134 EDIBLE MUSHROOMS 



VARIOUS -GILLED RUSSULA 

 Russula heterophylla 



Growing in company with both of the above is 

 frequently to be seen another species, which is some- 

 what protean in its accomplishments of color, but 

 which in the character of its gills, as implied in its 

 scientific name, gives us a ready means 

 Botanical of identification — heterophylla — various- 

 characters leaved (PI. 12, figs, i and 5). In the pre- 

 vious examples of Russulae the gills have 

 been commonly straight, continuous from stem to 

 edge of cap, or more rarely forked and continuous in 

 the bifurcation. In the present species we have both 

 of these conditions, combined also with what are 

 called dimidiate gills, or shorter leaflets, which reach, 

 perhaps, only half-way from rim to stem, all crowded 

 together and alternating. The color of the cap is 

 very variable — occasionally pinkish-ash color or dull 

 pinkish-gray inclining to green or olive or even red. 

 Its surface is smoother than in the foregoing species, 

 being almost polished, and the pellicle of the cap is 

 usually noticeably thinner. Having found such a 

 specimen, possessing also all the other attributes of 

 shape, firmness of flesh, and dry brittleness of gills, 

 if tasted and found sweet in flavor it may be eaten 

 without the slightest fear, and like its congeners will 

 be found a delicious morsel, whether nibbled raw, as 

 the squirrels are so fond of doing, or served hot on 

 toast as an entree, or otherwise prepared according 

 to taste. 



Various methods prevail in the culinary prepara- 



