Spores pip-shaped, 7×4µ W.G.S.; 10×6–7µ Massee.
New York. Thin woods. North Elba. August. September. Peck, 42d Rep.; West Virginia, June to December, West Philadelphia and Mt. Gretna, Chester county, Pa. McIlvaine.
M. peronatus is the wood-cousin of M. oreades. It is still reputed poisonous by all writers upon the subject, though M.C. Cooke gives it the benefit of a doubt. The name is given because of the base of the stem being densely covered with short hairs or a woolly down, and is thus easily recognized. It is common in woods, among decaying leaves, especially of the oak, from May until after frosts. It is usually solitary, but a few individuals are sometimes clustered. It is quite peppery to the taste, but pleasantly so. I have repeatedly eaten it, as have my friends. It loses its acridity in cooking, and though the caps are tougher than M. oreades, they make a highly flavored and delicious dish. Collectors should carefully test it for themselves.
** Stem naked at the base, etc.
M. ore´ades Fr. Gr—mountain-nymphs. Scotch bonnet. Champignon. Mousseron. (Plate LI, p. 221.) Pileus 1–2 in. broad, reddish then becoming pale, absorbing moisture, whitish when dry, fleshy, pliant, convex then plane, somewhat umbonate, even, smooth, slightly striate at the margin when moist. Stem 2–3 in. long, 1½ lines thick, solid, very tough, equal, tense and straight, everywhere clothed with a villous-woven cuticle which can be rubbed off, pallid; bluntly rooted at the base, naked, not villous or tomentose. Gills free, broad, distant, the alternate ones shorter, at first soft, then firmer, pallid-white.
Odor weak, but pleasant, stronger when dried, taste mild. Commonly growing in circles or rows. Fries.
Spores 6–7×5–6µ K.; elliptical, 8×5µ Massee; nearly elliptical, white, 7.6–9µ long Peck.
Common throughout the states during the summer months after rains, and in rings, but can be found from May until after frost. If one knows where the rings are to be found M. oreades can be gathered when shriveled, and are quite as good, after soaking, as when fresh.
M. oreades must be sought for where the grass is luxuriant. It hides among it. It is well worthy of the search. Raw, fresh or shriveled, it is sweet, nutty, succulent when eaten; stewed well it is delicious. Though tough its consistency is agreeable. The most delicate stomachs can digest it. The writer saved the life of a lovely woman by feeding her upon it when nothing else could be retained; and of another, by feeding Coprinus micaceus, after a dangerous operation. He introduced these species, together with a few others, into a large hospital in Philadelphia, where they were used with marked beneficial effect, and such use is now widespread.
When dried, by exposure to the air or sun, it can be kept indefinitely, neither losing its aroma or flavor, which it graciously imparts to soups or any other dish.