the upper surface is a yellowish-white, b u t it occasionally varies to pale
fulvous, and, according to F r ie s , to flesh-colour. Stipes 2-8 inches
high, varying much in thickness, mostly thickened at the base, white,
channelled and lacunose throughout its surface and substance, of a waxlike
semitransparent appearance. Sporuliferous cells covering the whole
upper surface, and in all respects resembling those of Helvella Mitra.
Under Helvella Mitra, figured in a previous volume of
this work, we noticed, that of all the figures given for that
plant in this country, the greater part belonged to the species
which is now represented, and accompanied, it is hoped, by
such a description as will prevent all future uncertainty on the
subject.
In the Systema Mycologicum of F r i e s , the old and certainly
the more appropriate name of Scopoli is restored. That
one, however, which was bestowed by P e r s o o n as long ago as
in his Observationes Mycologicoe, has become so general, from
the universal diffusion of bis subsequent Synopsis Fungorum,
that it is scarcely advisable, simply on the score of so remote a
priority, to change it.
This species, in common with aU the rest of the genus, may
be eaten with the most perfect security.
Fig. 1. H. leucophæa, nat. size. Fig. 2. The stipes divided. Fig. 3. SporulU
ferons cells, magnified.