colored disk.

The pores are decurrent, rounded, small, tender, white, finally
reddish-gray.

The stem is eccentric and lateral, equal, firm; at first velvety, then
naked; punctate with black dots, becoming black.

The stem at the base is pitch-black, as will be seen in Figure 319. The
margin of the cap is very thin and the caps are irregularly funnel-form.
This plant is widely distributed over the United States and is quite
common about Chillicothe. Found in damp woods on decayed logs from July
to November. When very young and tender it can be eaten.

_Polyporus umbellatus. Fr._

THE SUN-SHADE POLYPORUS. EDIBLE.

[Illustration: _Photo by C. G. Lloyd._

Plate XLIV. Figure 320.--Polyporus umbellatus.]

Umbellatus is from _umbella_, a sun-shade. Very much branched,
fibrous-fleshy, toughish. The pileoli are very numerous, one-half to one
and a half inches broad, sooty, dull-red, united at the base. Pores are
minute and white. White pileoli have sometimes occurred. _Fries._

The tufts, as will be observed from Figure 320, are very dense, and
there seems to be no limit to their branching. Notice that every cap is
depressed or umbilicate. The specimen in Figure 320 was collected near
Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, by Mr. C. G. Lloyd, Cincinnati, and through his
courtesy I have used his print. I have found the plant about Chillicothe
and Sidney, Ohio. It is found on decayed roots on the ground, or on
stumps. When the caps are fresh they are quite good.

May to November.

_Polyporus frondosus. Fr._

THE BRANCHED POLYPORUS. EDIBLE.

[Illustration: Figure 321.--Polyporus frondosus. One-fifth natural
size.]

Frondosus, full of leafy branches. The tufts are from six inches to over
a foot broad, very much branched, fibrous-fleshy, toughish.

The pileoli are very numerous, one-half to two inches broad, sooty-gray,
dimidiate, wrinkled, lobed, intricately recurved. Flesh white. Stems,
growing into each other, white.

The pores are rather tender, very small, acute, white, commonly round,
but in oblique position, gaping open and torn. _Fries._

The specimen in Figure 321 was found near Chillicothe. When tender it is
very good. Found on stumps and roots from September till the coming of
frost.

We are told that in the Roman markets this mushroom is frequently sold
as an article of food.

_Polyporus leucomelas. Fr._

[Illustration: Figure 322.--Polyporus leucomelas.]

Leucomelas is from two Greek words, _leucos_,