No. 15.] HYMENIALES OF CONNECTICUT. 



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until October. Occasionally it is found in open fields and 

 pastures. It is easily identified when once its characteristics are 

 known. The cap varies in color from gray to brown ; is from 

 two to four inches in diameter ; smooth and shining in the center, 

 with an occasional fragment of the universal veil remaining on 

 the surface. Near the margin the flesh becomes thin, and is 

 marked by deep furrows with prominent ridges. The stem 

 varies in length from three to six inches, and is from one-half 

 to three-fourths of an inch thick. It tapers slightly towards the 

 top, and is hollow, or stuffed with a pithy substance. The volva 

 at the base of the stem is very characteristic; being moderately 

 firm, it persists until the maturity of the cap, as a closely sheath- 

 ing cup, split down one side. This volva separates easily from 

 the stem; and, unless care is taken in gathering, the stem may 

 be pulled out, leaving the volva in the soil. Great precaution 

 must be observed that no remnants of a ring are present on the 

 upper portion of the stem. The surface of the stem is usually 

 covered by fine scales, but these may be so minute that the stem 

 has a peculiar mealy appearance. 



LEPIOTA Fr. 



In this group are found some of the best edible species. They 

 are not likely to be confused with Amanita, if precaution is taken 

 to ascertain that there are no indications of a cup at the base of 

 the stem. While there are many species in this genus, all of 

 which are considered edible, but three occur in sufficient quan- 

 tities to merit consideration. 



Lepiota procera Scop. Parasol Mushroom. (Plate III, 

 Bull. 3.) This is one of the best-known of the edible species, 

 and has characteristics which serve to easily distinguish it. It is 

 commonly found in pastures during the summer and autumn 

 months, and often occurs on lawns, in thin woods, especially 

 chestnut sprout-lands, and frequently in gardens. It has a bell- 

 shaped cap, more or less elevated in the center, of a gray-brown 

 color. In age the surface of this cap becomes more or less torn 

 into shaggy scales, with the exception of the central elevation, 

 which remains smooth and dark brown until maturity. The 

 brittle stem, which may be from five to twelve inches high, is 

 clothed with numerous small scales, terminating below with a 

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