This order contains several genera, but one only will be mentioned, that
of Clavaria.

+CLAVARIA = club.+

The common name often given to this genus is “Fairy Clubs.” We have
described several species in our list of fungi, and will only say that
these are fleshy fungi, either simple or branched. The expression
fleshy, so often met with in these pages, is used in speaking of plants
when they are succulent and composed of juicy, cellular tissue. They do
not become leathery. In the genus Clavaria the fungi have no caps, but
they have stems. There are a few edible species. One can scarcely walk
any distance without seeing some species of Clavaria. They are
conspicuous, sometimes attractive looking, and interesting in their
variety.

The genus Cortinarius, one of the order of Agarics, has been already
described, but it contains so many species that it deserves especial
mention.

They are difficult to define. The genus has been subdivided by botanists
into tribes which it may be well to enumerate. We have followed
Stevenson’s arrangement.

He divides Cortinarius into six tribes.

1. Phlegacium = clammy moisture. In this tribe the cap is fleshy and
sticky (viscous), while the stem is firm and dry. In all Cortinarii the
gills become cinnamon-colored. There are many large-sized mushrooms in
this tribe, the cap sometimes measuring 6 inches across.