st
specimen I ever saw of this species. It measured eighteen inches one way
and thirteen the other, and was found on a maple tree on top of Mount
Logan. It grew from a central stem, while the one in Figure 363 grew
from a crack in a log, apparently without a stem. Plate I, Figure 1 was
photographed after it was dried. The specimen can be seen in the Lloyd
Library in Cincinnati. Found from July to October.

[Illustration: Figure 364.--Hydnum erinaceum. Young state.]

_Hydnum caput-ursi. Fr._

THE BEAR'S HEAD HYDNUM. EDIBLE.

[Illustration: Figure 365.--Hydnum caput-ursi.]

Caput-ursi means the head of a bear.

This is a very beautiful plant but not as common as some other species
of Hydnum. It grows in very large pendulous tufts, as Figure 365 will
indicate. It is found frequently on standing oak and maple trees,
sometimes quite high up in the trees. It is more frequently found on
logs and stumps, as are its kindred species. The plant arises out of the
wood by a single stout stem which branches into many divisions, all of
which are covered by long pendant spines. When it grows on top of a log
or stump the spines are frequently erect. It is white, becoming in age
yellow and brownish. It has a wide distribution through the states. As
an esculent it is fine. The specimen in Figure 365 was found near Akron,
Ohio, and was photographed by Mr. G. D. Smith. It is found from July to
October.

_Hydnum caput-Medusae. Bull._

THE MEDUSA'S HEAD HYDNUM. EDIBLE.

[Illustration: Figure 366.--Hydnum caput-Medusae. One-third natural
size.]

Caput-Medusae, head of Medusa. This is a very striking plant when seen in
the woods. The tufts are pendulous. The long wavy spines resemble the
wavy locks of Medusa, hence the name. The long soft spines cover the
entire surface of the fungus, which is divided into fleshy branches or
divisions, each terminating in a crown of shorter drooping teeth.

The color at first is white, changing in age to a buff or a dark cream,
which distinguishes it from H. caput-ursi. The taste is sweet and
aromatic, sometimes slightly pungent. The stem is short and concealed
beneath the growth.

I found this plant growing on a hickory log, on Lee's hill, near
Chillicothe, from which came the specimen in Figure 366. I have also
found it on elm and beech. Found from July to October.

It is both attractive and palatable.

_Hydnum coralloides. Scop._

THE CORAL-LIKE HYDNUM. EDIBLE.

[Illustration: Fig