naturally alarming to the 

 novice but it is certainly quite harmless, and as a food is certainly 

 desirable, although its flavor is not quite as delicate as some sorts I 

 have named. 



Another very conspicuous Russula, Emetica, is very decidedly to be 

 omitted from the basket when we are collecting for the table. It is 

 very bright in color, varying from pink to scarlet. A simple test 

 applies to all the Russulas, — break the cap and apply to the tongue ; 

 all the hurtful sorts will taste hot like pepper, not at once, perhaps, 

 but in a few minutes. 



