GENERA AND SPECIES OF MUSHROOMS 



the stem; white or tinged with yellow when old; adjacent to, 

 but not attached to the stem (adnexed.) 



Stem firm and solid; attached to the cap a little to one 

 side of the center; usually curved; smooth or sometimes 

 downy or hairy at the base; 2 to 4 inches long. 



Spores white; globular; .0002 to .00025 inch broad. 



The elm pleurotus or elm tree mushroom is a con- 

 spicuous object, growing as it generally does, from dead 

 places in or on the stumps of cut branches of standing 

 elms. By its large size and white color it easily attracts 

 attention. 



It is not uncommon to see this mushroom late in autumn 

 growing on the elms that have been planted as shade trees 

 along the streets of our cities and in our public parks. It 

 grows especially on those trees that have been severely 

 trimmed or have had their tops cut away. Its time of appear- 

 ance is so late in the season that it is not often infested by 

 insects. It therefore persists a long time and will keep two 

 or three days without harm. Its flesh is not as tender as 

 that of many of the mushrooms that grow on the ground but 

 it has an agreeable flavor and is quite harmless. Most 

 tree-inhabiting mushrooms grow more slowly and are there- 

 fore more tough and more slow to decay than are those grow- 

 ing on the ground. They are also less easily collected since 

 they often grow high up on standing trees. In consequence 

 of their persistent character they are easily dried and pre- 

 served for winter use. 



The elm pleurotus sometimes grows on other than elm 

 trees, as, for instance, the maple and poplar. Occasionally 

 when growing from the cut surface of an upright stump or 

 from the upper side of a branch, its stem is straight and 

 attached to the center of the cap. When dried specimens are 

 soaked several hours in water they restmie their original 

 size and are nearly as good as if fresh. Peck. 



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