30 



CIRCULAR 14 3, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



in form, usually depressed, often scaly or velvety. The gills are 

 slightly or deeply decurrent, unequal, thin with margin notched or 

 serrate. In some species the stem is present and is central, excentric, 

 or lateral ; in other species it is absent. The plants are to be^ found 

 on stumps or logs or rotting lumber. 



LENTIKT7S LEPIDETTS. SCALY LENTIXUS 



(Fig. 29) 



In the scaly Lenthms the cap is at first convex, later becoming more or less 

 flattened, tan to yellow with coarse, brown, irregular, concentric scales, often 



Figure 29. — Lent in us lepideus. (From F. E. Clement?) 



areolate ; gills are decurrent, sinuate, white ; when young covered by a veil ; 

 stem is central or excentric, whitish, mostly scaly, short, thick, hard, equal, 

 or tapering at the base. 



The cap is 2 to 4 inches broad ; the stem is about 1 inch long. 



This is a common untidy-looking species, growing on old stumps and rail- 

 road ties, in which it produces a serious decay. It is considered edible but is 

 of doubtful flavor, and it soon becomes tough. 



EENTINUS LECOMTEI. HAIRY LENTIXTJS 



In this species the cap is funnel-shaped, regular or irregular with mrolled 

 margin, tawny or reddish brown, tough, villose-velvety ; the gills are pallid, 

 narrow, and crowded, decurrent, the edges nearly entire ; the stem is central, 

 excentric, or lateral, hairy when young. 



The cap is 1% to 3% inches broad ; the stem is usually short. 



This is a very common and widely distributed species. It is to be found 

 in clumps on old stumps, logs, and dead branches from spring to autumn, 

 although it persists throughout the winter. 



