110 
Journal of Mycology 
[Vol. 11 
Clitopilus noveboracensis. —This species is abundant on 
the Asheville Plateau and may be found especially during wet 
weather. The pileus is dingy gray to pale in color, thin, with a 
distinct odor and a bitter unpleasant taste. The gills are crowded, 
pale, then dingy or yellowish. The stem is solid pale gray, with 
an abundance of white mycelium. 
It may be of value to add that this species is doubtless identical 
with C. popinalis of Europe. Specimens and photographs have been 
submitted to eminent European authorities and this opinion definitely 
verified. Bresadola also states in a recent publication that the latter 
species is also the same as the European Clitocybe amarella. I have 
preferred here, however, to use the common American name. 
Clitopilus abortivus is one of our common species. It is 
usually found growing in colonies on the ground or on well rotted 
stumps and logs. It is 2-5 in. broad, gray to brownish gray, not 
viscid, and is covered with a delicate tometum. The gills are 
pale gray, becoming rosy with the spores. The stem is solid and 
pale gray. Frequently clusters of plants are found which have 
not developed properly but have formed curious abortive masses 
from which the plant derives its name. The figure shows this 
peculiar feature well (Plate 76). This species is edible, though 
not of the best quality. 
Clitopilus prunulus and Clitopilus orcella are close 
relatives and resemble each other so closely that photographs of 
each do not need to be given. Both are white and have decur¬ 
rent gills and may be easily recognized from the photograph. 
Clitopilus orcella as noted in the key is slightly viscid, 
which is a convenient mark by which the species may be distin¬ 
guished. Both are found in woods especially along woodland 
roads. They are both edible species of excellent quality. 
Explanation of Plates 76 and 77.— In Plate 76 are shown 
above Clitopilus abortivus; both the normal and the abortive forms 
are given. Below are shown three specimens of Clitopilus nove¬ 
boracensis. 
In Plate 77 a half-tone representation of Clitopilus orcella 
is given. All the photographs were taken by H. C. Beardslee, 
Asheville, N. C. 
