MISCELLANEOUS FUNGI 255 



Clavaria fastigiata is a somewhat dwarf variety, 

 usually found on lawns and pastures, seldom reach- 

 ing a height of more than two inches. 

 Clavaria In general aspect it resembles Fig. 3 in 

 fastigiata Plate 31. It is of a yellow color, very 

 densely branched from its short, slender 

 stem close to the ground, the branches mostly termi- 

 nating at the same height. 



All of the above-mentioned species, except C./or- 

 mosa, have white spores, and while none of the genus 

 is considered poisonous, though some 

 White=spored are SO bitter and of such tough con- 

 species edible sistency as to make them unfit for food, 

 it is generally conceded among the au- 

 thorities that all white-spored Clavarias are certainly 

 edible. The spores are easily obtained by simply 

 laying the fungus upon a dark surface and excluding 

 the air, as directed in a later chapter. 



The various forms assumed by the Clavarei are 

 indicated in Plate 31. 



Fig. I is C.flava; 2. C. stricta ; 3. C. umbrina ; 4. 

 C. rugosa ; 5. C. amethystina. Any specimen bearing 

 resemblance to any of these in form, and which is 

 found to have white spores, may be eaten without 

 fear. 



The Clavaria forms a most inviting relish by the 

 simple process of frying in butter, with seasoning to 

 taste. They have the advantage of being quite free 

 from "fungus -worms," and in the larger species are 

 occasionally so plentiful that a half -bushel may be 

 gathered in a few moments. 



Another species bearing the general shape sug- 



