Introduction 



surface within a small space and for purely business purposes spore- 

 bearing. The color of these spores has much to do with the classifica- 

 tion. The microscope with high light reveals the delicate shades of 

 their coloring, but the main colors are readily distinguished by the 

 naked eye when the spores are collected in a mass on glass or paper. 



The Polyporaceae have in place of gills closely packed tubes on the 

 inside of which is the spore-bearing surface ; each has a mouth from 

 which to eject the spores. 



The Hydnaceae bear their spores from spines or spicules of various 

 length protruding from the external surface of the cap. Sometimes the 

 spines mock in miniature the stalactites of the Caverns of Luray, some- 

 times the shaggy mane of the lion, sometimes flowing locks of hair. 

 These three Families belong to the Cohort Hymenomycetes, having 

 their spore-bearing surface exposed early in life by the rupture of the 

 universal veil. 



The Lycoperdons or Puff-balls have the hymenium enclosed within an 

 outer case, just as the apple with its seeds is enclosed for a dumpling. 

 When the spores are matured the sack is ruptured and they escape as 

 the dusty powder so well known to all. The Puff-ball belongs to the 

 Cohort Gastromycetes, because its spores are protected within the hy- 

 menium until they are matured. 



There are other Families which contain edible species. The Clavar- 

 iaceae branched or club-shaped often found in as beautiful forms as 

 delight us in coral, includes a few. 



In Ascomycetes, of the covered spore division Sporidifera, there are 

 several species which are excellent, and as they dry readily are much 

 valued for flavoring purposes when winter forbids the growth of outdoor 

 fungi. Of these the Morell has preference. The cap is covered with 

 sinuosities and pits which bear the spores. There are several varieties 

 of the Morell in the United States. They are known among the coun- 

 try people who cook and pickle them, as Honey-comb mushrooms. 



The Tuberaceae are subterranean fungi. The common truffle so 

 much prized by epicures is a good representative. It is found a foot or 

 more under the surface of the earth, and of such value is it that in some 

 countries pigs are trained to hunt it from its hiding place. It is one of 

 the few foreign growths apparently not taking kindly to our country. 

 Efforts have been made to import and cultivate it, but without success. 



xvn 



