=Lycoperdaceæ=
The group opposite represents three species. The largest, _L.
giganteum_; the pear-shaped, _L. gemmatum_; and the small, round _L.
saccatum_.
_L. giganteum._ The largest species. Diameter ten to
twenty-five inches; often more spreading in shape
than specimen shown; surface smooth; stem hardly
apparent; color dingy white in the edible state,
at which time the solid flesh is also white. Spore
dust, at maturity, yellowish brown. Grows in fields
and pastures.
_L. gemmatum._ Stem prolonged and tapering from above,
suggesting the specific name pear-shaped; color
dingy white; surface covered with deciduous warts;
substance, young state, white; spore dust brown;
height two to three inches.
_L. saccatum._ Stemless; white; setting close to the
ground; one to two inches in diameter; surface
covered with loose, warty granules; substance,
young state, white; spore dust brown.
These and all other Puff-balls are edible in the young
condition when the pulp is white.