TL/ITE XXXiy 



A GROUP OF PUFF-BALLS 



Lycoperdacese 



The group opposite represents three species. The largest, 

 L. giganteum; the pear-shaped, L. gemmatum; and the small, 

 round L. saccatum. 



L. giganteum. The largest species. Diameter ten to twenty- 

 five inches; often more spreading in shape than speci- 

 men shown; surface smooth; stem hardly apparent; color 

 dingy white in the edible state, at which time the solid 

 flesh is also white. Spore dust, at maturity, yellowish 

 brown. Grows in fields and pastures. 



L. gemmatum^ Stem prolonged and tapering from above, sug- 

 gesting the specific name pear-shaped; color dingy white; 

 surface covered with deciduous warts; substance, young 

 state, white ; spore dust brown ; height two to three 

 inches. J| 



L. saccatum. Stemless; white; setting close to the ground; 

 one to two inches in diameter; surface covered with loose, 

 warty granules ; substance, young state, white ; spore dust 

 brown. 



These and all other Puff-balls are edible in the young condi- 

 tion when the pulp is white. 



