hat common in our state.
I have found some quite large specimens about Chillicothe. It is easily
distinguished by its pore surface turning black or dark-brown to the
touch. When young and tender it makes a good stew, but it must be well
cooked.

_Polyporus squamosus. Fr._

THE SCALY POLYPORUS.

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

Figure 325.--Polyporus squamosus. Natural size.]

Squamosus means abounding in scales. The pileus is from three to
eighteen inches broad, fleshy, fan-shaped, expanded, flattened, somewhat
ochraceous, variegated, with scattered, brown, adpressed scales.

The stem is eccentric and lateral, blunt, reticulated at apex, blackish
at the base.

The pores are thin, variable; at first minute, then broad, angular and
torn; pallid. Spores are white and elliptical, 14x6u.

It is found from Massachusetts to Iowa, and grows very large. Specimens
have been reported seven feet in circumference and attaining a weight of
40 pounds.

The specimen in Figure 325 was found by Mr. C. G. Lloyd in the woods at
Red Bank, near Cincinnati. It is quite a common plant in Europe.

It is tough, but it is prepared for eating by being cut fine and stewed
for a half hour or more.

In Figure 325 the angular and torn pores are obvious, as well as the
scales which give rise to its name. Found on trunks and stumps from May
to November.

_Polyporus sulphureus. Fr._

THE SULPHUR-COLORED POLYPORUS. EDIBLE.

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

Plate XLVI. Figure 326.--Polyporus sulphureus.]

Sulphureus, pertaining to sulphur, so called from the color of the
tube-bearing surface. In mature specimens the growth is horizontal,
spreading fan-like from the stem, undulating with radiating flutings.
The upper surface is salmon, orange, or orange-red; flesh cheesy,
light-yellow, the edge being smooth and unevenly thickened with
nodule-like prominences. In young specimens the ascending, under yellow
surface outwardly exposed.

The pore surface is a bright sulphur-yellow, which is more persistent
than the color of the cap; pores very minute, short, often formed of
inflexed masses.

The stem is short, a mere close attachment for the spreading growth. The
taste is slightly acid and mucilaginous when raw. The spores are
elliptical and white, 7-8x4-5u.

It grows on decayed logs, on stumps, and on decayed places in living
trees. The mycelium of this species will frequently be found in the
hearts of trees and rema