58 



this stage. The other is solid all through, white, and is just at 

 its prime for eatine. It has been found by many who have eaten 

 puff-balls, that the larger species are much better than the smaller 

 o.ies. One, known as The Giant Puff-ball, Lycoperdongiganteum, 

 or Calvatia gigantea according to some, is so rare in Idaho that 

 it has not been represented by chart, though there is a specimen 

 in the University Herbarium, and found near Moscow, which is 

 14 inches long, u inches wide, and 5 inches thick. The "Coun- 

 try Gentleman" some years ago mentioned a giant puff-ball 

 which weighed 47 pounds and measured a little over 8 feet in 

 circumference. Vittadini says of them "when the giant puff-ball 

 is conveniently situated, you should only take one slice at a time" 

 (more if you need it) "cutting it horizontally and using great care 

 not to disturb its growth, to prevent decay, and thus one may 

 have a fritter every day in the week." They are certainly de- 

 licious when sliced and fried in butter like egg plant. 



The two species represented in the Plate are our most common 

 ones, Lycoperdon caelatum (Calvatia caelata of some), and Ly cop- 

 er don gemmatum. I have only tried these raw, and find them 

 both good; but those who have cooked them both say that the 

 first, the larger, is much the better. The small species are said to 

 be rather strong. However, no puff-ball is poisonous, or even in- 

 jurious, so one can hardly make a mistake if several species are 

 gathered, save that some are better than others. L. caelatum is 

 known by its top- sh aped peridium or coat, white to light cream in 

 color, 3-5 inches in diameter, granulate rough or almost smooth, 

 and flat above or some.- hat depressed, and breaking away by a 

 -large irregular hole at top. The spores and fibres are yellowish 

 green or olivaceous. L. gemmatum is smaller, generally more 

 tapering at base, and the top and sides of the peridium are rough- 

 er with conical, white projections, 



The Morel Is. 



Morchella bispora, and others 

 These peculiar plants differ from any of those described inhav- 



