No. 3.] HYMENIALES OF CONNECTICUT. 29 



LACTARIUS Fr. 

 Lac, milk ; milk producing. 



This group resembles Russula in some respects, but is eas- 

 ily distinguished by the abundance of milky juice which ex- 

 udes from all parts of the plant when it is broken. The cap 

 is rigid, somewhat sunken in the center, and often marked on 

 its surface with concentric zones. The stem is stout, solid, 

 and frequently marked with peculiar blotches. The gills are 

 attached to the stem, and often extend down it in decurrent 

 lines. The species are determined largely by their character- 

 istic coloring, taste, and nature of milk. The colors vary 

 greatly, and the taste in many species is peppery and acrid. 

 These qualities, however, disappear in cooking, and man}' of 

 the peppery species are classed among esculent mushrooms. 

 The color of the milk in most species is white, but it often 

 changes rapidly when exposed to the air. For example, in 

 L. theio gains the milk quickly changes to a sulphur yellow. 

 In L. indigo the color of the milk is a deep indigo blue. These 

 characteristics must be carefully noted when the fresh speci- 

 mens are collected, otherwise their determination becomes 

 difficult. 



Many members of this group are desirable for their food 

 value. The writer has enjoyed many meals of L. volemus, 

 and L. deliciosus. L. corrugis is said to be equally desirable, 

 but it does not occur in Mansfield in sufficient quantities to be 

 of much value. They are remarkably free from larvae of all 

 kinds. Nearly all species grow on the ground and occur 

 abundantly. During August of the past season, the woods in 

 the vicinity of Mansfield contained immense quantities of L. 

 deceptivus. L. volemus was also plentiful throughout the 

 season. 



Lactarius aquifluus Pk. (watery). 



South Windsor, Hanmer. Edibility uncertain. 

 Lactarius blennius Fr. (slimy). 



South Windsor, Hanmer. Edibility uncertain. 

 Lactarius camphoratus (Bull.) Fr. (having an odor of 

 camphor). 



East Hartford, South Windsor, Hanmer. 



