The cap is from 1–3 inches broad; the stem 2–3 inches long and 2–4 lines thick. This mushroom grows among fallen leaves in woods. It appears in August and September. I have found it in the Adirondack forests only. Its range is probably northward, and its rarity detracts from its importance as an edible species. Peck, 54th Rep. N.Y. State Bot.
Hygrophorus lauræ Morg. Pileus fleshy, convex and umbonate, then expanded and depressed, more or less irregular, glutinous, white, clouded with a reddish or brownish tinge especially on the disk. Stem solid, more or less curved or crooked, tapering downward, yellowish-white; the apex scabrous with scaly points. Lamellæ unequally adnate-decurrent, distant, white. Spores pellucid, elliptic, apiculate, .0083×.0055µ.
Growing in rich soil among the leaves in hilly woods. Pileus 2–4 in. broad, stipe 2–4 in. long and ½ an inch thick. This is a much larger plant than H. eburneus, has a wash of red or brown upon the disk, and is covered with a thick gluten. It is more like H. cossus, but has no odor. Journal Cincinnati Soc. Nat. Hist. Vol. VI, 180, 1883.
Edible. Prof. C.H. Peck.
Lactarius subpurpureus Pk.
About one-half nat. size. After Peck.
Lactarius subpurpureus Pk. Purplish Lactarius. (Plate [IV]. See page 172.) “When fresh, their taste is slightly acrid, but, when they are cooked, it is scarcely inferior to that of L. deliciosus.” Peck, 54th Rep. N. Y. State Bot.
I had not seen this species when the first edition of this work went to press, consequently could not report its edible qualities. The favorable testing by Professor Peck adds weight to the opinion I have frequently expressed, that acridity of species when raw is no evidence whatever that they are harmful. Acridity usually disappears in cooking.
Lactarius distans Pk. Distant-gilled Lactarius. Pileus firm, broadly convex or nearly plane, umbilicate or slightly depressed in the center, with a minute velvety pruinosity, yellowish tawny or brownish orange. Lamellæ rather broad, distant, adnate or slightly decurrent, white or creamy yellow, the interspaces venose, milk white, mild. Stem short, equal or tapering downward, solid, pruinose, colored like the pileus. Spores subglobose. 9–11µ broad.