20 



CIECULAE 14 3, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



CLITOCYBB DE.VLBATA. (SUSPECTED) 



In this species the cap is convex, then itlane, finally revolute and undulate, 

 dry, even, smooth, somewhat shining; the flesh is thin, dry, white; the gills 

 are adnate, crowded, scarcely decurrent, white; the stem is equal, erect, or 

 ascending, stuffed, wholly fibrous, apex subpruinose. 



While this species has been considered edibU*, it may easily be mistaken for 

 Clitoci/be sudorifica, a very dangerous fungus known as the "sweat-producing 

 Clitocybe." 



CLITOCYBE ILLUDENS. JACK-O'-LANTERX. (POISONOUS) 

 (Fig. 19) 



In Clitonjhc iUudens the cap is fleshy, convex or expanded, then depres.sed, 

 sometimes with a small umbo, saffron yellow, in age becoming sordid or 

 brownish ; the gills are broad, distant, and une(iually decurrent : the stem is 



FiGUKB 19. — CUtocybe illudens. (Poisonous.) (From M. A. Williams) 



solid, firm, smooth, and tapering toward the base, ascending, curved, rarely 

 erect, color same as cap. 



The cap is 4 to 6 inches broad ; the stem is 5 to 8 inches long. 



This is a very striking fungus on account of both its color and the large 

 clumps it forms about stumps or decaying trees. It is often irregular in form, 

 from the crowded habit of growth. On account of the phosphorescence which 

 renders it conspicuous at night, it is commonly known as the jack-o'-lantern. 

 While not considered a dangerous poisonous species, it produces illness and is 

 to be carefully avoided. It may be found from August to October. 



OMPHALIA 



III the o;eniis Omphalia the cap is generally thin, at first iimbilicate, 

 but later funnel shaped, with the maro^iu either incurved or sti-ai<rht. 

 The stem is cartilaginous, its flesh being continuous wdth that of the 

 pileus but differing in character. Species of Omphalia are common 

 on rotten w^ood on hilly slopes and are especially abundant in damp 

 weather. Some species are extremely small. 



This genus is closely related to Mycena and CoUybia, but it is dis- 

 tinguished from them because of its decurrent gills. 



