214 Journal of Mycology [Vol. 11 
held aloft above the grass, were visible for a considerable distance, 
making it easily the most striking of the fungi observed. 
The doubt which has existed in the United States in regard 
to this species has rested largely upon three things. Fries' figure 
seems to indicate a stipe with a curious enlargement or in some 
cases two enlargements near the base. His references to a “false 
annulus" have been difficult to understand, and doubt has also 
existed in regard to the character of the spores. 
Continued observation made it clear what was meant by both 
the figure and description. 
In his description he speaks of its having a false annulus “re¬ 
sembling the false annulus of A. vaginata, but not like it enclosed 
in the volva.’’ Those who have examined A. vaginata closely will 
be able to understand‘this reference. In this species the stipe is 
often clothed with a soft flocculose coat, and if such plants are 
examined in their early stages, just as the pileus is breaking 
through the volva, it will be found that within the volva there is 
a curious raised zone where the pileus clasped the stipe, reminding 
one somewhat of the annulus of Coprinus atramentarius. This 
seems to be particularly marked in rainy weather. This enlarge¬ 
ment soon disappears and is not always to be found. Those who 
have observed this feature of A. vaginata will readily understand 
the meaning of Fries’ figure and description. The enlargements 
figured at the base of the stipe in A. strangulata are not enlarge¬ 
ments of the stipe proper, but are rather, poor representations of 
the “false annulus." They may be observed in A. strangulata at 
times, though seldom in the perfection of the figure. In fact they 
seem to be rather accidental, than essential. In the study of the 
American plant little weight need therefore be given to this par¬ 
ticular feature of Fries’ plant. The spores were found to be 
globose 12 x 14 mic. in diameter. 
There seemed little doubt after continued study of the 
Swedish plant that the forms found by Peck in New York and by 
the writer in West Virginia and referred to A. strangulata Fr. 
have been correctly referred. The American plant seems to be 
less robust than its Swedish relatives, but it does not differ in any 
essential point. 
Amanitopsis strangulata is certainly close to A. vaginata, but 
it seems to be sufficiently distinct to be entitled to recognition. It 
is at least better marked than many recognized species. 
AMANITA SPISSA. 
Amanita spissa Fr. is different from anything I have observed 
in America. It is much like A. rubescens in its stature and color, 
and has the pileus covered with the closely attached fragments of 
the volva, and the solid stipe somewhat marginate bulbous. 
Cooke’s figure is fairly good. It does not have the characteristic 
