In some specimens, as the pileus expands, the spaces between the pointed scales are torn, thus forming quite coarse scales which are often arranged in more or less concentric rows, showing the yellow-tinged flesh in the cracks, and the coarse scales bearing the fine point at the center. A layer connecting the margin of the pileus with the base of the stem and covered with fine brown points, sometimes separates from the edge of the cap and the base of the stem, and clings partly to the cortina and partly to the stem in much the same way that portions of the volva cling to the stem of certain species of _Amanita_, as seen in _A. velatipes_ (Fig. 66). Sometimes this is left on the base of the stem and then resembles a short, free limb of a volva, and suggests a species of _Amanita_. The scales, however, are concrete with the pileus, and the species appears to show a closer relationship with _Lepiota_. [Illustration: PLATE 26, FIGURE 84.--Lepiota asperula. Cap hair-brown to olive-brown, scales minute, pointed, gills and stem white (natural size). Copyright.] ARMILLARIA Fr. In the genus _Armillaria_ the inner veil which forms a ring on the stem is present. The stem is fibrous, or the outer portion cartilaginous in some species, and not easily separable from the substance of the pileus (continuous with the hymenophore), and the gills are attached to the stem, sinuate, or decurrent, spores white. Peck, 43rd Report N. Y. State Mus., p. 40--45, describes 6 species. Some of the species resemble very closely certain species of _Amanita_ or _Lepiota_, but can be distinguished by the firm continuity of the substance of the stem and cap. =Armillaria mellea= Vahl. =Edible.=--This is one of the most common of the late summer and autumn fungi, and is widely distributed over the world. It grows about the bases of old stumps or dead trees, or from buried roots. Sometimes it is found attached to the living roots of trees. The plant occurs in tufts or clusters, several to many individuals growing together, the bases of their stems connected with a black rope-like strand from which they arise. The entire plant is often more or less honey colored, from which the plant gets its specific name. Its clustered habit, the usually prominent ring on the stems, and the sharp, blackish, erect scales which usually adorn the center of the cap, mark it as an easy plant to determine in most cases. The colors and markings, however, vary greatly, so that some of the forms are very puzzling. The plant varies in height from 10--15 cm., the cap from 5--10 cm. broad, and the stem 4--10 mm. in thickness.