In this genus the margin of the cap is at first incurved. The gills are
attached with a tooth, with the edge more or less of a different color,
often whitish. The stem is fleshy, fibrous, somewhat mealy at the apex.
They grow on the ground and are strong-smelling, appear early in the
autumn, and continue until late in the season.

+PAXILLUS = a small stake.+

This genus is fleshy, putrescent; at first the cap has the margin turned
under (involute), then it unfolds gradually and dilates. There are some
species of both Tricholoma and Clitocybe that resemble it. The gills
separate easily from the cap, and in this it is similar to the Boleti,
where the tubes separate also with ease.

SECTION 4. MELANOSPORÆ, DARK PURPLE OR BLACK SPORES.

+PSALLIOTA = a ring or collar.+

The common mushroom Agaricus campestris belongs to this group. The gills
are rounded behind and free, the stem has a collar. There are many
edible mushrooms in this genus. They grow in pastures, and the larger
ones are called Champignons. In former times when one spoke of eating
mushrooms the species A. campestris, or campester, was always the one
denoted.

+STROPHARIA = a sword belt.+

This genus has a ring. The gills are generally attached to the stem;
some species grow on the ground, and some grow on other fungi. They are
sometimes bell-shaped and then flattened, often with a mound or umbo.