416 



THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE 



otugraph Ijv A. G. and U. Lccper 



THE CUP-SHAPED PUFF-BALL (Calvatia cy at hi for mis) common in fields 



The purplish-brown surface, cracked like an alligator's skin, is the distinguishing feature 

 of this much-hunted species, which grows in pastures and in cultivated lands during August 

 and September. Less than one-half natural size. 



specifically, however, is a different problem, 

 largely for the reason that it is essential to 

 have more than one specimen, preferably a 

 whole series, covering the development from 

 extreme youth to full maturity. 



If such a series is at one's disposal, impor- 

 tant notes can be made — first, on the difference 

 in the gill-color of young and old specimens ; 

 second, on the color of the cobweb-like veil, 

 present in all true Cortinarii, and on the pres- 

 ence or absence of a secondary or universal 

 veil ; third, on the shape, color, and general 

 surface characters (including degree of sticki- 

 ness) of the plants. 



The species included here and figured m 

 its natural colors is sometimes found. The 

 change in the color of the gills is shown, as is 

 also the difference in the general aspect due 

 to growth. The amateur would scarcely con- 

 sider the two plants as belonging to one spe- 

 cies. To complicate the situation further, this 

 species has several varieties, one of which, with 

 blood-red gills, is quite common. 



Many species of Cortinarius exhibit beauti- 

 ful coloration, the light lavender, blue, and 

 violet-colored ones being noted in this respect. 

 A few have bright red bands encircling their 

 stems, as in the common C. annillatus. 



THE CHANTRELLE (Cantharellus 

 cibarius). Edible 



(See Color Plate VII) 



On special state occasions the golden Chan- 

 trelle graces the festive board, yet there is no 



reason in the world why it should not be on 

 every man's table throughout the land and 

 throughout the year. Abundant and easily 

 recognized, any one may gather it in quantity 

 and without fear of being poisoned. 



Its natural habitat is in forests of spruce, 

 pine, hemlock, beech, and other trees ; com- 

 monly found growing in troops, from June to 

 October. Long cooking over a slow fire, in 

 a covered vessel, improves both flavor and 

 consistency. The dressing may be simple or 

 very elaborate. It dries readily. 



Though a somewhat variable fungus, both as 

 to shape and color, its characteristic, dull- 

 edged, irregularly forked gills render identifi- 

 cation easy. 



It is a cosmopolitan species, but limited, as 

 are most fleshy fungi, to the more temperate 

 regions of the earth (see Clitocybe illudens, the 

 False Chantrelle, Plate III). 



THE PERENNIAL POLYSTICTUS 

 (Polystictus perennis) 



(See Color Plate VII) 



When in the woods, "stalking" the edible 

 fungi, the hunter, sensitive to the beautiful as 

 well as the useful, cannot but stop to admire 

 the little cinnamon-colored cups of various 

 Polystictus species that stud his pathway. The 

 present species is one of the commonest. A 

 West African species, the magnificent Poly- 

 stictus saccr is an object of religious worship 

 with the natives. Let us hope that it is merely 

 a worship at the shrine of beauty. 



