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fungus, shaped somewhat like the human ear, of all sizes, and grows in
great quantities in the same place. It looks as if it were composed of a
thick jelly, and becomes soft and tremulous when damp. Its color is
dark, sometimes almost black. It is tough and cup-shaped, with ridges
across it like an ear. The generic name, Hirneola, means a jug, and the
specific name, Auricula Judae, a Jew's ear.

GASTEROMYCETES, OR STOMACH FUNGI.

+SCLERODERMA VULGARE = hard, skin, common.+
+The Common Hard-skinned Mushroom.+

This species closely resembles the common potato in shape and color. It
generally measures 2 to 3 inches across, and is of a pale brown color.
It grows close on the earth, is folded toward the base, and firm in
texture. The cuticle is covered with warts or scales.

+CRUCIBULUM VULGARE = crucible, common.+
+The Common Crucible.+

This little fungus is about 1/4 of an inch across. It resembles a tiny
bird's-nest with eggs in it. At first it looks like a cottony knot,
closely covered; its apex is closed by a membrane, then its covering is
thrown off, and the apparent tiny eggs are merely smaller envelopes,
called the peridiola. These are lentil-shaped and pale, and are fastened
to the inside of the covering by a long cord, which can be seen only
through a strong lens.

+CYATHUS VERNICOSUS = varnished.+
+The Varnished Cup.+

This differs from the crucible in color, form and habitat. It is about 1/2
an inch high. It is bell-shaped, becoming broadly open like a trumpet,
and of a slate or ash color. The mouth and lining shine as if varnished,
and hence its name. The plants grow on the ground, on wood and on
leaves.

+LYCOPERDON CYATHIFORME = cup-shape.+ The Cup-shaped Puff-ball.+

This species of puff-ball is round with a contracted base. It is 4 to 10
inches across, a white or pinkish-brown color, afterward becoming a
darker brown and covered with small patches. When the spores mature the
upper part of the covering (peridium) becomes torn and only the lower
part remains. It looks like a dark-colored cup with a ragged margin, and
may be seen by the excursionist in the spring on the roadside. It has
survived the winter frosts and storms. It is split and shabby looking.
In August it is a whitish puff-ball, in the spring only a torn, brown
cup.

+LYCOPERDON PYRIFORME = pear-shape.+
+The Pear-shaped Puff-ball.+

This species is shaped like a pear. It is from 1 to 4 inches high and is
co