North American species of Mycena.

EUMYCENA: DEMINUTIVAE

109

Observations.-This species is close to M. mirata Peck, from which
it differs in its lighter and usually rosier color and cespitose habit.
During October, 1941, it was found very abundantly in the vicinity
of Mt. Angeles, Washington, and in most collections the pilei were
merely pale gray.
Kuiihner has placed the fungus which Lange identified as M. metata
under the name M. vitrea var. tenella. I have not followed this disposition of Lange's concept; in fact, I have followed Lange in his use
of the name M. metata. In the abundant material studied of both
M. metata of Lange and M. vitrea sensu Kuhner (= M. atroalboides
Pk.) the two have always been very easy to distinguish, and they did
not impress me as being particularly closely related. The Washington
material which has here been referred to M. tenella might possibly be
better placed as a variety of M. metata than as a distinct species.
However, two factors have influenced me in retaining it as distinct.
First, a depauperate form of M. metata sensu Lange has been found
in the West and, although it resembles M. tenella somewhat in stature,
it is readily distinguished by its habit and different colors. Second,
the consistency of M. tenella is more like that of M. pterigena than
that of the fragile M. metata. This, I admit, is a relative character
which is difficult to express in such a way that it can be accurately
evaluated by an inexperienced collector, but it nevertheless deserves
consideration.
SUBSECTION FUSCAE
39. MYCENA MINUTISSIMA Murrill
Mycologia, 8: 221. 1916
Prunulms minutissimus Murrill, North Am. Flora, 9: 326. 1926.
Illustrations: Text fig. 7, nos. 9, 12 (p. 91).
"Pileus conic to campanulate, not expanding, slightly umbonate,
solitary, 2 mm. broad; surface dry, smooth, glabrous, griseous, murinous on the disk, margin pallid, striate: lamellae adnate, of medium
breadth and distance, white: stipe filiform, smooth, glabrous, murinous, 1-2 cm. long, less than 1 mm. thick.
"Type collected among leaves in mixed woods at Unaka Springs,
Tennessee, August 18-24, 1904, W. A. Murrill 909 (herb. N. Y.
Bot. Gard.).
"Distribution: Known only from the type locality."