486 BRITISH FUNGI 



Recognized by its small size and saddle-shaped cap. 

 On the ground among grass. 



H. elastica. — Cap free from the stem, drooping, 2-3-lobed, centre 

 depressed, even, whitish, bro\\-nish or sooty, almost smooth below, 

 about § in. broad ; stem swollen below, tapering upwards, elastic, 

 even or lacunose, velvety or scurfy, colour of the cap, 2-4 in. long 

 (spores 18-20 xio-ii /'), 



On the ground in damp woods. 



H. niaci'opifs. — This species has much in common with H. elastica, 

 from which it is distinguished by the cap being rough with small 

 warts on the upper surface (spores 28-33 X 11-13 i^). 



On the ground in shady places. Summer and autumn. 



H. crispa. — Cap drooping, lobed and inflated, soon free from 

 stem at sides, fragile, almost translucent, whitish, 2-3 in. across ; 

 stem stout, usually narrowed upwards, with stout anastomosing, 

 raised ri]:(S, enclosing irregular elongated pits or canals, hollow as are 

 also the ribs, 3-4 in. long (spores 17-18 x 9-10 //.). 



Known from all other species by the stout, ribbed, lacunose stem. 

 Edible. 



On the ground. Autumn. 



H. lacunosa. — Cap irregular, often inflated and irregularly lobed, 

 lobes drooping and attached to the stem by the under surface, dark 

 grey or blackish grey, |-2 in. across ; stem rather stout, variously 

 ribbed or lacunose, 1-2 in. long, pallid (spores 18-20 X 10-12 /x). 



Very variable in size, as also in the inflation of the cap and ribbing 

 of the stem. Differs from H. crispa in the dark colour of the cap. 



On the ground in woods. Summer and autumn. 



Verpa 



Ascophore stipitate, campanulate or thimble-shaped, attached 

 to the tip of the stem, and hanging down with the sides free from the 

 stem ; stem equal, even or slightly wrinkled, but not ribbed (spores 

 elliptical, i-celled, colourless). 



Closely allied to Helvella ; distinguished by the ascophore 

 being more regular in form, and more evidently drooping all round 

 the tip of the stem like a thimble loosely poised on a finger. 



V. digitaliforniis. — Ascophore stipitate, campanulate, apex obtuse, 

 wrinkled, umber, pale and slightly downy underneath, substance 

 thin, up to I in. high ; stem 2-3 in. long, whitish, ornamented with 

 very minute, concentrically arranged scales. 



On banks and in woods under shrubs, etc. Spring. 



Leotia 

 Ascophore stipitate, substance fleshy, soft and somewhat gela- 

 tinous, orbicular, edge drooping or incurved, free from the stem, 



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