Root fusiform, 4-12 inches in length or more, brownish, tough. Spori-
dia oval, large.
I Among the few species of Agaric with fusiform roots, this
is the most conspicuous; for that part frequently, indeed generally,
exceeds in length the remainder of the plant. F r i e s
remarks, that, like Monotropa, the root terminates in an attachment
to the trunks of trees beneath the surface, and I have
every reason to believe him correct. Nor do I disagree with
my observing friend Mr P u r t o n , who seems inclined to think
the great length of this organ may he to a certain extent accidental
; for the length undoubtedly depends upon the depth at
which the fungus vegetates. Still, a singularly long root is one
of the peculiar characters of this species, and I never could find
a single specimen, even where it is most plentiful, which sprung
from near the surface. Under all the variations of the pileus,
therefore, and they are many, I believe the stipes and root will
be found so constant to their characters, as to render the determination
of the species a work of no difficulty.
The pileus is so tenacious, that, in some specimens, it may
be folded betwixt the fingers without tearing.
Fig. 1. A full-sized plant, with a root q f ordinary length. Fig. 2. A pileus half-
grown. Fig. 3. Part ( f a young plant. Fig. 4. Portion q f a pileus divided;
natural size. Fig. 5. Sporidia, magnified.