Grouped by F.D. Briscoe—Studies by C. McIlvaine. Plate LXXXII.
| Fig. | Page. | Fig. | Page. |
| 1. Cortinarius squamulosus, | [318] | 4. Cortinarius turmalis, | [309] |
| 2. Cortinarius violaceus, | [314] | 5. Cortinarius armillatus, | [323] |
| 3. Cortinarius ochraceus, | [319] |
CORTINA´RIUS Fr.
Cortina, a veil or curtain.
Veil resembling the consistency of a cob-web, superficial, distinct from the cuticle of the pileus. Flesh of pileus and stem continuous. Gills persistent, dry, changing color, powdered with the spores. Trama fibrillose. Spores globose or oblong, somewhat ochraceous on white paper. Fries.
This genus is not easily confounded with any other, the cob-webby veil stretched from stem to pileus in the young plant not being found in other fungi. This must be looked for only in youth, as from its tender character it soon breaks and often appears only as a very indistinct collar on the stem, colored from catching the falling spores. The colors are generally pronounced and often extremely bright, there being very few prettier toadstools than those inclined to the blue or purple shades, which are not uncommon in the immature form. The color of the spores is also a marked feature, being rusty or brownish-ochraceous, turning the gills to the same color at maturity. On account of this change it is generally necessary to have specimens at both stages of growth to accurately determine the species. The gills are thin, attached to the stem in various manners, rarely slightly decurrent.
Cortinarius is distinguished from Flammula by growing on the ground and by the bright ferruginous color of its spores.
Cortinarius is a sturdy, hardy genus preferring northern latitudes and autumnal months, though several of its species grow as far south as Alabama, and one, a new species described by Professor Peck, is found on the Helderberg mountains in May. The genus contains many species, most of which produce in great numbers, yet being woods-growing, and coming as they do when leaves are falling, they are often missed because of their similarity to their surroundings.
Heretofore, less than a dozen species have been reported as eaten. This number is now doubled. While several species are bitter and others equally unpleasant, not one has been accused of harm. It is highly probable that other varieties than those herein given will prove equally acceptable as food. I have tested all I have found in sufficient quantity to warrant passing judgment upon them.