"PLATE Xl^Il 



THE INKY TOADSTOOL 



Coprinus atraraentarius 



Pileus: Fleshy, moist; at first egg-shaped ; of a Quaker-drab, 

 dirty white, or even pale brownish color; at length be- 

 coming expanded, umbrella- like, when it melts away in 

 inky drops. 



Gills: Broad and crowded, nOt adhering to stem at top; 

 creamy white in young species, becoming pinkish gray, 

 and at length black. 



Stem: Firm; white; hollow. 



Spores: Black; shed in liquid drops. 



Taste : Sweet, as is also the odor, which applies to its early 

 stage only. 



Habitat : About old decaying stumps and rotten wood, gar- 

 dens, rich lawns, and barn -yards; usually growing in 

 clusters, often very dense. 



Diameter of pileus, young state, two inches. 



