There are various modes of attachment to the stem. Where the gills are
not attached to it they are called free; slightly so, adnexed; and when
wholly fastened they are adnate. They may run down on the stem, and are
then called decurrent.
THE SPORES.
The color of the spores can be seen by cutting off the cap, and laying
it gills downward, on a sheet of paper, two or three hours or more. The
impression will remain on the paper. It is better to use blue paper, so
that the white spores can be seen more clearly. The Agarics are divided
into classes according to the color of the spores, so it is of great
importance to examine them. The shape and size of the spores can only be
learned by the use of a microscope. We have not attempted in this
elementary work to do more than mention them.
[Illustration: Amanita vaginata
(breaking from volva).
Photographed by C. G. Lloyd.]
THE VOLVA AND VEIL.
The universal veil or volva is a thin covering which encloses the entire
young plant.
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