If the plant is dry it is well to moisten the fingerbowl or bell-glass on the inside before placing it over the mushroom. The spores of Boleti, and, indeed, all fungi can be caught and fixed in the same way.
From the study of these spore-prints we shall find five different colors of spores. This family is, therefore, divided into five series, determined by the color of the spores, which are always constant in color, size and shape.
The five series will be treated in the following order:
- The white-spored Agarics.
- The rosy-spored Agarics.
- The rusty-spored Agarics.
- The purple-brown-spored Agarics.
- The black-spored Agarics.
ANALYTICAL KEY.
This key is largely based upon Cooke's analytical key. Its use will help to locate the plant in hand in the genus to which it belongs.
The first thing the student should do is to determine the color of the spore if it is not evident. This is best done according to the plan described on page 15.
The plant should be fresh and mature. Careful attention should be given to different stages of development. The habit of the plant should be considered; then, as soon as the color of the spores is determined, it will be an easy matter to locate the genus by means of the key.
Group I—Hymenomycetes.
Mycelium floccose, giving rise to a distinct hymenium, fungus fleshy, membranaceous, woody or gelatinous. Spores naked.