16 BULLETIN 175, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



This species is very common in the summer and autumn and exhibits a decided 

 preference for clayey soil. It occurs in grassy places or open woods, either solitary or 

 in small clusters. 



Clitocybe ochropurpurea is edible and though tough is said to be excellent when well 

 cooked. 



OMPHALIA. 



In the genus Omphalia the cap is generally thin, at first umbilicate, 

 but later funnel shaped, with the margin either incurved or straight. 

 The stem is cartilaginous, its flesh being continuous with that of the 

 pileus but differing in character. Species of Omphalia are common 

 on rotten wood on hilly slopes and especially abundant in damp 

 weather. Some species are extremely small. 



The genus is closely related to Mycena and Collybia, but it is sepa- 

 rated from them by the character of the gills, which are decurrent 

 from the first. 



Omphalia campanella. (Edible.) 



. Cap campanulate, sometimes expanded, umbilicate, smooth, hygrophanous, rusty 

 yellow, slightly striate; gills narrow, arcuate, yellow, connected by veins, decurrent; 

 stem slender, horny, smooth, hollow, brown, paler at apex, hairy at base. 



Cap 4 to 8 lines broad; stem may be 1 inch long and scarcely 1 line thick. (PI. XII, 

 fig. 1.) 



This little fungus may be found during the summer and fall. It is very common 

 and widely distributed, growing on rotten logs in clusters or tufts, and exhibits a pref- 

 erence for coniferous wood. It is edible, tender, and of a fairly good flavor. 



TRICHOLOMA. 



The genus Tricholoma is large and contains both edible and poison- 

 ous species, most of which are autumnal and terrestrial. The cap 

 is fleshy, convex, never truly umbilicate or umbonate. A volva and 

 ring are wanting. The gills are attached to the stem and sinuate, 

 the degree depending upon the particular species. It has a fleshy- 

 fibrous stem, generally short and stout, the flesh of which is con- 

 tinuous with that of the cap. 



Tricholoma equestre. (Edible.) 



Cap convex becoming expanded, margin incurved at first, then slightly wavy, 

 viscid, sometimes scaly, pale yellowish with a greenish or brownish tinge; flesh 

 white or slightly yellow; gills sulphur yellow, crowded, rounded behind, and almost 

 free; stem stout, solid, pale yellow, or white. 



Cap 2 to 3 inches broad; stem 1 to 2 inches long, one-half to three-fourths inch thick. 

 (PI. XIII, fig. 1; PI. XIV, fig. 3.) 



This species has a fairly wide geographical distribution and occurs very abundantly 

 in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia from the middle of November 

 until about Christmas. It is to be found in pine woods, where it forms irregular or 

 incomplete fairy rings. The plants exert considerable force in pushing their way out 

 of the ground and through the dense mat of needles, which often adhere so closely 

 to the caps that slight elevations are the only indications of the presence of the mush- 

 rooms. 



Tricholoma equestre is a very excellent edible species and is delicious when fried 

 or made into soup. The latter resembles turkey soup, but possesses a more delicate 

 flavor. 



