For those unacquainted with Latin it may be added that the termination 
of the second name, the adjective, is governed by the gender of the first. 
Now it has happened that the names of many mushrooms have been 
changed, and that most of the changes have come about in this way. A 
large class of mushrooms, the Agarics proper, were grouped by Fries 
under the generic name Agaricus. In recent years, however, the sub¬ 
genera of this large group have been given generic value with an effect 
on the names which may be indicated thus : 
Agaricus procerus = Lepiota procera. 
Agaricus ustalis = Tricholoma ustale. 
Agaricus sericeus — Entoloma sericeum. 
Agaricus prunulus = Clitopilus prunulus. 
Foremost among the mushrooms to be expected at this season are of 
course the Pasture Mushroom and the Horse Mushroom. These and 
other species of the same genus {Agaricus), are described by Peck. So 
also is the Honey Mushroom, Armillaria mellca , which in various dis¬ 
guises, and usually in great abundance, may be looked for anywhere in 
the woods. Following this in appearance, but accompanying it to the end 
of the season the Bricktop may also be expected. Our common form of 
this mushroom, which is a Hypholoma, is called H. pcrplexum Pk., differ¬ 
ing from the real H. sublateritium Schaeff., by its lack of bitter taste. 
Both the Armillaria and the Hypholoma, of which descriptions are 
appended, are rather coarse mushrooms, but if first scalded or boiled a 
little, they become more delicate, and may be converted into appetizing- 
dishes. 
We may expect also many species of Tricholoma and Cortinarius, the 
former recognizable among white spored species by their fleshy substance, 
absence of ring, and sinuate gills, the latter marked by red-brown or 
rusty brown spores, and filamentous veil. In both these genera identifi¬ 
cation is difficult.. The Cortinarrii particularly form a very large group, 
most of which show shades of blue or brown separately and in combina¬ 
tion. If any are sent in to be examined they should be accompanied by 
notes on the following points : viscidity or dryness of stem, veil, and 
cap; color of the gills, when young and later; color of the flesh in cap 
and stem. Many Tricholomas and some Cortinarii are edible, and none 
are regarded as poisonous. 
Another genus, in which most of the species are edible, largely repre¬ 
sented in the autumn, is Hygrophorus. Hygrophori grow in damp or 
even wet places, usually in woods, and are recognized by their rather 
thick, somewhat waxy looking gills. Many of them display bright colors, 
yellows and reds; others are white. Although we have a large number 
of species, they are not familiar, for they often grow in places not easy or 
pleasant of access, and not comfortably exploitable. But they well repay 
search, and one of them, due in October and November, is almost the 
very best mushroom we have. Brief descriptions of the commoner 
species will be given in the October Bulletin. 
The following descriptions of mushrooms in season may be helpful: 
Armillaria mellea Vahl. White spored, typically with a conspicuous 
collar, remnant of the membranous veil; stem stout, tall and fibrous; 
pileus when young forming a slightly conical yellowish, or greenish 
yellow ball elevated on the stem—when mature, broadly expanded, pale 
or dingy yellow, or brownish, generally minutely hairy in small tufts. 
Very variable, often ringless. Solitary or in dense clusters. E. 
Armillaria robusta A. & S. Short, stocky, with very firm flesh, silvery 
gray or brownish; margin of pileus strongly inrolled at first, giving the 
plant, before the membranous veil breaks away, a peg-top shape ; ring 
large, persistent, spreading. Dry woods, here and there about Boston. 
