34 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. 



distinct bulb ; at its upper end is a stout, narrow ring, which 

 usually moves freely up and down the stem. 



This is the most frequent Connecticut species of Lepiota, and 

 is usually found growing singly, or sometimes in troops. 



Lepiota americana Pk. is another species which has striking 

 characters. During August it has been abundant, growing in 

 immense clusters on the campus at the Connecticut Agricultural 

 College. It is found around old stumps or in soil. The caps 

 vary in width from one to three inches, and when immature are 

 covered with a thin skin of red-brown color. At maturity this 

 becomes torn into numerous scales except on the more or less 

 prominent center, and the whole plant assumes a dark red-brown 

 color. This red color is noticeable throughout the flesh, and 

 grows darker as the plant nears maturity, or when bruised. This 

 is one of the chief distinguishing characteristics. The stem is 

 shorter and thicker than in L. procera; and the bulbous base, so 

 distinct in the latter species, is frequently represented in 

 L. americana only by a gradual swelling. Sometimes, however, 

 the bulbous base is well defined. The ring on the stem is less 

 permanent than in L. procera, the so-called " parasol mush- 

 room," and frequently disappears as the plant reaches maturity. 

 It is also less distinctly movable. 



Lepiota naucinoides Pk. (Plate III). Some American my- 

 cologists have doubted whether L. naucina Fr. and L. naucinoides 

 Pk. are specifically distinct; but without discussing the question 

 the writer will adhere to the name given in Bulletin No. 3. No 

 harm can possibly result to the epicure, since both species are 

 edible. This fungus is frequently very abundant in old fields, 

 about trees which have been heavily mulched, and on open 

 lawns. The writer has found it so abundant that a half- 

 bushel basket could be easily gathered at one time. The plants 

 were unusually large, many of the caps measuring eight to ten 

 inches in diameter. In some respects the plants resemble 

 Agaricus campestris, the " pasture mushroom " ; but the chalky 

 white appearance of the cap and the absence of the brown gills 

 on mature specimens serve as distinguishing characteristics. The 

 amateur must use much caution in collecting, not to confuse the 

 species with white forms of Amanita. After the plant is once 

 determined, the danger is very slight. The cap is nearly globular 



