is.]

Fragilis means fragile.

The pileus is rather small, flesh-color or red, or reddish; thin, fleshy
only at the disk; at first convex and often umbonate, then plane,
depressed; cuticle thin, becoming pale, viscid in wet weather, margin
tuberculate-striate.

The gills are thin, ventricose, white, slightly adnexed, equal, crowded,
sometimes slightly eroded at the edge. The spores are minutely
echinulate, 8-10x8u.

The stem is stuffed, hollow, shining white.

Quite as acrid as R. emetica, which it resembles in many ways,
especially the smaller plants. It can be distinguished by its thinner
caps, thinner and crowded gills, more ventricose and often slightly
eroded at the edge. It is generally classed among poisonous mushrooms;
but Captain Charles McIlvaine in his book says: "Though one of the
peppery kind, I have not, after fifteen years of eating it, had reason
to question its edibility." I should advise caution. Eat of it sparingly
till sure of its effects. Found in woods from July to October.

_Russula emetica. Fr._

THE EMETIC RUSSULA.

[Illustration: Figure 153.--Russula emetica. Two-thirds natural size.
Caps rose-red to yellow-red. Gills white.]

Emetica means making sick, inciting to vomit. The pileus is fleshy,
quite viscid, expanded, polished, shining, oval, or bell-shaped when
young; its color is very variable from rose-red to a yellow-red or even
purple; margin furrowed, flesh white.

The gills are free, equal, broad, distant, white. The spores are round,
8u.

The stem is stout, solid, though sometimes spongy stuffed, even, white
or reddish. The spores are white, round, and spiny.

This species is recognized by its very acrid taste and free gills. A
distinct channel will be seen between the gills and the stem. This very
pretty mushroom is quite common in most parts of Ohio. I found it in
abundance about Salem, Bowling Green, Sidney, and Chillicothe--all in
this state.

Captain McIlvaine states that he has repeatedly eaten it and cites a
number of others who ate it without bad results, although weight of
authority would band it a reprobate. I am glad to report something in
its favor, for it is a beautiful plant, yet I should advise caution in
its use.

It is found in open woods or in pastures under trees, from July to
October. Its viscid cap will distinguish it.

_Russula furcata. Fr._

THE FORKED GILLED RUSSULA. EDIBLE.

[Illustration: Figure 154.--Russula furcata. Two-thirds natur