The majority grow on richly manured ground or dung, some on rotten wood and other materials. Bolbitius, the only ally, has the same ephemeral existence, and grows in similar situations, but the gills only soften (not melting) and the spores are somewhat rust-colored.
The blackening of the gills is not a process of decay, but is due to the growth of the spores, and the plant is still (before deliquescence) perfectly edible although not so inviting in appearance as before.
Species of Coprinus are very common and are easily recognized by the deliquescent gills which, when mature, stain the fingers black.
In “Once upon a Time,” when country people made their own writing inks, the convenient Coprinus gave its juices for this purpose. A little corrosive sublimate added to the boiled and strained fluid prevented it from molding.
With few exceptions the species are small. They are tender, of real mushroom flavor and highly enjoyable. They make a thin, well flavored catsup, but are better used to give flavor to their less favored brethren.
They stew in from two to fifteen minutes, depending upon the solidity of the species.
ANALYSIS OF THE TRIBES.
A. Pelliculosi (pellicula, a thin skin). Page 370.
Gills covered above with a fleshy or membranaceous skin, hence the pileus does not split along the lines of the gills, but becomes lacerated with the edges turned upward.
[*] Comati—coma, hair. Furnished with a ring formed from the free margin of the volva. The skin of the pileus torn into innate scales.