PLATE VI.

EDIBLE RUSSULAS.

1, 2. Russula heterophylla.3. Russula virescens.5. Russula alutacea.
4. Russula lepida.

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DESCRIPTION. Pileus. Many colored; white, drab, green, purple or bright red; cuticle very thin, peeling from the edge, adherent toward the centre; bell-shaped, at first compressing the gills, then expanded, until finally the centre of the cap becomes depressed or concave.

Gills. Generally pure white, sometimes creamy or buff; nearly or quite equal in length, rigid, brittle, breaking into unequal segments if pressed.

Stem. Stout, solid or stuffed; in substance the same as the flesh of the cap, often tapering quite abruptly to a point at the base.

Volva, ring, and veil all entirely absent at every age of the plant.

Spores. White. Taste, excellent raw, like nuts; Odor none.