importance is sometimes given, is composed of larger plants, 
which range in diameter from 2 to 12 inches or more, according 
to the species. These plants when mature rupture irregularly, 
the commonly thicker rind breaking up in angular and unequal 
fragments and falling away, thus permitting the spores to be dis- 
sipated and scattered by the winds. 
Though no deleterious species of puff-ball is known, the flavor 
of the smaller kinds, so far as I have tried them, is much inferior 
‘to that of the larger. Only the latter, therefore, are recom- 
mended for food. It is possible, however, that some of the 
smaller sorts not yet tried, may be well flavored, and may yet be 
introduced by experimenting mycophagists into the list of edible 
species. 
erThe Giant puff-ball, Lycoperdon giganteum, is the largest spe- 
cies known. Specimens of medium size are 8 to 12 inches in 
diameter. Smaller and much larger individuals sometimes oc- 
cur. The largest specimen in the State Museum is about 15 
inches in diameter in the dry state. When fresh, it was much 
larger—probably 20 inches 
or more in diameter; they 
shrink greatly in drying. In 
the larger specimens the ver- 
tical diameter is generally 
less than the horizontal, so 
that the shape is that of a de- 
pressed globe, or a round loaf 
of bread. The smaller ones 
Giant Puff-Ball, Lycoperdon giganteum, about are usually less depressed, 
one-sixteenth usual size. and are therefore more nearly 
globular. The color is white, 
or whitish, until by age it becomes dingy or somewhat yellowish 
or brownish. Its surface is nearly or quite smooth, and in grow- 
ing it rests upon the ground, as it has no stem or stemlike base to 
support it. When approaching maturity, greenish-yellow stains 
appear in the previously snow-white flesh. At length the whole 
interior becomes a soft cottony, but dusty mass of a dingy yel- 
lowish brown hue. 
This puff-ball grows in fields, pastures and waste places, and 
by roadsides. It is by no means frequent, though it has a wide 
range, and has been recorded from New England on the east, to 
California on the west, and as far south as North Carolina. I 
know of no reason why it may not occur in every state of the 
Union. With us it usually appears in August and September. 
12 
