FIELD BOOK OF COMMON GILLED MUSHROOMS 



membrane or veil. The cap is folded and its gills lie close 

 along the stem, giving somewhat the appearance of a closed 

 umbrella. The outer or universal veil usually disappears as 

 the plant grows larger and as the cap expands, but in some 

 species part of it persists throughout the life of the plant in 



P£EL 



u 



THE- CAP 

 INCLUDES 

 PEEL,FLESM 

 AND CilUS. 



Fig. 3. — Section of a typical gilled mushroom or agaric. 



the form of a sheath or cup enclosing the base of the stem. In 

 other cases, part of the wrapper may be seen in the form of 

 patches or flakes adhering to the upper surface of the mature 

 cap. Both of these features may be seen in the fly mushroom 

 or Amanita muscaria and they afford marks that help to iden- 

 tify that species. 



Agarics, during the button stage of their existence are pro- 

 vided with another veil or membrane that extends from the 

 stem to the margin of the cap. In some kinds of mushrooms 

 this inner or secondary veil persists, at least in part, and by its 

 presence aids in identification of the species possessing it. 

 When this inner veil remains after the rupture or disappear- 

 ance of the outer cover, it hides the gills from sight. (PI. IT, 

 species 3). Sooner or later, during the growth of the plant, 

 it breaks away from the edge of the cap as this expands or 

 spreads open. In the case of most of the agarics, it disappears 



12 



