30 



CIRCULAR 14 3, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



in form, usually depressed, often scaly or velvety. The gills are 

 slightly or deeply decurrent, unequal, thin with margin notched or 

 serrate. In some species the stem is present and is central, excentric, 

 or lateral; in other species it is absent. The plants are to be found 

 on stumps or logs or rotting lumber. 



LENTINUS LEPIDEUS. SCALY LENTINUS 

 (Fig. 29) 



111 the scaly Lentinus the cap is at first convex, later becoming more or less 

 flattened, tan to yellow with coarse, brown, irreRular. coneentric scales, often 



FiGUKE li'J. — Lentinus h'lJidcus. (From F. 



Clements) 



areolate; gills are clecnrrent, sinuate, white; when young covered by a veil: 

 stem is central or excentric, whitish, mostly scaly, short, thick, hard, equal, 

 or tapering at the b;ise. 



The cap is 2 to 4 inches broad ; the stem is about 1 inch long. 



This is a common untidy-looking species, growing on old stumps and rail- 

 road ties, in which it proihues a serious decay. It is consitlered edible but is 

 of doubtful flavor, and it soon becomes tough. 



LENTINUS LECOMTEI. HAIRY LENTINUS 



In this species the cap is funnel-shaped, regular or irregular with inrolled 

 margin, tawiiv or reddish brown, tough, villose-velvety ; the gills are i)allid, 

 narrow, and crowded, decurrent, the edges nearly entire; the stem is central, 

 excentric, or hiteral, hairy when young. 



The cap is IV2 to 3Mj inches broad; the stem is usually short. 



This is a very coninum and widely distributed species. It is to l)e found 

 in clumps on old .stumps, logs, and dead branches from spring to autumn, 

 although it persists throughout the winter. 



