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somewhat uneven at the margin ; surface unequally covered with dark
or black pointed scales composed of bristly hairs, most numerous in the
center; the colour of the pileus is otherwise variable,—dull yellow,
brownish-yellow, or reddish. Lamellæ narrow, whitish, at length partly
reddish, rather distant, eight in a series, adnate or even slightly decurrent.
Stipes two to eight inches high, robust, firm, somewhat fibrillose,
generally incrassated at the base, some shade o f yellow, changing
in age to a reddish or olivaceous colour, solid, white and spongy within.
Annulus always present, spreading, large and tumid. Sporidia
white, copious, and when shed from the uppermost pilei upon those
immediately beneath them, giving them the appearance of having been
sprinkled with white powder.
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11.1
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There is scarcely a plant more apt to assume different aspects,
under different circumstances, than the present one, and
yet, to an experienced eye, there is always a peculiarity about
it, not easily expressed in words, which is sufficient to distinguish
it. I trust, however, the above description will be found
to apply as faithfully as can be necessary for all practical purposes.
Tins species is said to be frequently eaten on the Continent,
at least M. F r i e s quotes tbe autbority of T r a t t i n n i c k
for the fact. But, on the other hand, P e r s o o n gives it a bad
character ; and in this he is supported by P a u l e t , who tried
its effect upon a dog. The poor animal died twelve hours after
receiving the poisonous fungus. Almost all fungi are injurious
which grow in a tufted manner, and especially those on
the trunks of trees, and similar situations.
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Fig. 1. A section o f the pileus, natural size.