TLATE XVI 



THE SHAGGY-MANE MUSHROOM 



Coprinus comatus 



Pileus: Egg-shaped in young specimens; at length more 

 cylindrical, and finally expanded, melting away in inky 

 fluid. Color, creamy white, becoming black at edge with 

 advancing age, as is also the case with the shaggy points 

 upon its surface, which generally cover the pileus. 



Gills: Crowded; equal in length; creamy white in young 

 specimens, becoming pink, brown, and finally black, and 

 always moist. 



Stem : Cylindrical ; creamy white ; hollow, or with a loose 

 cottony pith. 



Spores : Black, falling away in drops. 



Taste : Sweet, which applies only to the pink or white con- 

 dition, at which time alone the species is considered es- 

 culent. 



Habitat: Lawns, pastures, gardens, and rich grounds in the 

 neighborhood of barns, etc. ; usually grows in dense 

 clusters. 



Diameter of cylindrical pileus in average specimens, two 

 inches. 



One of the most easily identified of all mushrooms. 



