Most mycologists would identify this material (COLENSO b 968) as conspecific with the true F. velutipes which grows throughout the northern hemisphere. From our observations we hesitate to consider F. velutipes as an introduced fungus in New Zealand and regard the New Zealand form as a distinct variety.

Pileus convex, then expanding until almost plane, sometimes with an indication of an umbo, smooth, even, very viscid, bright-yellow, disc tawny, or sometimes altogether yellowish-brown, 3-8 cm. across; flesh thickish at the disc, becoming very thin towards the margin, tinged yellow; gills adnexed, rather distant, ventricose, cut out behind, 4-6 mm. broad, pale opaque-yellow, margin entire; spores elliptical, 7 x 3-3.5 µ; stem 5-10 cm. long, 6-8 mm. thick, almost equal, narrowed below into a rooting base, apex yellowish, then orange-brown, becoming darker downwards, minutely velvety, stuffed.

Dannevirke, New Zealand. Australia, Europe, Siberia, United States.

On trunks, logs, &c.

Readily distinguished by the bright-yellow viscid pileus and the dark minutely velvety stem. Tufted. One of the few species of the Agaricini capable of growing in very cold weather, and in Britain may often be seen quite vigorous after having experienced 6° of frost for several nights in succession.