, smooth, hollow
or stuffed, ring rather large and thick, the upper part membranaceous
and white, while the lower or exterior surface is thicker, downy,
radically split and yellowish.

The spores are elliptical, .0003 to .0004 inch long.

This plant grows much larger than the common mushroom, and may be
distinguished by the collar being composed of two parts closely allied
to each other making a double membrane, the lower part being much
thicker, softer in texture and split in a stellate manner into broad and
yellow rays, as will be seen in Figure 252.

I found it very plentiful in Wood County, Ohio, and in quantities in Dr.
Manville's yard in Bowling Green, Ohio. I ate them frequently and gave
them to my friends, who all voted them delicious.

When the stem is first cut there exudes from the wound a yellowish
liquid which is quite a sure ear mark of this species.

There is a tradition that the spores will not germinate unless they pass
through the alimentary canal of the horse or some animal. However this
may be, it is found frequently where no trace of the horse can be found.
It appears from July to September. I have found it in Fayette County,
Ohio, in large rings, resembling the Fairy-Ring Mushroom, only the ring
is very large, as well as the mushrooms.

[Illustration: Plate XXXIV. Figure 253.--Agaricus arvensis.]

_Agaricus abruptus. Pk._

EDIBLE.

[Illustration: Figure 254.--Agaricus abruptus.]

Abruptus means to break away, referring to the breaking of the veil from
the margin of the cap.

The pileus is creamy-white, dry and silky, quite irregular in shape when
young, turning yellow when bruised or when the stem is cut.

The gills are slightly pinkish when the veil first breaks, gradually
growing a deeper pink, in mature specimens becoming brownish, soft, free
from the stem, quite close, unequal.

The stem is creamy-white, much darker toward the base, hollow, rather
stiff, quite brittle, frequently found to be split lengthwise,
ventricose, tapering toward the cap.

The veil is rather frail, one portion of it often adhering to the cap
and another portion forming a ring on the stem.

Through the courtesy of Captain McIlvaine I am able to present an
excellent picture of this species. The beginner will have some trouble
to distinguish it from A. silvicola. This species, like the A.
silvicola, is closely related to the meadow mushroom, but can be readily
separated from it. This, too, like the A. s