122 REPRESENTATIVE PLANTS 



organic matter of plant origin. " Toadstools " are mush- 

 rooms that have the reputation of being poisonous, but, as a 

 matter of fact, many toadstools, so called, are delicious and 

 wholesome, and the deadliest known forms are, as a rule, 

 called " mushrooms." 



Form and parts. Examine any ''parasol-shaped" form 

 that is furnished, or that you are able to find for yourself. 

 Observe the stalk that attaches the plant to the ground. 

 Often strands of fiber or threads are seen attached to the 

 lower end of the stalk, and these represent a part of the 

 mycelium that is the real plant living in the organic matter, 

 on which the mushroom grows. Break up a stalk and 

 observe its fibrous nature, like a bundle of threads. What 

 is. the form, color, and size of the stalk, and is it solid or 

 not ? Observe whether or not the stalk is inclosed at the 

 base in a cup, and if near the top, there is a band, or ring 

 encircling the stalk. The expanded portion borne on the 

 stalk is the cap, or ^Meus. AVhat is its size, shape, color, 

 the nature of the surface, and is the section thick or thin ? 

 Observe the absence, or presence, of odor. If your specimen 

 is young, there may be a thin film of skin or membrane 

 stretched from the margin of the cap to the stalk, and 

 covering the under surface of the cap. Such a structure is 

 the veil. AVhat purpose has it ? 



The under surface of the cap may be covered with radi- 

 ating, narrow ridges (gills), small holes (pores or spines). 



Drawings. Draw a side view of the mushroom, a long 

 section through, the whole plant, and a view of the under 

 surface of the cap. Draw spores also. 



Spore print. Spores. Cut the stalk of a fresh mushroom 

 close to the cap, and place the cap, right side up, on a piece 

 of plain paper. Cover all with a tight glass to exclude any 

 air currents. After three or four hours, remove the glass 

 and lift the cap directly upward, with great care. What do 

 you find on the paper ? Compare with the under surface of 



