Hymenium differentiated from the stem. Gills free from the stem; general and partial veil both absent, hence there is no ring on the central stem. Spores purple-brown.
A peculiar genus, with the habit of Agaricus, but without a trace of a ring. Massee.
P. eximius Pk., 24th Rep. N.Y. State Bot., is the only species thus far reported in America. Edible qualities unknown.
STROPHA´RIA.
Gr—a sword-belt. (Referring to the ring.)
Flesh of stem and pileus continuous. Veil present, when ruptured forming a distinct ring on the stem. Gills more or less adnate.
On the ground or epiphytal.
Separated from all the genera of the purple-spored series but Agaricus by the presence of a distinct ring, and from that by the continuity of flesh in stem and pileus, and by the gills not being free. Pileus somewhat fleshy, sometimes viscid.
The species belonging to this genus are rather small, and from their habitats are frequently passed or overlooked. Yet many of them are common and plentiful. Those which have been tested are excellent and worth seeking in their season. The entire genus has been under a cloud. Writers upon it assert some of its members to be dangerously poisonous. So far as carefully tested by the writer no doubtful one has been encountered, and one—semiglobata—has been eaten by himself and friends since 1881, notwithstanding its dangerous reputation.