322 



Mycologia 



not quite correctly through my own fault, as you are at liberty to 

 state, I sent you a box of them to-day by parcel post, and if you 

 think this a good species I hope you will describe it anew, as Dr. 

 Peck wrote me he hoped to do, but did not get to it. I give you 

 my description of it on another sheet of paper." 



As this group of fungi is very difficult and can be accurately 

 known only through careful studies of fresh specimens, I give 

 Professor Wells' notes on B. Gertrudiae almost in full. He is 

 probably the only man who is thoroughly acquainted with this 

 species. 



" Pileus nearly flat when rather young, usually becoming nearly 

 hemispheric when older. Color at first light-brownish-yellow, 

 usually brighter yellow toward margin, and becoming bright- 

 yellow at maturity all over, and then often paler in the central 

 part. Glabrous and somewhat moist to the touch, rather bright 

 and shining. Usually 4 to 6 inches in diameter. Flesh always 

 white until decay sets in. Tubes very small, white, and stuffed, 

 then yellow, becoming rusty-yellow with age. Stem pure-white 

 without and within at first, slightly reticulate, then later the top 

 of the stem for about an inch or more becomes bright-yellow and 

 this color extends gradually downward, without and within, as 

 the plant grows older and finally the whole stem may become 

 bright-yellow. The stem is solid, large, and enlarged toward the 

 base." 



This species occurs in rather dense frondose woods in many 

 places near Old Lyme in mid-summer. The aspect of the plant 

 is large and stout, resembling B. edulis. It was named for Miss 

 Gertrude Wells, who has been an amateur mycologist since she 

 was six years old. 



W. A. MURRILL 



