a microscope having a magnifying power of from
400 to 800 diameters, the asci, or spore sacks, can be separated and
their structure studied.

Of the genera included in the Discomycetes the genus Peziza comprises by
far the largest number of described species. The plants in this genus
are generally small, thin, and tough. A few of them have been recorded
as edible by European authors, but not specially commended; one form,
Peziza _cochleata_, has been spoken of by Berkeley as being gathered in
basketfuls in one county in England, where it is used as a substitute,
though a very indifferent one, for the Morel.

Vittadini says the Verpa _digitaliformis_ Persoon, a small
brownish-colored mushroom, is sold in Italian markets for soups, but
that, "although sold in the markets, it is only to be recommended when
no other fungus offers, which is sometimes the case in the spring." P.
_aurantia_ Vahl., a small Peziza growing in clusters in the grass, is
reported as edible by a member of the Boston Mycological Club, who
speaks well of it.

The genera Morchella, Gyromitra, Helvella, and Mitrula contain, however,
what may be considered the most desirable edible species. Types of these
four groups are represented in Figs. 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10, Plate C.

The plants of these genera have a stem and cap. The cap, however,
differs very much from that of the ordinary mushroom. In the genus
Morchella the cap is deeply pitted and ridged so that it presents a
honeycombed appearance. In Gyromitra the cap is convolutely lobed but
not pitted. In Helvella the cap is very irregular and reflexed, and in
Mitrula the cap is ovate or club shaped and smooth. In all four of these
genera the hymenium is superior, _i. e._, it is on the upper and outer
surface of the cap, the interior surface being barren.

In Plates C and D are figured 9 types of edible fungi included in the
family Ascomycetes, sub-family Discomycetes.

[Illustration: Plate C.
ASCOMYCETES
SUB-FAMILY DISCOMYCETES
TYPES OF FOUR OF THE LEADING GENERA OF DISCOMYCETES,
IN WHICH OCCUR EDIBLE SPECIES
T. TAYLOR, DEL.
THE NORRIS PETERS CO., PHOTO-LITHO., WASHINGTON, D. C.]

PLATE C.

FIG. 1. =Morchella esculenta= Pers. "_Common Morel_."

EDIBLE.

_Genus Morchella_ Dill. Receptacle pileate or clavate, impervious in the
centre, stipitate, covered with hymenium, which is deeply folded and
pitted.--Cooke.

In this genus the species have a