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GLASGOW 

UNIVERSITY 

LIBRARY. 


EWING  COLLECTION. 


1875. 


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vX 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2016 


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LOND  ON. 

Robert  Hardwicke,  192,  Piccadilly. 


A.  PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


OP  THIS 


BRITISH  FUNGI: 


WITH 


DESCRIPTIONS  OF  THE  ESCULENT  AND  POISONOUS  SPECIES, 
DETAILS  OF  THE  PRINCIPLES  OF  SCIENTIFIC 
CLASSIFICATION, 

AND 

A TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT  OF  ORDERS  AND  GENERA. 


BY  M.  C.  COOKE, 

ACTHOI!  OP 

“ MICROSCOPIC  FUNGI,”  “ A MANUAL  OF  STBUCTUItAL  BOTANT,”  “ A MANUAL 
OF  BOTANIC  TERMS,”  “ INDEX  FUNGOIIUM  BRITANNICORUM,”  ETC. 


A NEW  AND  REVISED  EDITION. 

WITH  TWENTY- FOUR  COLOURED  PLATES. 


LONDON: 

"ROBERT  HARDWJCKE,  102,  PICCADILLY . 


1866. 


PREFACE  TO  THE  SECOND  EDITION. 


A New  Edition  of  this  little  volume  having  become 
necessary,  I have  taken  advantage  of  the  opportunity 
to  correct  some  trifling  errors  which  had  crept  into  the 
first  Edition,  and,  at  the  same  time,  of  entirely  revising 
the  Appendix,  and  adopting  an  arrangement  which  I 
hope  may  be  an  improvement  on  the  original.  If  in 
this  form  the  New  Edition  should  be  found  of  more 
service  than  the  first,  I shall  not  regret  the  little 
additional  trouble  it  may  have  entailed  upon  me. 

M.  C.  C. 

Upper  Holloway. 


PREFACE  TO  THE  FIRST  EDITION. 


It  is  sometimes  necessary  for  a writer  to  give  some 
reasons  for  inflicting  a new  work  upon  the  public,  while 
treatises  on  the  same  subject  are  already  in  print  ; but 
from  this  necessity  I am  in  the  present  instance  absolved 
by  the  fact  that  no  popular  work  on  this  branch  of  Botany 
exists,  or,  to  my  knowledge,  has  hitherto  been  attempted. 
With  all  its  failings,  therefore,  this  effort  has  the  merit 


IV 


FEEFACE. 


of  novelty  to  commend  it,  and  I trust  it  will  hereafter 
be  found  of  utility  also.  The  difficulties  to  be  en- 
countered in  describing,  with  as  little  technicality  as 
possible,  the  different  species  of  esculent  fungi — so  that 
persons  unacquainted  therewith  may  discriminate  them 
— have  been  much  diminished  by  the  liberality  with 
which  the  publisher  has  illustrated  this  work.  Whilst 
endeavouring  to  render  the  subject  acceptable  to  the 
general  reader,  I have  at  the  same  time  kept  the  botani- 
cal student  in  view  ; and  if,  in  the  laudable  attempt  to 
make  this  a “ Plain  and  Easy  Account  of  British  Fungi” 
for  both  classes  of  readers,  I should  have  failed  in 
making  it  of  service  to  either,  it  will  at  least  serve  to 
familiarize  the  one  with  the  fact  that  hundredweights 
of  good  food  are  annually  wasted,  and  the  other  it  will 
furnish  with  a synopsis  of  classification  based  upon  the 
researches  of  sonffi  of  the  most  eminent  mycologists  of 
the  age. 

That  there  is  ample  room  for  such  a work  as  the 
present  will  not  be  denied  ; but  whether  that  desideratum 
is  now  efficiently  supplied,  is  not  for  me  to  determine. 

Let  me  assure  the  student  that  all  times,  seasons, 
and  localities  will  afford  him  some  species  for  exami- 
nation ; and  whether  he  has  felt  interested  in  them 
before,  or  now,  for  the  first  time,  adopts  these  interest- 
ing plants  as  objects  worthy  of  his  special  regard, 
I would  commend  them  to  his  patient  and  persevering 
attention,  in  the  assurance  that  this  pursuit  will  “ lead 
from  joy  to  joy.” 


M.  C.  G. 


CONTENTS. 


Page. 

Gill-bearing  Fungi 12 

True  Agarics  24 

Pseudo- Agarics 50 

Pore-bearing  Fungi  68 

Teeth-bearing  Fungi 84 

Leathery  Fungi  86 

Club-bearing  Fungi  87 

Gelatinous  Fungi  90 

Peridiate  Fungi  91 

Subterranean  Fungi  92 

Stinkhorn  Fungi 93 

Puff-ball  Fungi  94 

Dust-like  Fungi  100 

Thready  Fungi 102 

Mucoraceous  Fungi  103 

Sporidiiferous  Fungi 104 

Discrimination  and  Preservation  of  Fungi  118 

Tabular  Arrangement  of  Orders  and  Genera 125 


WORKS  BY  THE  SAME  AUTHOR. 


RUST,  SMUT,  MILDEW,  AND  MOULD.  An  Intro- 

duction  to  the  Study  of  Microscopic  Fuugi.  Illustrated  with  nearly 
3o0  Figures  by  J.  E.  Sowehby,  and  Coloured  by  hand.  Fcap  8vo.,  price  6s. 

INDEX  FUNGORUM  BRITAN NICORUM.  A complete 

list  of  Fungi  found  in  the  British  Islands  to  the  present  date.  Arranged 
so  as  to  be  applicable  either  as  a Cheek -list  or  for  Hei  barium  Labels.  Royal 
8vo.,  cloth.  Complete,  price  2s.  6d.  Also,  the  same  Work  printed  on  one 
side  only.  Part  I.  Hymenomycetes,  Is.  Part  II.  Gasteromycetes,  Coniomy- 
cetes,  and  Hyphomycetes,  Is.  Part  III.  Ascomycetes,  Is. 

THE  BRITISH  REPTILES. — A Plain  and  Easy  Account 

of  the  Lizards,  Snakes,  Newts,  Toads,  Frogs,  and  Tortoises,  indigenous 
to  Great  Britain.  Fcap.  8vo.  cloth,  4s.  plain  ; 6s.  coloured.  Fully  Illustrated. 

A MANUAL  OF  STRUCTURAL  BOTANY.— Illustrated 

by  more  than  200  Woodcuts,  price  Is. ; bound,  Is.  6d. 

“ Condensed  yet  clear,  comprehensive  but  brief,  it  affords  to  the  learner  a 
distinct  view.” — Globe. 

“We  are  confidently  able  to  recommend  the  little  volume  to  public  favour, 
its  very  low  price  (Is.)  bringing  it  within  the  range  of  all  purchasers.” — Era. 

A MANUAL  OF  BOTANIC  TERMS. — With  more  than 

300  Illustrations.  Fcap.  8vo.  cloth,  price  2s.  6d. 

“ We  do  not  hesitate  to  say  that  by  a careful  use  of  this  book  a sound 
knowledge  of  the  theoretical  portion  of  Botany  maybe  obtained  without  tedious 
labour.” — Mining  Journal. 


IN  PREPARATION. 

British  edible  and  poisonous  fungi,  with 

Figures,  Coloured  by  hand.  On  two  large  Sheets  adapted  for  Schools 
and  Lecture  Rooms,  price  2s.  6d.  each  Sheet.  By  W.  G.  Smith. 

Sheet  1.  Eatable  Fungi. 

Sheet  2.  Poisonous  Fungi. 


London  : Robert  Hardwicks,  192,  Piccadilly. 


LIST  OF  PLATES, 


Plate. 


Fly  Agaric,  Amanita  muscaria  

Parasol  Mushroom,  Agaricus  procerus  

Hallitnasch,  Agaricus  melleus 

Masked  Mushroom,  Agaricus  personatus  a 

> to  face  Title 

Variable  Mushroom,  Russula  heterophglla  ' 

Spindle-stem,  Agaricus  fusipes  

Nagelschwamme,  Agaricus  esculentus 

Ivory-caps,  llygrophorus  virgineus  

Elm  Sidefoot,  Agaricus  ulmarius  

Oyster  Mushroom,  Agaricus  ostreatus  

St.  George’s  Mushroom,  Agaricus  gamlosus 

Common  Mushroom,  Agaricus  campestris  

Sating  Mushroom,  Agaricus  dealbatus  

Maned  Agaric,  Cojprinus  comatus  

Ink  Mushroom,  Coprinus  atramentarius  

Milky  Agaric,  Ladarius  deliciosus 

Chantarelle,  Cantharellus  cibarius 

Fairy-ring  Champignon,  Marasmius  orcades 

False  Champignon,  Marasmius  peronatus 


1 

J 


\ 

) 

\ 

I 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 
9 

10 

10  a 

11 
12 

13 


14 


Vlll 


PLATES. 


Puts. 

Edible  Boletus,  Boletus  edulis 15 

Imbricated  Stecckerino,  Hydnurn  mbricatum  ^ 

} 16 

The  Hedgeho g,  Hydnurn  repandum, ‘ 

Eig.  1.  Clavaria  cinerea.  2.  Clavaria  amethystina.s. 

3.  Clavaria  rugosa.  4.  Clavaria  vermiculala.  •-  17 

5.  Geoglossum  olivaceum ^ 

Oak -tongue,  Fistulina  hepatica  18 

Scaly  Polyporus,  Folyporus  squamosus  19 

Lattice  Eungus,  Clathrus  cancellatus 20 

Emetic  Mushroom,  Russula  emetica  22 

Eig.  1 — Truffle  (with  section).  Tuber  cestivum  ^ 

Eig.  2 — Red  Truffle  (with  section),  Melanog aster  varie-  y 23 

gatus ) 

Orange  Cups,  Peziza  aurantia Title-page. 


BRITISH  FUNGI. 


0 some — and  we  would  hope  that  the  number  is 


few — the  very  name  of  Fungus  is  unknown.  To 
others  this  name  is  associated  only  with  the  pileated 
species,  or  at  most  with  the  addition  of  puff-balls,  or  such 
as  possess  a truly  fungoid  odour.  There  doubtless  may  be 
found  a privileged  few,  amongst  the  unscientific  denizens 
of  our  islands,  who  acknowledge  a broader  view,  and 
include  a far  less  limited  series  of  these  extraordinary 
productions  of  the  vegetable  kingdom  within  the  terms 
of  our  title. 

It  would  be  vain  to  attempt  a general  and  compact 
definition  of  a fungus,  or  to  describe  in  a few  words 
what  is  included  in  the  large  group  to  which  the  name 
of  Fungi  is  given,  so  as  to  be  popularly  intelligible. 
The  contents  of  the  present  volume  must  be  left  to 
perform  this  office  for  us,  or  so  much  of  it  as  remains 
untold  after  we  have  pointed  out  some  of  the  most 
characteristic  of  the  homes  of  the  race. 

It  is  indeed  a singular  and  despised  family  to  the 
history  of  which  we  are  about  to  dedicate  this  volume. 
Many  of  those  who  would  merit  the  title  of  “ good 


Z A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 

botanists”  know  little  or  nothing  about  them.  That 
part  of  our  scientific  literature  which  is  devoted  to  them 
is  remarkably  scanty  ; and  the  young  student,  or  the 
operative  botanist,  whose  means  are  limited,  inquires 
in  vain  for  assistance  in  gaining  even  a slight  know- 
ledge  of  a very  interesting  section  of  our  Flora.  For 
such  we  can  scarce  hope  to  accomplish  much  ; but 
even  this  little  may  not  prove  unwelcome.  Whilst 
manuals  of  flowering  plants,  with  or  without  illus- 
trations, are  abundant,  no  corresponding  guides  t,o 
cryptogams  can  be  found  equally  complete,  cheap,  or 
useful. 

The  Spitalficlds  weaver,  who  gets  away  into  the 
country,  whenever  a half-holiday  falls  to  his  lot,  for  the 
purpose  of  adding  to  his  humble  herbarium,  or  becoming 
better  acquainted  with  the  Flora  of  his  native  land, 
must  look  upon  the  lichen  or  fungus  as  objects  reserved 
for  the  study  of  those  who  can  better  afford  the  neces- 
sary literary  assistance.  Although  this  may  still  be 
asserted,  with  equal  justice,  when  our  work  is  accom- 
plished ; yet  if  we  succeed  in  exciting  an  interest 
amongst  only  a few  readers,  this  may  hasten  the  time 
when  the  desideratum  shall  be  supplied. 

To  say  that  fungi  may  be  found  everywhere,  would 
not  perhaps  be  always  literally  true ; but  to  say  where 
they  are  not  to  be  found,  under  any  circumstances, 
would  be  puzzling.  Not  only  are  shady  woods,  mossy 
dells,  secluded  lanes,  and  green  pastures,  the  habitats 
of  fungi,  but  we  meet  with  them  in  almost  every 
situation  where  vegetable  life  is  possible,  and  traces 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


•> 

o 


of  them  where  it  is  not.  Wherever  decaying  vege- 
table matter  exists,  we  may  expect  to  find  a new 
race  flourishing  among  the  debris,  as  in  the  decay 
of  the  garden  of  “ the  sensitive  plant  ” described 
by  Shelley  : — 

And  plants  at  whose  name  the  verse  feels  loath, 

Fill'd  the  place  with  a monstrous  undergrowth. 

Prickly  and  pulpous,  and  blistering,  and  blue, 

Livid,  and  starv’d  with  a lurid  dew, 

And  agarics,  and  fungi,  with  mildew  and  mould. 

Started  like  mist  from  the  wet  ground  cold ; 

Pale,  fleshy,  as  if  the  decaying  dead 
With  a spirit  of  growth  had  been  animated. 

Their  mass  rotted  off  them  flake  by  flake, 

Till  the  thick  stalk  stuck  like  a murderer’s  stake, 

Where  rags  of  loose  flesh  yet  tremble  on  high, 

Infecting  the  winds  that  wander  by. 

Such  a spot  is  an  almost  certain  home  for  fungi. 
Every  rotten  stump  or  twig,  every  decaying  leaf  or  fruit, 
has  its  peculiar  species, — some  large  enough  to  attract 
immediate  attention,  others  so  small  as  to  be  invisible 
to  the  unaided  eye.  But  we  need  not  travel  from  home 
to  meet  with  examples:  the  unwelcome  dry-rot. may 
have  committed  its  ravages  beneath  our  kitchen  floor  ; 
or  on  the  walls  of  our  cellars,  and  our  casks,  or  bottles 
of  wine,  may  be  infested  with  members  of  this  ubiquitous 
race.  Can  we  find  no  morsel  of  bread  or  cheese  upon 
which  a mould  is  flourishing  ? no  towel  or  other  article 
of  household  linen  presenting  traces  of  mildew?  Are 
we  perfectly  certain  that  all  our  preserves  are  unvisitcd, 


4 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


or.  to  come  nearer  to  some  of  us,  all  our  books  un- 
touched ? 

But,  in  places  which  many  would  consider  more  un- 
likely still,  we  may  look  for  and  expect  to  find  fungi : * 
on  whitewashed  walls,  plaster  ceilings,  dirty  glass,  old 
flannel,  and  old  boots  and  shoes,  or  leather  of  any 
description  ; on  carpets,  mats,  and  boards,  and  even  the 
plants  in  our  herbaria  must  be  watched  against  their 
ravages.  Animals  bear  them  about  on  their  horns  and 
hoofs,  and  the  housefly  often  carries  in  its  body  the 
vegetating  fungus  which  ultimately  deprives  it  of  life. 
The  yeast  that  is  employed  for  fermenting  our  bread 
and  our  beer  is  a fungus,  as  well  as  the  mildew  and 
smut  that  infest  our  growing  corn. 

From  cesspools  and  traps,  the  minute  dust-like  spores 
of  hidden  fungi  rise  into  our  dwellings,  unseen  they 
float  in  the  air,  entering  everywhere,  depositing  them- 
selves everywhere,  and  vegetating  wherever  the  con- 
ditions are  favourable  to  their  development. 

It  was  strongly  affirmed  at  one  time  that  our  cholera 
visitations  were  due  to  these  invisible  agents,  and  a 
large  volume  has  been  written  on  these  vegetable 
parasites  on  men  and  animals.  “ When  our  beer 
becomes  mothery,  the  mother  of  that  mischief  is  a 

* As  a difficulty  is  occasionally  experienced  amongst  amateurs 
with  reference  to  the  pronunciation  of  this  word  in  its  plural 
form,  we  may  remind  them,  that  in  the  singular  the  g should  be 
hard  as  in  gum , whilst  in  the  plural  fungi  has  the  g soft,  as 
Fungi.  It  may  be  permitted  us  to  protest  against  such  a bar- 
barism as  funguses , which  has  sometimes  been  employed  as  the 
plural  of  fungus. 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


o 


fungus ; if  pickles  acquire  a bad  taste,  if  ketchup 
turns  ropy  and  putrefies,  fungi  have  a finger  in  it  all. 
Their  reign  stops  not  here — they  even  prey  on  each 
other.  The  close  cavities  of  nuts  occasionally  afford 
concealment  to  some  species  ; others,  like  leeches, 
stick  to  the  bulbs  of  plants,  and  suck  them  dry  ; and 
some  pick  timber  to  pieces  as  men  pick  oakum/'  Hop- 
mildew,  vine-disease,  turnip-mildew,  bunt,  smut,  ergot, 
potato-murrain,  pea  and  wheat  mildew,  may  all  be 
traced  to  them  as  the  fertile  source  of  mischief. 

That  fungi  may  be  developed  under,  apparently,  the 
most  unfavourable  circumstances,  may  be  gathered  from 
an  instance  recorded  by  Schweinitz,  of  a blacksmith  at 
Salem,  who,  having  thrown  on  one  side  a piece  of  iron 
which  he  had  just  taken  from  the  fire,  was  called  off 
to  some  other  business,  and  on  his  return  in  the  morning 
was  astonished  to  see  on  this  very  piece,  lying  over  the 
water  on  his  smith’s  trough,  a mass  of  fungi  two  feet  in 
length.  It  had  crept  from  the  iron  to  some  adjacent 
wood,  and  not  from  the  wood  to  the  iron.  This  im- 
mense mass  had  grown  during  the  space  of  twelve  hours. 
The  E,ev.  M.  J.  Berkeley  also  found  a species  of  fungus 
vegetating  on  a lead  cistern  at  Kew  ; and  Sowerby,  the 
author  of  an  illustrated  work  on  British  Fungi,  pub- 
lished more  than  half  a century  since,  found  a species 
growing  on  some  cinders  on  the  outside  of  the  dome  of 
St.  Paul’s. 

Nor  are  these  plants  less  worthy  of  notice  on  account 
of  the  rapidity  of  their  growth.  The  great  Puff  Ball 
springs  up  in  a marvellous  manner  to  the  size  of  a 


6 A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 

pumpkin  during  the  night ; and  the  late  Dr.  Lindley 
computed  that  the  cells  of  which  its  structure  is 
composed,  multiply  at  the  extraordinary  rate  of  sixty 
millions  in  a minute.  Dr.  Greville  mentions  an  instance 
of  one  of  the  largest  of  our  British  fungi  ( Polyporus 
squamosus)  attaining  a circumference  of  seven  feet  five 
inches,  and  weighing  thirty-four  pounds,  after  having 
been  cut  four  days.  It  was  only  four  weeks  in  attaining 
to  these  dimensions,  thus  acquiring  an  increase  of 
growth  equal  to  nineteen  ounces  per  day.  During 
the  past  summer  we  noticed  an  individual  of  this 
same  species,  which  reached  a diameter  of  eleven 
inches  within  the  short  space  of  a week.  Blue-mould 
is  also  rapid  in  its  growth,  although  the  plant  indivi- 
dually is  small,  and  a meadow  or  pasture  which  in  the 
evening  exhibited  no  prominent  signs  of  mushrooms, 
may  in  the  morning  yield  a good  basket-full.  The 
popular  notion,  current  in  some  agricultural  districts, 
that  fungi  melt  away  when  the  sun  shines  upon  them, 
sends  the  mushroom-gatherer  to  seek  them 

“ When  the  grass  is  wet  with  dew, 

In  the  morning  early.” 

Dr.  Carpenter  relates  an  instance  of  the  expansive 
power  resulting  from  the  rapid  growth  of  the  soft 
cellular  tissue  of  fungi  which  seems  marvellous.  Some 
years  ago  the  towrn  of  Basingstoke  was  paved  ; and  not 
many  months  afterwards  the  pavement  was  observed 
to  exhibit  an  unevenness  which  could  not  easily  be 
accounted  for.  In  a short  time  after,  the  mystery  was 
explained,  for  some  of  the  heaviest  stones  were  com- 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


7 


pletely  lifted  out  of  their  beds  by  the  growth  of  large 
toadstools  beneath  them.  One  of  these  stones  measured 
twenty-two  inches  by  twenty-one,  and  weighed  eighty- 
three  pounds,  and  the  resistance  afforded  by  the  mortar 
which  held  it  in  its  place  would  probably  be  even  a 
greater  obstacle  than  the  weight.  It  became  necessary 
to  repave  the  whole  town  in  consequence  of  this  re- 
markable disturbance.  A similar  incident  came  under 
our  own  notice,  of  a large  kitchen  hearthstone  which 
was  forced  up  from  its  bed  by  an  under-growing 
fungus,  and  had  to  be  relaid  two  or  three  times,  until  at 
last  it  reposed  in  peace,  the  old  bed  having  been  removed 
to  the  depth  of  six  inches,  and  a new  foundation  laid. 
A circumstance  recorded  by  Sir  Joseph  Banks  is  still 
more  extraordinary,  of  a cask  of  wine  which,  having 
been  confined  for  three  years  in  a cellar,  was,  at  the 
termination  of  that  period,  found  to  have  leaked  from 
the  cask,  and  vegetated  in  the  form  of  immense  fungi, 
which  had  filled  the  cellar  and  borne  upwards  the 
empty  wine-cask  to  the  roof. 

It  is  a curious  fact  in  connection  writh  the  growth  of 
these  singular  plants,  that,  while  Phancerogams  under 
ordinary  circumstances  absorb  carbonic  acid  from  the 
atmosphere,  and  respire  oxygen,  in  this  instance  the 
order  is  reversed,  and  carbonic  acid  gas  is  given  off 
It  is  believed  that  the  absence  of  green  colouring 
matter,  with  the  exception  in  some  few  instances  of  a 
kind  of  mineral  green,  is  due,  in  part,  to  this  reversal 
of  transpired  gases.  One  thing  is  certain,  that  in 
flowering  plants  light  is  absolutely  essential  not  only  to 


8 


A PLAIN  AND  EAST  ACCOUNT 


the  growth  and  healthy  condition  of  the  plant,  but  also 
to  the  production  of  the  green  chlorophyl,  or  colouring 
matter.  Fungi,  on  the  contrary,  would  appear  to 
flourish  best  in  the  absence  of  light,  in  dark  cellars, 
under  flagstones,  in  hollow  trees,  and  in  like  places, 
where  no  other  form  of  plant  could  exist ; while  some 
genera  are  entirely  subterranean. 

The  luminosity  of  fungi  is  a phenomenon  which  we 
do  not  often  see  exhibited  in  these  temperate  regions  ; 
but  in  countries  nearer  the  tropics  it  is  not  at  all  an 
uncommon  occurrence  for  fungi  to  give  out  a kind  of 
phosphorescent  light  with  sufficient  intensity  to  enable 
the  traveller  to  read  his  letters  or  write  up  his  journal. 

“ And  unctuous  meteors  from  spray  to  spray 
Crept  and  flitted  in  broad  noonday 
Unseen,  every  branch  on  which  they  alit 
By  a venomous  blight  was  burned  and  bit.” 

In  our  schoolboy  days  we  remember  to  have  often 
carried  home  in  our  pockets  a piece  of  touclmood,  to  be 
taken  to  bed  with  us  on  account  of  the  little  light  it 
afforded.  What  we,  in  common  with  our  elders  and 
betters,  termed  touchwood,  was  merely  the  light,  white, 
decaying  wood  of  an  old  stump,  entirely  permeated  with 
the  minute  mycelium  of  a fungus,  and  which  exhibited 
phosphorescence  in  the  dark.  The  fact  was  well  enough 
known  to  us,  but  the  cause  was  a mystery  ; the  remotest 
idea  of  its  being  due  to  the  presence  of  a fungoid  growth 
never  entered  our  boyish  heads. 

A kind  of  Polyporus  (P.  sulfureus),  often  found 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


9 


forming  a dense  mass  on  the  stumps  of  trees,  exhibits 
phosphorescence  in  the  early  stages  of  its  decay. 

The  forms  which  these  singular  plants  assume  are 
extremely  diversified : in  some  instances  we  have  a 
distinct  stem  supporting  a cap,  and  looking  somewhat 
like  a parasol ; in  others  the  stem  is  entirely  absent, 
and  the  cap  is  attached  either  by  its  margin,  and  is 
said  to  be  dimidiate , or  by  its  back,  or  that  which  is 
more  commonly  its  upper  surface,  when  it  is  called 
resupinate.  Sometimes  the  form  and  colour  so  nearly 
resemble  that  of  a tongue,  that,  as  Dr.  Badham  says, 
“ in  the  days  of  enchanted  trees  you  would  not  have 
cut  it  off  to  pickle  or  eat  on  any  account,  lest  the 
knight  to  whom  it  belonged  should  afterwards  come  to 
claim  it  of  you.”  In  some  species  the  form  is  that  of 
a cup  ; in  others  of  a goblet,  a saucer,  an  ear,  a birds- 
nest,  a horn,  a bunch  of  coral,  a ball,  a button,  a 
rosette,  a lump  of  jelly,  or  a piece  of  velvet.  Indeed, 
so  protean  are  they  in  shape,  that  description  fails  in 
giving  an  adequate  idea  of  their  variety. 

In  colour  they  are  almost  as  variable  as  in  shape  : 
in  one  or  two  instances  decidedly  green  ; but  this  colour 
must  be  considered  as  rare  amongst  them.  We  have 
all  shades  of  red,  from  light  pink  to  deepest  crimson  ; 
all  tints  of  yellow,  from  sulphureous  to  orange  ; all 
kinds  of  browns,  from  palest  ochre  to  deepest  umber ; 
and  every  gradation  between  pale  grey  and  sooty  black. 
Blue  and  violet  tints  do  not  abound  ; but  even  these, 
as  well  as  a beautiful  amethyst,  occasionally  occur. 
White  or  creamy  tints  are  very  common.  There  is  a 


10 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


livid  and  suspicious  shade  to  many  of  the  species,  not 
peculiarly  attractive  to  the  disinterested  observer. 

Odours  are  manifestly  agreeable,  or  disagreeable,  to 
a considerable  extent,  according  to  the  taste  of  the 
inhaler;  but  it  must  be  confessed  that  some  of  the 
fungi  exhale  an  odour  so  intolerably  foetid,  that  no  set 
of  olfactory  nerves  could  be  found  to  endure  it  longer 
than  was  absolutely  necessary.  A lady  having  found 
a specimen  of  the  truly  elegant,  but  rare,  Clathrus,  set 
about  making  a sketch  of  it ; but,  notwithstanding  her 
urgent  desire  to  accomplish  the  task,  she  was  compelled 
to  have  the  fungus  removed  from  the  house  before  her 
sketch  was  finished. 

A gentleman  of  our  acquaintance,  during  a stroll 
through  Daren  til  Wood,  met  with  a specimen  of  the 
common  stinkhorn  ( Phallus  impudicus),  which,  having 
deposited  in  his  sandwich-box  and  consigned  to  his 
pocket,  he  designed  to  take  home  and  examine.  For 
some  time  he  had  become  conscious  of  an  unpleasant 
odour  ; but  it  was  not  until  he  had  entered  the  railway 
carriage,  to  return  to  town,  that  he  discovered  the 
true  source.  Everybody  in  the  compartment  com- 
plained, and  wondered  what  could  be  the  cause,  and 
quitted  it  as  soon  as  an  opportunity  offered.  Nothing 
but  a resolute  determination  to  make  a drawing  and 
section  of  the  fungus  could  have  prevented  our  friend 
throwing  away  stinkhorn  and  sandwich-box  long  ere 
his  arrival  in  town  ; but,  in  this  instance,  botanical 
enthusiasm  overcame  all  physical  difficulties. 

The  foetid  or  unpleasant  odour  is  not,  however,  uni- 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


1] 


versal  in  fungi.  There  are  some  which  have  the  scent 
of  tarragon,  of  new-mown  hay,  ot  violets,  of  anise,  of 
walnuts,  of  new  meal,  &c.  ; while  there  are  others 
which,  we  must  confess,  have  the  odour  of  onions,  of 
garlic,  of  tainted  meat,  of  fish,  and  equally  unpleasant 
substances  ; and  others,  again,  which  are  devoid  of  any 
perceptible  odour.  Some  persons  are  very  fond  of 
tasting,  and  here  they  may  gratify  that  propensity  ; for 
in  fungi  they  will  meet  with  a variety  of  flavours,  some 
of  which  will  be  calculated  to  please,  and  others  to 
disgust.  In  the  raw  state,  probably,  the  acrid  or 
unpleasant  prevails  in  the  majority  of  cases,  for  some 
species  which  are  pleasant  when  cooked,  have  a very 
acrid  taste  when  eaten  raw.  The  number  of  poisonous 
species  has,  perhaps,  been  exaggerated ; but  of  these 
there  are  many,  and  the  dangerous  properties  of 
a few  are  extremely  virulent.  We  have  always 
imagined  it  prudent  to  taste  unknown  species  with 
caution,  since  we  have  learnt  that  some  mycologists, 
having,  perhaps,  more  enthusiasm  than  caution,  have, 
from  merely  tasting  very  virulent  species,  suffered 
for  some  time  afterwards  considerable  pain  and  in- 
convenience. More  especial  reference  will  be  made 
hereafter  to  the  species  recommended  as  esculent,  and 
which  may  be  found,  in  greater  or  less  number,  in  our 
own  islands. 

As  articles  of  food , fungi  are  certainly  deserving  of 
more  attention  than  they  have  hitherto  received  from 
the  majority  of  our  countrymen.  People  widely  sepa- 
rated by  mountains,  oceans,  or  vast  tracts  of  desert, 


12 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


have  been  found  employing  certain  species  as  delicacies. 
Not  only  in  China,  as  evidenced  by  the  examples  of 
dried  edible  fungi  sent  to  the  International  Exhibition 
of  1862,  but  also  in  the  Himalayas  and  in  the  Ptocky 
Mountains,  as  well  as  in  Terra  del  Fuego,  New  Zealand, 
and  Australia,  to  say  nothing  of  European  countries, 
certain  species  afford  wholesome  and  nutritious  food. 
Of  their  chemical  composition  we  are  very  deficient  in 
information.  Few  authentically-determined  species  have 
yet  come  under  the  cognizance  of  the  chemist,  and  there 
is  but  little  doubt  that  not  only  does  the  composition 
vary  greatly  in  different  species,  as  evidenced  by  their 
wholesome  or  unwholesome  properties,  but  also  in  the 
same  species  under  different  conditions  of  climate  and 
habitat,  as  well  as  during  the  different  stages  of  its 
existence  ; a few  hours  being  sufficient  in  some  cases 
to  convert  a wholesome  food  into  a very  injurious,  and, 
perhaps,  dangerous  substance. 


GILL-BEARING  EUNGI. 

With  a view  to  a more  complete  knowledge  of  the 
structure  and  arrangement  of  Fungi,  it  will  be  advisable 
to  commence  with  an  examination  of  one  of  the  best 
known,  as  a type  of  the  higher  divisions  of  this  inter- 
esting group  of  plants.  Every  one  knows  what  a mush- 
room is,  at  least  so  far  as  regards  its  external  appearance. 
If  we  carefully  remove  the  soil  from  the  base  of  the 
stem  which  bears  the  cap-like  receptacle  of  mushrooms, 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


13 


V 

*• 


we  shall  lay  bare  a number  of  pale  entangled  threads, 
which  constitute  the  mycelium,  or  spawn.  These 
thread-like  processes  consist  of  a number  of  separate 
individuals,  which  unitedly  produce  the  stem  already 
alluded  to. 

The  mycelium  of  fungi  is  not  always  composed  of 
filaments,  but  this  kind  will,  for  the  present,  serve  the 
purpose  of  illustration.  At  certain  points  in  this  en- 
tangled mass  of  threads,  a little  rounded  protuberance 
at  first  appears,  which,  as  it  enlarges,  ruptu^s,  and  the 
young  mushroom  may  be  seen  within  it,  with  its  cap  or 
pileus  supported  upon  its  stem.  The  membrane  which 
has  up  to  this  point  inclosed  the  young  mushroom  is 
termed  the  tolui,  or  wrapper,  portions  or  traces  of  which 
often  remain  permanently  at  the  base  of  the  stem. 

The  young  pileus  or  cap,  for  some  time  after  it  has 
emerged  from  the  wrapper,  retains  its  spherical  or  hemi- 
spherical form.  As  it  expands,  the  under  surface,  which 
is  seen  to  consist  of  a membrane,  or  in  some  cases  only 
of  a mass  of  entangled  threads,  ruptures,  leaving  a 
portion  attached  to  the  stem,  or  stipe,  in  the  form  of  an 
irregular  collar,  ring,  or  annulus.  This  collar  is  in 
some  species  of  Agaric  permanent,  in  others  it  is  move- 
able,  whilst  in  many  it  is  entirely  absent.  The  breaking 
away  of  the  membrane  from  the  under  surface  of  the 
pileus,  as  already  described,  exposes  a series  of  plates  or 
gill-like  processes,  called  also  lamellcc,  which  radiate 
from  the  stem.  These  gills  are  covered  with  the  fruc- 
tifying surface,  termed  the  hymenium,  which  bears  the 
spores,  or  reproductive  bodies. 


14 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


The  accompanying  woodcut  will  make  clearer  the 
position  and  relation  of  the  parts  we  have  described. 
At  the  base  of  this  section  of  an  Agaric  the  mycelium  is 

represented  at  m,  proceeding 
from  this  the  stipe  or  stem 
(s),  surrounded  by  the  remains 
of  the  volva  or  wrapper  (v). 
The  stem  is  surmounted  by  a 
pileus  or  cap  (p),  bearing 
lamella ; or  gills  on  the  under 
surface  (g) , which  have  been 
exposed  by  the  disappearance 
of  the  indusium  or  veil,  leaving  traces  in  the  form  of 
an  annulus  or  ring  ( a ) around  the  stem. 

If  we  collect  a specimen  of  mushroom,  or  any  Agaric, 
and  having  separated  the  stem  from  the  pileus,  invert 
the  latter,  with  the  gills  downwards,  upon  a piece  of 
glass  or  a sheet  of  writing-paper,  in  the  course  of  an 
hour  or  two  a number  of  fine  dust-like  bodies  will  be 
seen  to  have  fallen  from  the  under  surface  of  the  pileus 
upon  the  glass  or  paper.  These  are  the  reproductive 
bodies,  known  as  spores,  which  are  borne  upon  the 
surface  of  the  lamellae.  Their  colour  will  in  many 
instances  be  white,  but  in  some  of  a purple  tint,  or 
various  shades  of  brown.  The  further  and  more 
minute  examination  of  these  bodies  requires  the  aid  of 
a microscope. 

It  has  been  said  that  the  spores  of  Agarics  are  borne 
upon  what  are  termed  the  gills,  and  that  the  spore- 
bearing surface  is  called  the  hymenium.  In  the  genus 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


15 


now  under  description  this  hymenium  is  folded  or  plaited 
together  in  the  form  of  a series  of  plates  radiating  from 
the  stem  ; the  two  sides  of  these  folds  adhere  more  or 
less  by  their  backs,  and  in  somes  pecies  may  be  easily 
opened  out.  Upon  the  surface  of  the  hymenium  will 
be  found  a number  of  swollen  threads  or  cells,  called 
sporophores,  or  basidia  (b),  each  surmounted  by  four 
smaller  branches,  termed  spicules,  or  stigmata  (a),  each 
of  which  is  terminated  by  a spore.  An  immense  number 
of  these  spores  are  borne  on  the  hymenium 
of  a single  fungus,  as  will  be  evident  by 
the  deposit  obtained  in  the  manner  already 
indicated.  The  spores  vary  not  only  in  size, 
but  also  in  colour  and  form.  Fries  says 
of  them  : — “ They  are  so  infinite — for  in  a single  indi- 
vidual I have  reckoned  above  10,000,000 — so  subtile, 
scarcely  visible  to  the  eye,  and  resembling  thin  smoke  ; 
so  light,  and  are  dispersed  in  so  many  ways,  that  it 
is  difficult  to  conceive  a place  from  which  they  can  be 
excluded." 

The  whole  of  the  description  now  concluded  will 
only  apply  to  the  Agaricini , or  Gill-bearing  Fungi.  Of 
these  there  are  believed  to  exist  at  least  one  thousand 
species,  and  one-tenth  of  them  are  probably  esculent, 
while  perhaps  one-sixth  of  them  are  not  positively 
unwholesome. 

To  determine  the  species  to  which  any  individual 
Agaric  may  belong,  it  is  necessary  that  the  following 
particulars  should  be  noted — i.e.,  whether  found  grow- 
ing  singly  or  in  groups,  and  whether,  if  gregarious,  it 


1 G 


PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


formed  a portion  of  a ring ; also,  if  found  on  the  ground 
or  upon  decaying  wood,  and  whether  rooting  or  not. 
It  should  carefully  be  noted  if  the  stem  is  stout  or 
slender,  bulbous  or  fusiform,  scaly,  downy,  or  smooth ; 

whether  central  in  its  inser- 
tion, eccentric,  lateral,  or 
almost  obsolete  ; what  is  the 
colour  of  the  pileus,  gills,  and 
stem,  the  form  of  the  pileus 
in  the  young  as  well  as  the 
mature  plant ; and  what  is  the 
nature  of  the  surface  of  the  pileus,  whether  downy 
or  smooth,  dull  or  shining,  viscid  or  dry.  Then,  by 
cutting  the  pileus  and  stem  down  the  centre,  the 

texture  of  both,  their  colour,  and 
also  whether  the  stem  is  fibrous, 
stuffed  (i.e.,  filled  with  a spongy 
or  cottony  mass)  or  fistulose 
b {i.e.,  hollow)  {a  b).  The  form  and 

position  of  the  gills  must  also  be  noted.  If  their  interior 
extremities  are  distant  from  the  stem,  they  are  remote 
(c)  ; reaching  the  stem,  but  not  attached  thereto,  free 

(d)  ; but  if  attached,  they  are 

then  termed  adnate(e).  If  the 

— \ gills  run  down  the  stem,  they 

are  said  to  be  decurrent  (/). 
c Their  opposite  or  outer  ex- 

tremity may  be  forked,  or  their  interior  toothed  or 
emarginate  (a)\  and  the  whole  surface  of  the  gills 
may  be  narrow  or  broad,  and  they  may  be  closely 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


17 


packed  side  by  side,  or  distant.  And,  finally,  the 
colour  of  the  spores  and  (if  practicable)  their  form, 
as  shown  by  the  microscope,  should  be  determined. 

This  catalogue  of  desiderata  will  have  intimated  the 
points  of  variation  which  will  be 
found  in  different  species  of  Aga- 
ricus,  and  which  will,  some  of 
them,  be  illustrated  by  the  ex- 
amples to  which  we  shall  hereafter 
more  particularly  refer. 

The  entire  mass  of  Fungi  subdivide  themselves 
naturally  into  two  great  divisions.  In  one  of  these,  and 
by  far  the  largest,  the  spores,  or  reproductive  bodies,  are 
aaked  or  exposed,  generally  clus- 
;ered  in  groups  of  four,  or  some 
nultiple  of  that  number.  It  will 
ie  borne  in  mind  that  in  En- 
dogenous plants,  three  is  the  mys- 
-ical,  typical,  or  representative  number,  whilst  in 
.he  alliance  of  plants  now  under  consideration 
;hat  typical  number  is  four.  The  first  great  division 
)f  fungi,  in  which  the  spores 
ire  naked,  is  termed  Spohi- 
fera,  or  spore-bearing.  In 
die  second,  or  smaller  division, 

/he  spores  are  contained  in 
lags,  or  sacs,  called  asci, 


md  the  division  bears  the  name  of  Sporidiifera. 

1 he  & poriferous  division  of  fungi,  again,  contains  four 
lamilies,  which  are  arranged  according  to  the  following 


c 


18 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


distinctive  features  In  one  family,  the  hymenium, 
whether  distributed  over  gills,  tubes,  pores,  or  fissures, 
is  the  most  prominent  object-  Hence  these  are  called 
Ilymenomycetes,  a word  compounded  of  liymenium  and 
mycetes , the  latter  being  the  Greek  term  for  fungi : 
so  that  these  might  be  called  Hymenium- fungi ; of 
which  the  common  mushroom  may  be  accepted  as  an 
example. 

In  the  second  family  the  hymenium  is  enclosed  in  a 
peridium,  or  case,  which  seldom  ruptures  before  the 
spores  are  ripe.  To  this  family  the  name  of  Gastero- 
mycetes  is  given  ; from  gaster  a belly,  because  the  hy- 
menium, with  all  the  reproductive  bodies,  are  enclosed 
in  a kind  of  uterus  or  womb,  from  whence  they  are 
expelled  when  mature.  Of  this  family,  the  puff-balls 
may  be  taken  as  an  example. 

In  the  third  family,  which  contains  very  minute 
individuals,  the  spores  are  the  most  conspicuous  bodies  ; 
the  name  employed  is  Coniomycetes,  derived  from  the 
Greek  konis,  signifying  dust,  on  account  of  their  dust- 
lilce  nature  ; of  which  mildew  and  smut  may  be  taken 
as  types. 

In  the  fourth  family  the  spores  are  small  and  in- 
conspicuous compared  to  the  threads  upon  which  they 
are  borne,  and  which  latter  are  the  distinctive  features 
of  the  family.  Hence  it  is  termed  Ilyphomycetes,  from 
the  Greek  word  hypha,  a thread  ; wherefore  they  might 
be  called  thread-like  fungi.  Of  this  family,  blue-mould 
may  be  taken  as  an  example. 

Having  now  briefly  characterized  the  four  families  of 


OP  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


19 


Sporiferous  fungi,  we  will  return  to  the  first  of  these, 
and  examine  it  more  minutely. 

The  Hymenomycetous  fungi  are  those  in  which  the 
hymenium  is  the  most  prominent  feature.  In  some  of 
these  the  hymenium  is  inferior,  and  in  some  it  is  su- 
perior. We  will  commence  with  those  in  which  it  is 
i inferior.  This  family  contains  six  orders,  of  equal  im- 
portance, and  equally  natural  to  similar  divisions  of 
flowering  plants.  It  will  be  remembered  henceforth, 
that  we  make  no  allusion  to  groups,  of  whatever  size  or 
importance,  not  represented  in  the  British  Flora. 

The  first  and  most  prominent  order  is  termed  Agari- 
cini,  and  contains  the  Gill-bearivg  fungi,  or  those  in 
which  the  hymenium,  or  spore-bearing  surface,  is  inferior, 
and  spread  over  lamellce  or  gills,  which  radiate  from  a 
common  centre,  and  each  of  which  lamellae  may  be 
separated  into  two  plates. 

This  order  is  well  represented  in  Great  Britain,  for 
we  have  not  less  than  five  hundred  and  sixty  distinct 
species  already  described.  The  eighteen  British  genera 
will  be  found  arranged  in  the  systematic  table  appended 
to  this  volume. 

The  first  genus  of  this  order  is  often  amalgamated 
with  the  second,  on  the  authority  of  Fries  ; but  Dr. 
Greville  long  ago  proposed  its  separation.  In  this  work 
we  shall  retain  the  old  name  of  Amanita  for  the  thirteen 
species  found  in  Britain,  deeming  the  character  of 
the  volva  to  be  of  sufficient  importance  to  justify  their 
removal  from  the  large  genus  with  which  they  are  often 
: associated. 

c 2 


20 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


In  A manita  the  volva  is  distinct,  the  gills  are  mem- 
branaceous, with  acute  edges,  and  the  spores  are  white. 
The  volva,  on  breaking  up,  remains  attached  to  the 
pileus  in  fragments  resembling  warts.  Of  the  thirteen 
species  found  in  this  country,  many  are  poisonous,  and 
one  is  especially  deserving  of  notice  from  its  extraor- 
dinary application  abroad.  This  species,  the  Fly  Agaric 
{Amanita  muscaria),  has  a bright  scarlet  or  reddish 
umber  pileus,  studded  with  warts  of  a dirty  white  or 
yellowish  tint  (Plate  1).  The  stem  is  bulbous,  con- 
taining cottony  threads.  It  is  found  most  commonly 
in  birch  woods,  and  not  very  plentifully  in  Britain. 
A decoction  of  this  fungus  has  been  employed  as  a fly- 
poison  ; whence  its  vulgar  name. 

M.  Roques,  in  his  work  on  Esculent  Fungi,  says  dis- 
tinctly that  this  plant  has  not  its  poisonous  properties 
modified  by  any  climate.  The  Czar  Alexis  lost  his  life 
by  eating  of  it,  and  yet  it  has  been  affirmed  that  in 
Kamtschatka  “ it  is  used  as  a frequent  article  of  food.” 
And  wTe  have  been  informed  that  it  is  cooked  and  eaten 
in  Russia,  albeit  it  is  also  on  record  that  several  French 
soldiers  ate  of  it  within  the  confines  of  the  Russian 
dominions,  and  became  very  ill.  In  Siberia  it  supplies 
the  inhabitants  with  the  means  of  intoxication  similar 
to  that  produced  by  the  “ haschisch  ” and  “ majoon  ” 
of  the  East.  The  fungi  are  collected  during  the  sum- 
mer months,  and  hung  up  to  dry  in  the  open  air,  or  they 
are  left  to  dry  in  the  ground,  and  are  collected  afterwards. 
When  the  latter  course  is  pursued,  they  are  said  to 
possess  more  powerful  narcotic  properties  than  when 


Plata-  7 


W, IfjiMA 


1 Way. imp 


AruA'.npn.  muA-caria/ 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


21 


dried  artificially.  The  juice  of  the  whortleberry  in 
which  this  substance  has  been  steeped,  acquires  thereby 
the  intoxicating  properties  of  strong  wine. 

The  method  of  using  this  singular  production  is  to 
: roll  it  up  in  the  form  of  a bolus,  and  swallow  it  whole. 

! A day’s  intoxication  may  be  procured  at  the  expense  of 
one  or  two  of  these  fungi,  and  this  intoxication  is 
; affirmed  to  be  not  only  cheap,  but  remarkably  pleasant. 
The  result  follows  within  an  hour  or  two  of  participation. 

Some  of  the  effects  produced  by  this  fungus  resemble 
those  resulting  from  intoxicating  liquors  ; others  are 
similar  to  the  accompaniments  of  an  indulgence  in 
“ haschisch.”  At  first  it  generally  produces  cheer- 
fulness, afterwards  giddiness  and  drunkenness,  ending 
occasionally  in  the  entire  loss  of  consciousness.  The 
natural  inclinations  of  the  individual  become  stimu- 
lated. The  dancer  executes  a pas  d’ extravagance, 
the  musician  indulges  in  a song,  the  chatterer  divulges 
all  his  secrets,  the  orator  delivers  himself  of  a philippic, 
and  the  mimic  indulges  in  caricature.  Erroneous  im- 
pressions of  size  and  distance  are  common  occurrences  : 
a straw  lying  in  the  road  becomes  a formidable  object, 
to  overcome  which  a leap  is  taken  sufficient  to  clear  a 
barrel  of  ale,  or  the  prostrate  trunk  of  a British  oak. 
But  this  is  not  the  only  extraordinary  circumstance 
connected  therewith.  The  property  is  imparted  to  the 
fluid  excretion  of  rendering  it  intoxicating,  which  pro- 
perty it  retains  for  a considerable  time.  A man,  having 
been  intoxicated  on  one  day,  and  slept  himself  sober  by 
the  next,  will,  by  drinking  this  liquor  to  the  extent  of 


22 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


about  a cupful,  become  as  much  intoxicated  as  he  was 
before.  Confirmed  drunkards  in  Siberia  preserve  this 
as  a precious  liquor  in  case  a scarcity  of  fungi  should 
occur.  This  intoxicating  property  may  be  communicated 
to  every  person  who  partakes  of  the  disgusting  draught, 
and  thus  with  the  third,  fourth,  and  even  fifth  distilla- 
tion. By  this  means,  with  a few  fungi  to  commence 
with,  a party  may  shut  themselves  in  their  room  and 
indulge  in  a week’s  debauch.* 

A species  of  Amanita  (A.  strobiliformis,  Fr.),  rarely 
found  on  the  borders  of  woods,  and  which  attains  a large 
size,  is  said  to  be  esculent,  but  is  too  rare  to  become  of 
any  importance  as  an  article  of  food.  The  pileus  is 
studded  with  persistent  warts,  as  in  the  Fly  Amanita  ; 
but  instead  of  the  bright  red  colour  of  that  species,  in 
this  instance  the  pileus  is  of  a purplish  grey. 

The  Red  Amanita  (A.  rubescens,  Pers.)  is  also  gene- 
rally described  as  an  esculent  species.  The  whole 
plant  becomes  red  when  bruised  or  rubbed,  a character- 
istic by  which  it  may  be  readily  distinguished.  It  is 
very  common  in  woods,  and  has  the  pileus  covered 
with  scattered  mealy  warts.  Dr.  Badham  and  M.  Roques 
include  this  amongst  esculent  species  ; and  I am  assured 
by  a friend  in  the  country,  who  experiments  upon  all 
the  reputed  esculent  species  which  fall  in  his  way,  that 
“ this  kind  makes  excellent  ketchup.”  Berkeley,  not- 
withstanding, considers  it  as  doubtful.  Whilst  Mr. 

* Further  details  may  be  found  in  “The  Seven  Sisters  of 
Sleep,”  by  M.  C.  Cooke,  pp.  336 — 345.  London:  James 
Blackwood. 


or  BRITISH  Fins' GI. 


23 


Currey  states,  that  from  long  experience  he  can  vouch 
for  its  being  not  only  wholesome,  but,  as  Dr.  Badham 
says,  <£  a very  delicate  fungus/ 

There  is  yet  one  other  species  of  Amanita  (A.  nagi- 
nata') which  is  very  common  in  woods  and  under 
trees.  It  is  extremely  variable  in  size  and  in  colour. 
The  pileus  is  thin,  at  first  bell-shaped,  and  ultimately 
expands  to  nearly  a plane  surface.  The  stem  is  hollow, 
and  the  volva  loose.  The  free  gills  are  white  in  the 
earlier  stages  of  growth.  This  species  is  entirely  desti- 
tute of  any  ring.  Dr.  Greville  found  a white  variety 
of  this  species,  which  he  calls  A.  nivalis,  growing  on 
the  bleak  summits  of  the  loftiest  Grampians,  where,  he 
says,  “ it  enlivens  the  few  turfy  spots  which  occur  in 
those  desert  regions  by  its  symmetry  and  extreme 
whiteness.  In  its  young  state  it  is  completely  enve- 
loped in  the  smooth  volva  or  wrapper,  and  bears  a near 
resemblance  to  a pigeon’s  egg,  scarcely  rising  above  the 
dark  moss.  After  bursting  from  its  confinement,  it 
rapidly  advances  to  maturity,  uninjured  by  the  coldest 
winds,  or  the  snow  with  which  it  is  sometimes  covered, 
even  in  the  middle  of  August.”  This  species  has  not 
only  enjoyed  the  reputation  of  being  esculent,  but  also 
of  being  poisonous.  From  the  very  questionable  company 
in  which  the  three  species  of  Amanita  now  named 
are  found,  and  from  the  conflicting  testimony  as  to 
their  wholesome  properties,  we  conclude  that  it  would 
be  much  safer  to  regard  all  the  species  which  are  grouped 
under  that  name  as  suspicious,  and  not  to  collect  and 
employ  any  species  of  Amanita  as  an  article  of  food. 


24 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


TRUE  AGARICS. 

The  genus  Agaricus  bears  a name,  the  origin  of 
which  is  involved  in  a little  obscurity,  from  whence  the 
Rev.  M.  J.  Berkeley,  the  prince  of  British  mycologists, 
has  thus  endeavoured  to  rescue  it : — 

“ In  all  books  which  profess  to  give  the  derivations 
of  botanical  terms,  it  is  said  that  Agaricus  derives  its 
name  from  Agaria,  a region  in  Sarmatia,  or  from 
Agarus,  a town  and  river  in  the  same  country.  This 
derivation,  at  first  sight,  seems  equally  absurd  with  the 
parallel  drawn  by  Fluellen  between  Macedon  and  Mon- 
mouth. What  has  Sarmatia  to  do  with  toadstools  more 
than  any  other  country,  as  they  are  found  everywhere  ? 
The  fact,  however,  is,  that  the  original  name,  Agaricum, 
for  so  it  stands  in  Pliny,  had  nothing  whatever  to  do 
with  them,  but  was  applied  by  Dioscorides  to  a peculiar 
drug,  supplied  by  the  Polyporus  of  the  larch,  which 
was  obtained  principally,  if  not  solely,  from  Agaria,  but 
which,  though  formerly  of  considerable  repute,  appears 
now  to  have  gone  almost  entirely  out  of  use  in  regular 
practice.  It  is,  however,  still  to  be  had  of  the  herbalists, 
who  import  it  from  Germany,  a form  on  Lcirix  siberica 
being  obtained  occasionally  from  Archangel.  As  the 
true  species  occurs  only  on  the  larch,  and,  indeed,  upon' 
very  old  trees,  it  is  confined  almost  entirely  to  places 
where  that  genus  of  conifers  is  indigenous. 

“Other  Polypori  have  often  been  substituted  for 
that  of  the  larch,  and,  therefore,  the  name  Agaricum, 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


25 


or  Agaricus,  as  it  was  afterwards  written,  became,  to  a 
certain  extent,  generic  for  Polyporus,  and  it  is  so  used 
by  Micheli,  Ray,  and  others,  the  word  Fungus  being 
: generally  applied  to  what,  after  Linnaeus,  we  now  call 
: Agaricus.  It  is  to  be  regretted,  that  when  that  great 
author  reformed  the  system  of  botany,  he  too  often  took 

[any  names  which  offered  themselves  in  the  older 
authors,  without  giving  himself  the  trouble  to  inquire 
whether  they  belonged  really  to  the  plants  to  which 
they  were  attributed,  and  thus  the  familiar  name  of 
Agaric  is  now  applied  to  plants  which  should  never 
have  borne  it.  Our  earlier  herbalists  rightly  applied  it 
to  corky  arboreous  fungi ; as  Agaric  of  the  oak,  &c.  In 
; like  manner  the  Greek  Hydnum , instead  of  being  a 
conspicuous  pileate  fungus,  such  as  we  now  recognise 
under  the  name,  was  originally  a kind  of  truffle  ; and 
many  other  instances  of  similar  misnomers  might  be 
adduced.  It  is,  however,  now  too  late  to  mend  such 
matters,  and  we  may  be  glad  to  substitute  such  a word 
as  Agaric  for  Toadstool,  which  is  not  only  disgusting 
in  its  real  etymology,  but  helps  to  keep  up  the  feeling 
of  contempt  with  which  a most  interesting  class  of 
plants  is  too  frequently  regarded.” 

The  Agarics  constituting  such  a large  and  important 
genus,  it  has  been  found  convenient  to  arrange  them  in 
five  very  natural  series,  according  to  the  colour  of  the 
spores.  In  the  first  series,  termed  Leucospori , the 
spores  are  white  ; of  which  A garicus  procerus  may  be 
taken  as  an  example.  In  the  second  scries,  called  Jlypo- 
yrodii,  the  spores  are  salmon-coloured  ; of  which  Agari- 


26  A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 

cus  prim  ulus  will  serve  as  an  example.  In  the  third 
series,  denominated  Dermini,  the  spores  are  ferruginous, 
and  sometimes  tawny  or  brownish  ; of  this  series  Agari- 
cus  mutabilis  will  afford  a type.  In  the  fourth  series, 
called  Pratellcc,  in  which  the  spores  are  brownish-purple 
or  brown,  the  common  mushroom,  Agaricus  campestris, 
is  included.  And  of  the  fifth  series,  styled  Coprinarius, 
in  which  the  spores  are  black,  we  have  an  example  in 
Agaricus  campanulatus. 

Each  one  of  these  series  contains  a number  of  sub- 
genera, which  were  formerly  considered  to  have  the 
value  of  genera,  but  which  are  now  merely  retained  to 
serve  as  guides  to  the  synonyms  of  old  authors,  or  to 
facilitate  the  grouping  and  arrangement  of  species.  In 
this  work  they  will  all  be  considered  as  species  of  the 
one  genus  Agaricus. 

Under  the  vague  and  general  name  of  mushrooms 
several  species  of  fungi  are  consumed  as  articles  of 
food.  It  may  be  true  that  in  some  localities  only 
one  or  two  species  are  dignified  with  the  appellation 
of  mushroom,  whilst  all  the  rest  which  resemble  it  in 
form  are  condemned  as  toadstools ; yet  we  believe 
that  there  is  in  prospect  an  age  when  more  of  those 
which  are  really  worthy  will  be  admitted  to  the  tables 
of  rich  and  poor,  without  that  accompaniment  of 
suspicion  and  dread  which  attaches  to  the  dish  of 
mushrooms.  We  accord  perfect  justice  to  Agaricus 
campestris , the  mushroom  of  cultivation,  whilst  more 
delicious  kinds,  and  equally  harmless,  are  allowed  to 
flourish  and  decay  year  by  year  without  molestation. 


OP  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


27 


Whoever  has  read  Dr.  Badham’s  “ Esculent  Fun- 
: guses  of  Great  Britain  ” will  not  fail  to  recognise  the 
followin0-  observations  : — u I have  this  autumn  myself 

O 

witnessed  whole  hundredweights  of  rich  wholesome 
diet,  rotting  under  trees  ; woods  teeming  with  food,  and 
not  one  hand  to  gather  it;  and  this  perhaps  in  the 
: midst  of  potato-blights,  poverty,  and  all  manner  of 
privations,  and  public  prayers  against  imminent  famine. 
I have,  indeed,  grieved  when  I have  considered  the 
straitened  condition  of  the  lower  orders  this  year,  to  see 
: pounds  innumerable  of  extempore  beefsteaks  growing 
' on  our  oaks  in  the  shape  of  Fistulina  hepatica  ; Aga- 
i ricus  fusipes,  to  pickle  in  clusters  under  them  ; Puff- 
balls, which  some  of  our  friends  have  not  inaptly 
compared  to  sweetbread,  for  the  rich  delicacy  of  their 
unassisted  flavour  ; Hydna , as  good  as  oysters,  which 
they  somewhat  resemble  in  taste;  Agaricus  deliciosas , 
reminding  us  of  tender  lamb  kidney  ; the  beautiful 
Yellow  Chantarelle,  that  Kalon  Kcgathon  of  diet,  grow- 
ing by  the  bushel,  and  no  basket  but  our  own  to  pick 
up  a few  specimens  in  our  way  ; the  sweet  nutty  Bole- 
tus, in  vain  calling  himself  eclulis,  where  there  was  none 
to  believe  him;  the  dainty  Orcella,  the  Agaricus 
heteropJi7jllus , which  tastes  like  the  craw-fish  when 
grilled  ; the  red  and  green  species  of  Agaricus  to  cook 
in  any  way,  and  equally  good  in  all.”  The  faithful 
remembrance  and  wholesome  dread  of  poison  lurking 
beneath  the  cap  of  fungi,  which  have  filled  up  pages 
in  the  history  of  the  past,  mixed  up  with  a little  romance 
and  superstition,  have  combined  to  prevent  the  accor- 


28 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


dance  of  justice  to  this  numerous  alliance  of  plants. 
It  is  true  also  that  the  odour  and  appearance  of 


some  species  are  repulsive  enough  to  have  warranted 
their  association  with  that  despised  reptile  which  has 
been  said  to  carry  a jewel  in  its  head,  and  with  a con- 
temptuous epithet  the  toadstool  has  been  trodden  under 
foot  without  even  a suspicion  of  its  use,  except  as  a 
throne  for  a toad. 

Instead  of  the  one  or  two  species  which  appear  in 
our  markets  in  the  autumn,  there  are  upwards  of  fifty 
which  might  be  easily  discriminated  from  the  noxious 
kinds,  and  the  majority  of  which  are  fully  equal,  and 
some  perhaps  superior,  to  any  of  the  kinds  popularly 
considered  esculent. 

Foremost  in  the  genus  Agaricus  stands  a group 
naturally  associated  together  under  the  sub-generic 
name  of  Lepiota,  derived  from  the  scaly  appearance 
of  the  surface  of  the  pileus  (lepis,  Lat.  a scale).  The 
hymenophorum,  or  part  which  bears  the  gills,  is  distinct 
from  the  stem,  and  the  veil  breaks  up  into  scales  on 
the  surface  of  the  pileus  or  cap.  The  gills  differ  from 
those  in  the  succeeding  sub-genus  in  being  nearly  or 
entirely  free. 

Occasionally,  a very  suspicious-looking  fungus,  Aga- 
ricus procerus,  a member  of  this  sub-genus,  is  found 
exhibited  for  sale  in  Covent  Garden  Market,  but 
which  is,  nevertheless,  very  good  eating.  It  is  often 
several  inches  in  diameter,  and  is  found  growing  in 
pastures.  The  stem  is  long,  hollow,  and  bulbous  at 
the  base,  clad  with  closely  pressed  scales.  The  pileus 


h.m:.  2 


A^ocricu/s  -procerus 


E .Cooke 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


29 


has  a thick  cuticle,  which  breaks  up  into  distinct 
scales  (PI.  2).  The  ring  is  moveable  and  the  gills  are 
very  remote,  leaving  a considerable  distance  between 
them  and  the  stem.  This  fungus  is  esteemed  also  in 
Germany,  France,  Italy,  and  Spain,  where  it  is  known 
locally  by  various  names  ; as  parasol  schvcamm  in  Ger- 
many, coulemelle  in  France,  bubbola  maggiore  in  Italy, 
and  cogomelos  in  Spain.  Although  it  has  but  little 
flesh,  it  is  very  savoury  and  of  an  excellent  odour, 
and  is  generally  cooked  in  oil,  with  salt,  pepper,  and 
a little  garlic,  the  stems  being  excluded.  An  allied 
species,  Agaricus  rack  odes,  found  in  shady  pastures, 
has  flesh  which  is  mostly  red  when  bruised.  The  pileus 
is  globose  in  the  young  state,  but  afterwards  expands 
and  becomes  depressed.  The  cuticle  is  thinner  than  in 
the  last-named  species,  and,  like  that,  is  broken  up  into 
scales.  It  is  doubted  by  some  whether  this  is  really 
a very  wholesome  species  ; it  may  be  eaten,  and  we 
are  assured  by  those  who  have  eaten  them,  that  both 
species  are  equally  excellent.  They  will,  either  of 
them,  afford  a good  ketchup,  and,  consequently,  it  is 
said,  realize  a good  price  in  Covent  Garden,  although 
we  have  never  had  the  good  fortune  to  see  them  there. 

Another  and  smaller  species  of  the  same  sub-genus 
(A.  excoriatus)  has  been  eaten,  but  it  is  not  to  be  recom- 
mended. The  cuticle  is  also  thin,  and  breaks  up  into 
patches.  The  stem  is  short,  hollow,  and  nearly  white. 
Amateurs  would  do  well  to  confine  their  gastronomic 
experiments  to  the  first-named  of  these  species  (A.  pro- 
cerus). It  is  so  distinct  in  habit  and  general  appear- 


so 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


ance,  that  it  would  be  almost  impossible  to  mistake  any 
unwholesome  species  for  the  true  Parasol  Mushroom. 

The  most  delicate  of  the  Lepiotas  is  one  found  in 
Northamptonshire  (A.  aracilentus) . It  has  also  a 
thin  cuticle  breaking  up  into  scales  or  patches.  The 
stem  is  long,  hollow,  and  slightly  bulbous  ; but,  unfor- 
tunately, it  is  too  unfrequent  to  be  of  any  service  as  a 
source  of  food.  In  all  of  the  four  species  of  Lepiota 
now  named,  the  pilous  is  fleshy  and  scaly  ; the  ring  is 
moveable  ; the  base  of  the  stem  more  or  less  bulbous  ; 
and  the  gills  are  distinct  from  the  stem. 

The  sub-genus  Armillaria  is  a small  one,  and  con- 
tains but  one  species  said  to  be  edible.  The  three 
other  species  found  in  Britain  are  either  local  or 
uncommon.  The  veil  is  but  partial,  the  substance  of 
the  hymenophorum,  on  which  the  gills  are  arranged,  is 
continuous  with  the  stem,  and  the  gills  are  not  free  as 
in  Lepiota.  Varieties  occasionally  occur  from  which 
the  ring  is  absent,  at  least  in  some  of  the  species,  if 
not  in  all. 

The  very  common  fungus  Agaricus  melleus,  which 
constitutes  the  one  edible  species  of  this  sub-group 
(PI.  8),  is  found  growing  in  dense  tufts  on  dead  stumps. 
It  is  of  a pale  reddish-brown  colour  with  a tint  of 
yellow,  and  is  much  eaten  on  the  Continent,  though 
possessed  of  an  acrid  taste  when  raw.  The  pileus, 
when  fully  developed,  presents  a level,  plane  surface, 
clad  with  fibrous  scales.  The  stem  is  elastic,  the  gills 
white  and  mealy,  hooked  or  toothed  at  the  end. 

Reports  are  various  as  to  the  qualities  of  this  species  ; 


Plate.  3. 


An 


tin  4\4W 


m r / 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


31 


for,  while  it  is  affimed  to  be  eaten  largely  under  the 
name  of  Hallimasch  in  Vienna,  and  sometimes  appears 
in  the  markets  of  that  city  in  enormous  quantities,  and 
one  author  compares  its  flavour  to  that  of  lamb,  and 
recommends  it  to  be  eaten  as  an  ingredient  in  stews, — 
Dr.  Badham  says  it  is  nauseous  and  disagreeable,  and 
some  others,  that  it  is  economically  valueless.  It 
must  be  confessed  that  the  odour  is  not  in  the  least 
disagreeable,  but  rather  inviting,  whilst  the  taste  is 
slightly  acrid  when  raw,  and  pleasant  enough,  though 
deficient  in  aroma,  when  cooked. 

A larger  group  succeeds  that  to  which  we  have  now 
alluded,  bearing  the  sub-generic  name  of  Tricholoma. 
The  characters  in  this  group  are  pretty  distinct,  and  the 
species  often  large  and  imposing.  The  veil  is  absent 
or  nearly  so,  or,  if  present,  is  very  fugitive,  and  the 
gills  have  a notch  or  silus  behind,  at  the  extremity 
next  to  the  stem.  It  is  extremely  probable  that  this 
group  does  not  contain  a single  unwholesome  species, 
and  it  certainly  contains  several  with  very  fair  esculent 
properties.  The  whole  of  these,  and  indeed  almost 
every  species  except  the  common  mushroom,  are  charac- 
terized by  the  majority  of  our  countrymen  as  “ toad- 
stools : ” — 

“ But  the  mandrakes,  and  toadstools , and  docks,  and  darnels, 
Hose  like  the  dead  from  their  ruin’d  charnels  ; ” 

or,  as  locally  termed  in  the  eastern  counties,  “ toad- 
skeps,”  a probable  corruption  of  “ toads-cap  for 
“skep”  is  there  held  and  used  as  a synonym  fora  large 
basket,  with  which  mushrooms  have  nothing  in  common. 


32 


A PLAIN  AND  EAST  ACCOUNT 


Let  us  hope  that  such  names,  which  originated,  and 
have  been  perpetuated  in  ignorance,  will  soon  become 
obsolete. 

The  St.  George’s  Mushroom  (A.  gambosus)  is  an  early 
species,  as  it  makes  its  appearance,  growing  in  rings, 
about  May  or  June.  It  has  a most  powerful  odour,  and 
sometimes  attains  a very  large  size.  Although  another 
and  very  distinct  species  has  shared  the  honour  of 
bearing  the  name  of  the  patron  saint  of  England,  this 
is  believed  to  be  the  true  St.  George’s  mushroom.  To 
whichever  of  the  two  the  genuine  patronage  belongs,  it 
is  said  to  have  been  first  ascribed  to  it  by  the  Hun- 
garians, on  account  of  its  being  the  special  gift  of  that 
saintly  champion.  Others,  dissenting  from  so  romantic 
an  origin,  declare  that  the  name  resulted  simply  from 
its  making  its  appearance  about  the  time  of  St.  George’s 
day. 

If  the  latter  be  the  true  source  of  the  name,  the 
present  species  establishes  its  claim  to  it  by  flourishing 
in  spring,  whilst  the  pretender  is  an  autumnal  species. 
The  pile  us  in  this  mushroom  is  thick  and  fleshy, 
smooth,  and  ultimately  becomes  cracked  and  fissured. 
The  stem  is  stout  and  solid,  and  the  yellowish-white 
gills  are  much  crowded  together.  The  odour  of  this 
species  is  so  strong,  both  in  the  matured  state  and  in  the 
earliest  stages  of  its  growth,  as  to  become  oppressive 
and  overpowering.  Workmen  employed  to  root  them 
out  are  said  to  have  been  so  overcome  by  the  odour  as 
to  be  compelled  to  desist.  Although  this  cannot  be 
considered  one  of  the  most  delicate-flavoured  of  fungi, 


C.C  old 


Agan*cus  aambomfi 


Ij.  Cooke*.  lillo 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


it  is  nevertheless  welcome  at  such  an  early  period  of 
the  year,  when  the  more  desirable  kinds  are  not  to  be. 
obtained. 

Perhaps  our  word  mushroom  was  derived  from  the 
French  moucheron  or  mousseron,  by  which  this  species 
seems  to  have  been  designated  on  account  of  its  growing 
amongst  moss.  In  France  and  Italy  it  is  so  highly 
esteemed  that,  when  dried,  it  will  realize  from  twelve  to 
fifteen  shillings  per  pound.  Its  capability  of  under- 
going successfully  the  drying  process,  gives  this  species 
the  advantage  over  the  common  mushroom,  which 
some  have  declared  it  already  possessed  on  account  of 
its  flavour.  An  amateur  writes  of  it  thus  : — “ It  is 
very  good  broiled ; but  the  best  way  of  cooking  it,  is  to 
bake  it  with  a little  butter,  pepper,  and  salt,  in  an  oven, 
on  a plate  under  a basin.  A great  quantity  of  gravy 
comes  out  of  it,  mingled,  in  the  case  of  a good  specimen, 
with  osmazome,  which  tastes  very  much  like  the  similar 
brown  exudation  on  the  surface  of  a roast  leg  of  mutton.  ” 

Agaricus  prunulus,  although  one  of  the  numerous 
synonyms  of  this  species,  is  more  correctly  attached 
to  another  esculent  fungus  hereafter  described,  and 
which  has  a greyish  pileus  and  coloured  spores. 

Amongst  the  species  occasionally  sold  in  Covent 
Garden  is  a common  one  known  there  by  the  name  of 
Blewits,  but  to  botanists  as  A.  personatus  (PL  4,  upper 
figure).  When  mature  it  has  a soft,  convex,  smooth, 
moist  pileus,  with  a solid,  somewhat  bulbous  stem,  tinted 
with  lilac.  The  gills  are  of  a dirty  white,  and  rounded 
towards  the  stem.  This  species  scarcely  seems  to  be 

D 


34 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


known  as  esculent  on  the  Continent,  tlioueji  it  consti- 
tutes  one  of  the  very  few  having  a marketable  value  in 
England,  where  it  is  employed  chiefly  for  making 
ketchup.  It  is  quite  essential  that  this  species  should 
be  collected  in  dry  weather,  and  when  it  is  not  moist 
with  the  early  dew,  as  it  absorbs  moisture  very  readily ; 
for  if  regard  be  not  had  to  these  conditions  in  gathering, 
it  will  probably  afterwards  suffer  condemnation. 

Opinions  varyas  much  as  tastes  differ,  as  to  the  quality 
of  this  fungus ; but  though  agreeable  to  some  when 
well  broiled  and  seasoned  with  sweet  herbs,  it  has  a 
peculiar  flavour  which  would  not  commend  it  to  others. 
It  certainly  does  not  deserve  to  stand  in  the  first  class  of 
our  indigenous  species,  and  the  ketchup  it  affords  is 
poor.  It  has  the  recommendation  of  being  readily  dis- 
tinguished by  its  violet-tinted  stem,  and  smooth,  sleek 
pileus,  and,  did  it  not  appear  in  October,  when  other 
and  better  species  are  plentiful,  might  be  accepted  as  a 
substitute. 

The  sub-genus  Clitocybe  is  also  well  represented  in 
the  British  Flora.  The  name  ( klitos , a declivity,  and 
kube,  a head)  originated  in  the  funnel-shaped  pileus  of 
some  of  the  species.  This  group  differs  from  Tricholoma 
in  the  gills  not  having  a sinus  behind,  they  being 
attached  abruptly,  or  tapering  gradually  and  running 
down  the  stem.  There  are  several  esculent  species  to 
be  found  in  this  group,  some  of  which  we  shall  proceed 
to  notice. 

One  fungus  especially  deserving  attention  may  often 
be  found  in  our  woods,  growing  amongst  dead  leaves, 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


35 


although  without  any  charms  of  colouring  to  check  the 
rambler  in  his  path,  and  cause  him  to  stay  and  admire. 
All  its  charms  are  those  which  appeal  to  the  internal 
sensibilities  of  the  gastric  regions.  This,  sometimes 
called  the  Clouded  Agaric  (A.  nebularis ),  has  generally  a 
mouse-grey  or  dun-coloured  pileus,  scarcely  four  inches 
in  diameter,  supported  upon  a robust  stem  of  about  three 
inches  in  height.  The  edge  of  the  pileus  is  rolled  in, 
and  the  fungus  has  altogether  a smoky  appearance,  as 
though  it  had  been  exiled  from  town  to  vegetate  peni- 
tentiallyin  the  wood.  The  gills  are  dirty  white,  nume- 
rous, and  run  a little  way  down  the  stem.  The  flesh  is 
thick,  and  odour  strong. 

It  must,  moreover,  not  be  forgotten  that  the  spores 
in  this  species  are  of  a snowy  whiteness,  so  abundant  as 
to  sprinkle  and  whiten  the  surrounding  grass,  which 
will  enable  the  novice  to  avoid  confounding  it  with  less 
useful  or  more  noxious  species  with  pinkish  or  roseate 
spores. 

All  who  have  tried  this  fungus — and  it  is  not  at  all 
difficult  to  distinguish — agree  that  it  is  of  a most  deli- 
cate flavour,  and  easy  of  digestion. 

The  Fragrant  Agaric  ( A . oclorus)  is  a very  beautiful 
little  species,  but  far  from  common.  In  dry  weather 
especially,  it  exhales  an  odour  reminding  one  of  new- 
mown  hay  or  melilot.  The  pileus  is  from  two  to  three 
inches  in  diameter,  and  generally  of  a more  or  less 
greenish  tint.  The  gills  are  numerous,  pale,  or  tinged 
with  flesh-colour.  The  stem  is  solid  and  firm.  It  has 
the  reputation  of  supplying  a rather  delicate  dish  ; but 

d 2 


36 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


* 

failing  in  satisfying  ourselves  of  its  merits  sufficiently 
to  serve  as  a basis  for  its  recommendation,  we  have  not 
given  an  illustration.  It  does  not  appear  to  be  eaten 
on  the  Continent;  and  although  included  by  some 
persons  amongst  edible  species,  Roques  considers  its 
alimentary  qualities  as  doubtful. 

A very  large  mushroom, called  appropriately  A.gigan- 
teus,  attaining  sometimes  the  diameter  of  nearly  a foot, 
is  occasionally  found  in  woods  growing  in  rings.  The 
pileus  is  covered  with  a fine  down,  and  ultimately  splits 
or  cracks  ; the  gills  are  very  crowded,  and  at  first 
white,  becoming  yellowish  with  age.  This  species  is 
affirmed  to  be  sweet  and  agreeable  cooked  in  any 
way  ; and  certainly  some  of  the  individuals  occasionally 
found  are  large  enough  to  furnish  any  one  with  a meal. 

A very  elegant  little  fungus  (A.  dealbatus)  is  occa- 
sionally found  in  dense  clusters  on  mushroom-beds,  and 
more  often  on  the  ground  in  fir  plantations.  It  is  of  a 
clear  ivory  whiteness,  especially  when  young,  and  the 
upper  surface  of  the  pileus,  which  is  depressed  and  ulti- 
mately cup  shaped,  has  a satin-like  appearance.  The 
wills  are  crowded,  thin,  and  white,  and  the  stem  is 
fibrous,  thin,  and  equal  throughout  its  length.  The 
margin  of  the  pileus  is  commonly  waved  and  folded, 
and  the  whole  appearance  of  the  plant  is  exceedingly 
elegant.  In  our  plate  (PL  10a)  the  lower  figure  repre- 
sents a young  specimen  when  the  pileus  is  but  little 
depressed  ; the  upper,  a portion  of  a group  fully 
matured. 

We  can  speak  from  recent  experience  of  the  whole- 


Plate  10 A 


Aqarvux# 


dsMlbatuA 


E Cooke 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


37 

some  qualities  of  this  species.  The  whole  substance  is 
less  watery  than  the  common  mushroom,  and  if  old 
specimens  are  mixed  in  the  dish,  or  any  of  them  are 
not  cooked  carefully  and  slowly  for  some  time,  the  result 
will  prove  very  unsatisfactory,  for  they  will  become  as 
tough  as  leather  ; but  a dish  of  young  individuals  will 
make  a most  excellent  stew,  with  the  usual  accompani- 
ment of  sweet  herbs,  pepper,  and  salt. 

Another  fungus  (A.  geotrupus ) is  often  found  in 
considerable  quantities,  growing  in  rings,  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  fir-trees,  having  a convex  funnel-shaped 
pileus,  which  is  either  white  or  tan-coloured.  It  has  a 
solid,  compact  stem,  decreasing  in  size  • towards  the 
pileus.  The  gills  are  of  the  colour  of  the  pileus, 
crowded,  and  running  down  the  stem,  and  have  at 
first  the  odour  of  garlic,  which  afterwards  resembles 
more  that  of  bitter  almonds.  This  species,  especially 
one  of  its  varieties,  is  considered  excellent,  equal  to 
many,  and  superior  to  most,  of  our  edible  fungi.  All 
the  species  nearly  allied  to  it  are  harmless,  so  that  there 
is  no  danger  in  their  being  confounded. 

The  succeeding  group  ( Collybia ) has  also  its  edible 
representatives,  albeit  they  are  scarcely  worthy  of  any 
jeulogium.  Any  one  who  has  been  in  the  habit 
of  noticing  with  any  interest  this  singular  class  of 
plants,  will  have  met  with  a very  common  species  of 
this  sub-genus  with  a rooting  stem,  to  which  the  name 
of  A.  radicatus  has  been  given.  It  is  on  account  of 
this  deviation  in  its  habit  from  the  ordinary  growth  of 
Agarics  that  we  refer  to  it,  and  not  on  account  of  any 


3S 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


suspicion  that  it  will  ever  prove  valuable  for  any  pro- 
perty which  it  may  possess. 

Although  it  is  sometimes  confidently  affirmed  that 
no  species  of  fungus  is  good  for  food  which  grows  in 
clusters  or  on  old  stumps,  both  these  conditions  are 
combined  in  a very  common  species  {A.  fusipes),  which 
flourishes  often  in  dense  tufts  in  such  localities,  and  is, 
moreover,  very  good  to  pickle,  unless  we  can  conceive 
that  excellent  authorities  are  either  deceiving  or 
deceived.  This  species  has  the  pileus  of  a reddish- 
brown  colour,  often  cracked  when  mature.  The  stem 
is  similar  in  colour,  tapering  towards  each  extremity,  so 
as  to  be  fusiform  or  spindle-shaped,  and  generally 
twisted  or  split.  The  gills  are  nearly  free,  pale,  and 
often  spotted.  There  is  considerable  variation  in  the 
size  and  form  ; but  our  plate  represents  its  ordinary 
character  (PI.  5). 

Another  species  of  this  same  sub-genus,  A.  velutipes, 
may  be  found  growing  in  tufts  on  old  stumps  long  after 
the  frosts  of  winter  have  commenced  ; indeed,  we  have 
found  it  flourishing  through  the  whole  of  the  past 
winter,  its  bright  yellowish  cap  and  dark  velvety  stem 
making  it  an  object  of  interest  amid  the  desolation  of 
this  inclement  season.  The  singular  A.  tuberosus, 
which  is  produced  from  little  dark  elongated  tubers 
found  on  decaying  Agarics,  is  also  a member  of  this 
sub-genus. 

The  Nagelschwamme  of  the  Austrian  markets 
(A.  esculentus ) is  common  in  the  fir  plantations  of 
Scotland,  but,  on  account  of  its  bitterness,  is  not  much 


Plate. 5. 


Agarxcu#  {Loriped 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


39 


esteemed.  It  is  a spring  fungus,  at  which  season  large 
baskets  of  them  are  exposed  for  sale  at  Vienna.  The 
pileus  expands  to  nearly  a plane  surface,  and  is  smooth 
and  clay-coloured.  The  straight  tough  stem  is  of  the 
same  colour  as  the  pileus,  and  the  gills  are  loose  and 
whitish.  In  size  it  is  always  small,  and  in  quality  so 
mediocre  that  one  is  led  to  wonder  at  its  becoming  a 
marketable  commodity  anywhere  (PL  6,  fig.  1). 

We  are  not  aware  that  the  sub-genus  Mycena, 
amongst  its  forty-four  British  species,  contains  one  that 
i can  be  termed  esculent.  For  the  mycologist  they  possess 
i features  of  interest,  but  none  for  the  cook. 

Of  Omphalia  our  report  must  be  to  the  same  effect. 
Indeed,  the  species  are  generally  so  small  that  they  can 
establish  no  claims  to  the  honour  of  an  experiment. 

The  last  sub-genus  of  the  white-spored  Agarics  is 
Plenrotus,  or  side-foot  as  some  of  the  species  have  been 
called.  This  name  is  probably  derived  from  two  Greek 
words  signifying  side-bone  or  ribs. 

The  species  contained  in  this  group  are  lovers  of 
wood,  upon  which  they  are  generally  found  growing, 
some  on  living  trees,  others  on  dead  stumps  or  posts. 
The  stem  is  either  inserted  into  the  cap  away  from  the 
centre  or  in  the  margin,  or  it  is  absent  altogether. 
Some  are  not  larger  than  the  thumb-nail  and  solitary, 
while  others  are  large  and  grow  in  dense  masses.  Some 
are  occasionally  subjected  to  culinary  operations,  but 
none  present  very  great  attractions  to  the  epicure. 

The  trunks  of  elms  often  support  a large  and  beau- 
tiful species,  which  not  only  makes  itself  a homo 


40 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


on  those  venerable  trees,  elevated  many  feet  above  the 
ground,  but  also  from  them  derives  its  specific  name 
(A.  ulmarius).  We  have  seen  it  occasionally  around 
Hampstead  and  Highgate,  but  it  is  not  considered  a 
very  common  species.  The  specimen  from  which  our 
drawing  was  made  came  from  the  former  locality ; it 
was  flourishing  alone,  but  it  is  more  usual  to  meet 
with  them  in  tufts.  The  stem  is  thick  and  inserted  a 
little  out  of  the  centre ; the  pileus  is  smooth,  slightly 
and  minutely  spotted ; and  the  gills  are  broad,  close, 
and  of  a dirty  white.  Although  perfectly  wholesome, 
there  is  not  much  flavour  in  it,  and  whatever  it  may 
be  when  young,  it  certainly  exhibits  a tendency  to 
toughness  when  fully  matured,  which  does  not  recom- 
mend it  to  the  gastronomist.  It  has  been  customary 
to  regard  this  and  some  of  its  allies  as  alimentary, 
but  there  is  no  doubt  that  they  could  all  be  very 
well  spared  from  the  list  (PI.  7). 

Late  in  the  autumn  the  Oyster  ( A . ostreatus)  may 
be  found  growing  on  trees.  But,  whilst  in  the  animal 
world  the  oyster  that  groweth  upon  trees  is  considered 
as  degenerate  and  unfit  for  becoming  the  food  of  man, 
in  the  vegetable  world  the  tree-loving  oyster  is  held 
by  many  to  be  excellent  food.  The  fungus  to  which 
we  have  thus  alluded  has  generally  so  peculiar  an 
appearance,  common  only  to  a very  limited  number  of 
British  species,  that  it  can  scarcely  be  mistaken.  The 
only  one  which  would  be  liable  to  be  confounded  with 
it  makes  its  appearance  in  spring,  and  is  not  esculent, 
whilst  the  oyster  is  an  autumnal  species  and  is  decidedly 


Arjat  'i.ct  is?  (aJ mar  'if  t# 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


41 


edible.  The  densely  clustered  or  imbricated  mass  in 
which  they  are  generally  found,  with  the  stems  attached 
near  the  side  of  the  pileus,  the  dirty  white  gills  run- 
ning far  down  the  stem,  all  serve  to  characterize  a 
species  with  which  our  plate  (PL  8)  can  scarce  fail  to 
make  one  familiar.  As  to  its  value  or  cpiality  when 
prepared  for  the  table,  there  is  certainly  no  unanimity 
of  opinion.  Another  species  (A.  salic/nus),  found  some- 
times solitary  and  sometimes  in  clusters  on  the  trunks 
of  trees,  is  said  to  be  eaten  in  Austria,  but  we  are  not 
aware  that  it  has  been  tried  in  England. 

The  first  sub-genus  in  the  division  with  salmon- 


coloured  spores  is  termed  Volmria.  The  veil  forms  a 
distinct  volva,  and  gives  a decided  feature  to  the  group. 
One  species  is  common  in  hothouses,  where  its  satiny, 
. dark -grey  cap,  as  it  bursts  and  emerges  from  the  volva, 
makes  it  an  attractive  object.  No  species  is  of  eco- 
nomic importance  amongst  the  half-dozen  found  in  these 
islands. 

The  sub-genus  Pluteus  has  the  hymenophorum,  or 
part  on  which  the  gills  are  situated,  distinct  from  the 
stem,  by  which  it  is  distinguished  from  the  succeeding 
group.  The  veil  is  absent,  which  distinguishes  it  from 
the  preceding  group  There  is  no  esculen  t British  species . 

In  Entoloma  the  hymenophorum  is  continuous  with, 
i and  the  gills  have  a tendency  to  separate  from,  the 
stem. 

The  next  sub-genus  is  Clitopilus  {klitos,  Gr.,  a slope, 
pilos,  a cap),  in  which  the  hymenophorum  is  continuous 
with  the  stem,  down  which  the  attenuated  gills  dc- 


42  A PLAIN  AND  BASS'  ACCOUNT 

scend  in  a decurrent  manner.  In  this  group  we  have 
an  esculent  species. 

The  true  A.  prunulus  has  the  disadvantage  of  being 
often  robbed  of  its  good  name.  It  is  an  autumnal 
species  found  growing  in  woods.  The  pileus  is  fleshy, 
and  either  white  or  some  pale  shade  of  grey.  The  gills 
are  rather  distant  from  each  other  and  whitish  or  flesh- 
coloured,  decurrent,  or  running  down  the  solid  stem. 
The  odour  resembles  that  which  one  experiences  on 
entering  a flour-mill.  There  can  be  no  doubt  that  it  is 
a very  good  esculent  species,  but  the  confusion  of  this 
and  A.  gambosus  under  the  same  name  has  perhaps 
led  some  to  attribute  to  it  part  of  the  honour  due  to  its 
rival.  The  St.  George’s  mushroom  (A.  gambosus)  is  a 
vernal,  and  A.  prunulus  an  autumnal  species. 

Three  other  sub-genera  complete  the  division  of 
Agarics  in  which  the  spores  are  salmon-coloured  ; these 
are  Leptonia,  Nolanea , and  Eccilia. 

In  Leptonia  the  stem  has  a cartilaginous  bark.  The 
margin  of  the  pileus  is  at  first  curved  inwards,  and  the 
gills  divide  away  from  the  stem. 

In  Nolanea  the  stem  is  cartilaginous,  but  instead  of 
being  curved  at  first,  the  margin  of  the  pileus  is  straight, 
and  closely  pressed  to  the  stem. 

In  Eccilia  the  stem  is  also  cartilaginous,  and  the 
pileus  at  first  indexed  at  the  margin  ; the  gills  are  at- 
tenuated behind,  and  truly  decurrent,  or  running  down 
the  stem.  Until  very  lately,  it  was  not  known  that 
this  sub-genus  had  a representative  in  Britain.  Two 
species  have,  however,  been  discovered ; but  in  none 


Plate  8. 


/Iqaricus  oslnuiizis 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


43 


of  these  sub-genera  do  we  recognise  any  species  that  is 
edible. 

The  series  called  Dermini,  which  have  rust-coloured 
or  tawny  spores,  is  also  divided  into  sub-genera,  the  first 
of  which  is  Pholiota,  probably  derived  from  the  Greek 
phoUclotos,  and  “signifying  covered  with  scales/'’  which 
is  a characteristic  of  many  of  the  species.  In  this  group 
the  stem  is  furnished  with  a ring.  It  has  been  stated 
that  A.  mutabilis,  a member  of  this  sub-genus,  is  escu- 
lent ; and,  having  tested  the  truth  of  the  assertion,  we 
admit  it  as  such,  though  with  no  special  commendation. 
Another  species  (A.  squarrosus),  which  is  commonly 
found  growing  in  dense  clumps  on  trunks  of  trees,  with 
its  cap  and  stem  rough,  and  bristling  with  innumerable 
dark  scales,  has  been  found  to  be  wholesome,  but  we 
have  many  others  far  more  worthy  of  recommendation. 

In  this  same  group  occurs  a more  commendable  species 
(A.  pudicus),  but  unfortunately  it  cannot  be  called 
common.  The  pileus  is  fleshy,  smooth,  and  of  a 
dirty-white  colour.  The  stem  is  solid  and  of  the  same 
size  throughout  its  length.  The  gills  are  at  first 
whitish  and  ultimately  tawny.  This  fungus  will  be  found 
growing  on  trees,  more  particularly  on  elder  trunks,  and 
has  been  recommended  as  wholesome  and  agreeable. 

In  Hebeloma , the  veil,  when  present  at  all,  is  thread- 
like, and  the  gills  have  a sinus  or  depression  at  the 
extremity  next  the  stem.  Several  species  are  very 
common,  but  none  are  esculent. 

The  sub-genus  Flammula  has  the  gills  either  firmly 
attached  to  or  running  down  the  stem. 


44  A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 

In  Naucoria  the  stem  is  of  a cartilaginous  character 
on  the  outside,  and  the  pileus  or  cap  is  bent  or  turned 
inwards.  A very  common  little  species  may  be  noticed 
during  the  summer  in  almost  every  pasture,  having  a 
fleshy  hemispherical  pileus ; whence  its  specific  name 
of  semi- orbicularis  is  derived. 

In  the  sub-genus  Galera,  the  pileus  is  somewhat 
bell-sliaped,  and  the  margin  is  straight. 

The  next  sub-genus,  Crepidotus,  has  an  eccentric 
pileus,  which  distinguishes  it  from  all  the  others.  This 
completes  the  series  with  rust-coloured  or  tawny  spores. 
It  will  have  been  remarked  that  in  all  this  series  there 
does  not  occur  a single  species  which  can  be  recom- 
mended as  an  article  of  food  ; still  there  are  a few  which 
may  be  eaten  without  injury.  Although  interesting  to 
the  mycologist,  our  space  will  not  permit  us  to  give 
more  than  this  brief  summary  of  the  principal  features 
of  the  groups  into  wffiich  the  series  is  subdivided. 

Succeedino-  these  are  the  Pkatellas,  a series  of 
Agarics  in  which  the  spores  are  brownish-purple  or 
brown,  and  the  first  and  foremost  sub-genus  is  Psalliota 
(from  psalion,  Gr.,  a ring),  having  the  veil  affixed  to 
the  stem,  and  forming  a ring.  In  this  group  we  en- 
counter the  mushroom  of  the  English,  the  Pratiola  of 
the  Italians,  or  the  A.  campestris  of  botanists  (PI.  10). 
“ May  he  die  of  a pratiola  ! ” is  the  worst  wish  that  an 
Italian  can  express  for  an  enemy.  Hence  we  may  learn 
the  small  esteem  in  which  our  general  favourite  is  held  by 
the  most  extensive  of  fungi-eaters  in  Europe.  Were  this 
species  to  appear  in  the  markets  of  Rome  for  sale,  it 


^cfccricioy  (xunpestris 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


45 


would  be  certain  of  condemnation  by  the  Inspector  of 
Funo-i  as  unwholesome.  A litres  kommes,  metres  maeurs. 
In  Milan  it  only  became  recognised  as  worthy  of  being 
eaten  after  Vittadini  had  stood  up  as  its  champion,  and 
in  the  Venetian  states  it  is  scarcely  known.  The  sus- 
picion that  attaches  to  this  fungus  in  the  Peninsula 
: extends  even  to  Hungary,  where  it  seldom  appears  at 
table,  although  the  Boletus,  so  rarely  eaten  in  England, 
furnishes  a common  dish.  At  Vienna,  on  the  other 
hand,  the  rejected  pratiola  meets  with  a welcome,  and 
is  enjoyed  with  impunity.  In  France,  as  in  Britain, 
it  is  probably  the  one  most  extensively  consumed  ; al- 
though in  the  former  country  the  consumption  of  other 
kinds  is  more  common  than  in  the  latter.  F or  the  true 
enjoyment  of  a mushroom,  much  will  depend  upon  the 
method  of  cooking,  which,  notwithstanding  the  little 
variety  in  the  methods  employed  here,  may  be  served  up 
in  a number  of  ways.  From  amongst  the  most  common 
of  continental  modes,  the  following  are  selected. 

Having  picked  a number  of  freshly-gathered  mush- 
rooms, cut  them  in  pieces,  wash  them  in  cold  water, 
and  dry  them  in  a cloth.  Put  them  in  a pan,  with 
butter,  parsley,  salt,  and  pepper,  and  place  them  over  a 
brisk  fire.  When  ready,  add  cream  and  yolk  of  egg, 
to  bind  them  together. 

Some  tastes  are  in  favour  of  having  them  dressed 
■ a la  Proven^ale,  in  which  case  they  must  only  be  cut 
in  two,  washed  and  dried  as  before,  and  then  soaked  in 
oil  for  one  or  two  hours,  with  salt,  pepper,  and  a piece 
of  garlic ; at  the  end  of  this  period  they  should  be  put 


46 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


into  a stewpan,  with  oil,  and  cooked  over  a brisk  fire ; 
when  done,  a little  chopped  parsley  and  some  lemon- 
juice  should  be  added. 

There  is  a delicacy  under  the  form  of  stuffed  mush- 
rooms, which,  although  unknown  to  us  by  practical 
experience,  is  so  strongly  recommended  by  those  who 
count  them  amongst  their  experiences,  that  we  are 
induced  to  quote  M.  Roques’s  instructions  for  their 
preparation.  t£  Take  mushrooms  of  a medium  size,  and 
prepare  for  them  at  the  same  time  the  following 
stuffing ; i.  e.,  take  a piece  of  butter,  grated  bacon, 
some  bread-crumbs,  sweet  herbs,  garlic,  salt,  coarse 
pepper,  and  the  least  morsel  of  spice  ; when  these  are 
all  well  mixed,  turn  over  the  mushrooms  with  the 
concave  side  upwards,  take  away  the  stems,  and  fill  the 
concavity  with  this  stuffing  ; then  wrap  each  in  paper, 
and  cook  them  in  a pan,  adding  a spoonful  of  oil  as 
occasion  may  require.  If  thought  fit,  a few  slices  of 
fowl,  partridge,  or  pheasant  may  be  added.” 

There  is  also  an  economical  method,  and  one  which 
may  serve  alternately  with,  or  as  a substitute  for,  the 
slovenly  old  English  plan,  which  seems  to  reduce  all 
cooking  to  three  types — roast  beef,  boiled  mutton,  and 
grilled  chops  or  steaks ; even  mushrooms  must  be 
cooked  upon  one  of  these  plans,  unless  we  can  induce 
a change  for  the  better.  Having  peeled  your  mush- 
rooms, and  removed  the  stems,  place  them  in  a stewpan, 
with  fresh  butter,  and  let  them  stew  over  a brisk  fire  ; 
when  the  butter  is  melted,  squeeze  in  the  juice  of  a 
lemon  ; after  a little  while  add  salt,  pepper,  spice,  and  a 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


47 


spoonful  of  water  in  which  a clove  of  garlic  has  been 
soaked  for  half  an  hour ; let  them  stew  altogether  for 
about  an  hour,  and  then  add  yolk  of  egg  to  bind  them  ; 
pour  your  stew  upon  some  small  crusts  of  bread  which 
you  would  have  previously  fried  in  butter. 

A variety  that  is  charming  may  be  found  on  “ cold- 
mutton  days  ” in  hashing  the  mutton  with  mushrooms, 
making  what  our  transmarine  neighbours  would  call 
Hacliis  aux  champignons.  To  accomplish  this,  two  dozen 
mushrooms  should  be  selected,  washed,  and  well  dried, 
then  put  in  a ste'wpan  with  a piece  of  butter.  When 
: the  butter  is  melted,  stir  in  a tablespoonful  of  flour, 
i two  glasses  of  beef  gravy,  salt,  pepper,  and  a bay-leaf. 
These  should  be  cooked  until  reduced  one-half,  and  then 
poured  over  the  hashed  leg  of  mutton.  The  whole 
should  be  well  mixed  together,  and  served  with  small 
nrusts  of  bread  fried  in  butter. 

To  make  a Puree  of  mushrooms,  select  such  as  are 
:of  a globular  shape,  called  locally  in  some  parts  “ button 
mushrooms/'  wash  them  in  cold  water,  and  wipe  them 
'dry  ; chop  them  as  fine  as  possible,  and  press  them  in 
a cloth  ; put  them  in  a stewpan,  with  a little  butter  and 
jpepper,  let  them  stand  over  a brisk  fire,  and  when  the 
butter  is  melted,  squeeze  in  lemon-juice,  and  add  jelly- 
broth,  according  to  the  quantity  of  mushrooms  ; stew 
until  reduced  to  the  consistency  of  pea-soup,  and  serve 
with  meat,  fish,  or  poached  eggs. 

These  recipes  will  suffice  to  show  that  there  are  more 
ways  of  cooking  mushrooms  than  stewing  them  inde- 
finitely in  an  uncertain  quantity  of  water,  or  committing 


48 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


them  to  the  gridiron  !<  sans  everything.”  It  will  not  be 
necessary  to  append  a description  of  a species  so  well 
known  ; but  it  may  not  be  out  of  place  to  repeat  the 
recommendation,  that  to  retain  all  their  aroma,  as  well 
as  to  prevent  any  unpleasant  consequences  from  a free 
indulgence  in  them,  care  should  be  taken  to  reject  such 
as  have  lost  by  age  the  pinkish  tint  of  the  gills,  and  to 
cook  those  selected  as  speedily  as  possible  after  being 
gathered. 

The  varieties  into  which  this  fungus  diverges  are 
almost  infinite  ; both  the  cultivated  and  uncultivated 
kinds  presenting  great  deviations  from  typical  forms,  as 
great,  indeed,  as  in  some  instances  separate  species,  and 
as  such  some  authors  have  regarded  them. 

The  cultivation  of  mushrooms  has  not  hitherto 
received  attention  equal  to  that  which  has  been  be- 
stowed upon  other  garden  vegetables,  and  all  the  atten- 
tion which  they  have  received  is  centred  in  this  one' 
species,  as  far  as  English  horticulturists  are  concerned. 
The  promoters  of  a well-known  journal  devoted  to 
practical  horticulture  have  once  and  again  recommended 
experiments  on  other  species,  but  apparently  hitherto 
with  but  little  success.  It  may  be  that  while  there  are 
prizes  offered  for  fine  cauliflowers  or  rich  grapes,  there 
are  none  for  “ improved  mushrooms.” 

A kind  of  mushroom  is  found  in  meadows,  growing 
in  large  rings,  and  often  attaining  an  enormous  size, 
which  has  been  considered  by  some  as  only  a variety 
of  the  common  mushroom,  and  by  others  as  a distinct 
species  ( Agaricus  arvensis,  Schceff).  The  name  of 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


49 


St.  George  ( Agaricus  Georgii ) has  been  applied  to  this, 
as  well  as  to  another  species  of  Agaricus.  Locally  it  is 
sometimes  called  the  horse-mushroom,  from  its  size,  and 
one  variety  is  termed  “ Springers.”  The  gills  are  at 
first  paler,  and  when  old,  of  a darker  brown  than  those 
of  the  pasture-mushroom.  They  are  said  to  be  coarser 
and  less  finely-flavoured,  but  to  make  excellent  ketchup, 
for  which  purpose  they  are  occasionally  sold.  Like 
its  ally,  the  common  mushroom,  it  has  several  varieties, 
and  some  of  these  are  of  a much  finer  flavour  than 
others.  To  some  palates  the  taste  of  this  species  is 
affirmed  to  be  more  agreeable  than  that  of  the  other. 
It  is  worthy  of  consideration  whether  some  of  these 
varieties  might  not  be  cultivated,  and,  perhaps,  thereby 
improved,  as  well  as  the  ordinary  bed-mushroom,  which 
is  probably  not  the  very  best  which  could  have  been 
selected  for  the  purpose. 

There  are  no  other  examples  of  edible  species  to 
be  found  in  the  remaining  sub-genera  of  the  Pratell2E, 
or  brownish-spored  series.  In  Hypholoma  the  veil  is 
web-like,  adhering  to  the  pileus  at  the  margin.  During 
the  autumn  nearly  every  post  or  old  stump  has  its  base 
adorned  with  clusters  of  a yellow  fungus,  with  greenish- 
grey  gills.  It  is  very  variable  in  size,  and  at  times 
much  contorted  in  form ; but  so  common  is  it,  and  so 
readily  recognized,  that  we  are  almost  tempted  to  regret 
that,  not  only  is  it  bitter  and  unpleasant  to  the 
taste,  but  probably  dangerous.  This  species,  which 
is  named  A.  fascicular  is,  from  its  habit  of  growing  in 
fascicles  or  bundles,  belongs  to  the  sub-genus  Hypholoma. 

E 


50 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


The  next  sub-genus,  Psilocybe,  is  sometimes  without 
e,  veil,  and  when  present  it  is  not  in  the  form  of  a ring, 
which  also  characterizes  the  succeeding  sub-genus,  from 
which  this  may  be  known  by  the  pileus  having  its 
margin  at  first  curved  inwards  ; whilst  in  Psathyra 
the  margin  is  at  first  straight. 

The  last  series  of  true  Agarics,  in  which  the  spores 
are  black  ( Goprinarii ),  is  a small  one  with  but  two 
sub-genera,  Panceolus  and  Psathyrella.  In  the  former 
the  veil  is  interwoven,  the  pileus  is  inclined  to  he 
fleshy,  with  the  margin  extending  beyond  the  gills. 
In  the  latter  the  veil  is  not  interwoven,  and  the  pileus 
is  thin,  with  its  margin  not  extending  beyond  the  gills. 
The  members  of  the  first  suh-genus  are  found  on  dung, 
and  of  the  last  under  hedges.  They  are  all  so  small, 
that  no  one  would  think  of  committing  them  to  the 
charge  of  the  cook  for  the  sake  of  experiment. 


PSEUDO-AGARICS. 

Closely  associated  with  the  last  suh-genus  of  the 
genus  Agaricus,  and  agreeing  therewith  in  some  points, 
is  the  genus  Coprinus,  which  differs  mainly  in  the 
deliquescent  character  of  its  membrane-like  gills.  The 
spores  are  black,  as  in  Coprinarius ; therefore  it  is 
to  the  melting  or  deliquescing  gills  that  the  attention 
must  be  directed. 

In  almost  every  rich  pasture,  and  often  in  gardens, 
we  meet,  during  the  autumn,  with  the  Maned  Agaric 
Coprinus  coviatus),  commanding  attention  by  its 


Plate. 11. 


CoprirwLS  oonwJuA' 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


51 


singular  and  graceful  form.  It  rises  from  the  ground 
like  a cylinder  with  a rounded  end,  and  afterwards  the 
cap  opens  to  the  size  and  shape  of  a hand-bell.  The 
whole  surface  is  delicate  and  silky,  and  the  cap,  tinged 
with  brown  at  the  top  and  greyish  at  the  base,  soon 
becomes  covered  with  scales  as  of  entangled  threads. 
The  stem  is  of  a glossy  unsullied  whiteness,  tall, 
tapering  upwards,  and  hollow  within.  The  narrow 
rino-  which  surrounds  the  stem  is  seldom  fixed.  The 
gills  are  very  close  together,  and  are  at  first  pinkish, 
passing  through  shades  of  purple  and  brown  to  black. 
The  substance  of  the  hymenophorum,  or  that  portion 
of  the  pileus  on  which  the  gills  are  situated,  is  very 
thin,  and  soon  becomes  torn  and  split  at  the  margin.  In 
this  state  probably  its  name  originated  {coma,  a wig) , 
for  it  bears  a fancied  resemblance  to  a wig  upon  a barber’s 
block.  This  species  is  so  rapidly  deliquescent,  that 
while  standing,  or  more  speedily  if  gathered,  it  melts 
away  drop  by  drop,  and  is  soon  converted  into  a black 
fluid  resembling  ink  ; and  indeed  this  resemblance  is  so 
complete,  that  it  may  readily  be  employed  as  a substitute ; 
all  that  is  required  being  to  boil  and  strain  it,  and  add 
a small  quantity  of  corrosive  sublimate  to  prevent  its 
turning  mouldy.  There  is  generally  no  difficulty  in  pro- 
curing them  for  this,  or  any  other,  purpose  at  the  proper 
season.  During  the  past  autumn  they  have  been 
exceedingly  abundant  in  some  places,  especially  in  the 
gardens  of  Chelsea  Hospital.  If  gathered  young,  they 
afford  no  despicable  dish,  though  perhaps  not  quite 
equal  to  the  common  mushroom.  Even  when  more 

e 2 


52 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


advanced,  they  may  be  converted  into  a very  passable 
ketchup.  This  condiment  will  then  be  equal  to  the 
majority  of  samples  sold  as  mushroom  ketchup,  made 
too  often  from  a very  heterogeneous  mixture  of  species, 
and  not  always  before  these  have  passed  into  a state  of 
decomposition.  Whether  prepared  for  the  table  or  for 
ketchup,  it  should  always  be  remembered  that  the 
sooner  the  preparation  takes  place  after  the  fungi  are 
gathered  the  better.  The  plants  have  been  blamed 
“many  a time  and  oft”  for  being  unwholesome,  or 
affording  an  indifferent  ketchup,  when  the  blame  ought 
to  have  rested  in  the  kitchen.  (PI.  11.) 

Closely  allied  to  the  Maned  Agaric  is  another  species 
( Coprinus  atramentarius)  greatly  resembling  it  in 
appearance,  except  that  the  scales  are  absent  from  the 
pileus,  which  in  this  instance  is  smooth  and  of  a greyish 
colour.  It  is  extremely  common  about  old  stumps  and 
also  in  gardens,  flourishing  on  the  naked  soil.  This 
species  is  often  found  in  large  clusters,  and  for  all  escu- 
lent purposes  should  be  collected  young.  It  has  not 
only  a similar  habit,  but  also  similar  properties  to  the 
foregoing.  When  fully  expanded  and  melting  away  in 
inky  drops,  it  is  unfit  for  anything  except  to  replenish 
the  inkstand.  Popular  prejudice  is  as  strong  against 
fungi  of  this  kind  as  against  the  gigantic  frondose 
polypori  and  the  puff-ball,  and  one  might  almost  as 
readily  hope  to  convince  the  labourer  in  agricultural 
districts  that  flint  stones  are  convertible  into  soup  as 
that  such  “ toad’s  meat  ” is  fit  for  the  table  of  a 
Christian.  (PI.  12.) 


PLATE  12. 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


53 


The  genus  Bolbitius  is  small  and  unimportant,  but 
that  of  Cortinarius,  which  succeeds  it,  must  not  be 
so  speedily  dismissed.  In  this  genus,  while  the  gills 
are  membranaceous  as  in  Coprinus , they  do  not  deli- 
quesce, or  melt  away.  The  veil  consists  of  threads  of  an 
arachnoid,  or  spider’s  web  texture,  and  the  spores  are 
commonly  of  the  colour  of  Bust  of  iron.  This  genus 
is  subdivided  into  six  groups,  founded  on  minor  dis- 
tinctions, and  the  names  are  given  in  the  tabular 
arrangement  at  the  end  of  this  volume. 

One  of  the  brightest  and  most  beautiful  of  this,  or 
any  other  British  genus,  not  only  commends  itself  to 
our  notice  on  this  account,  but  also  for  its  excellence 
as  food.  The  species  to  which  we  allude  ( Cortinarius 
violaceus ) is  found  in  woods,  although  by  no  means  com- 
mon. The  colour  is  a beautiful  dark  violet,  sometimes 
approaching  nearly  to  black,  with  a coppery-red  gloss  or 
shade.  The  stem  is  bulbous  and  spongy,  with  a white 
cottony  substance  at  the  base.  The  gills  are  broad, 
thick,  and  distant ; and  the  spores  are  of  a rusty  brown. 
There  is  such  a distinctness  about  the  character  of 
this  species,  that  one  regrets  it  is  not  more  common, 
especially  when  we  remember  that  it  has  not  only  the 
taste  and  odour  of  the  mushroom  when  raw,  but  it  is 
of  “ a particularly  rich  flavour  when  cooked.”  M. 
Boques  states  that  he  has  eaten  it,  and  does  not  hesitate 
to  include  it  amongst  those  of  good  quality. 

The  l\[arron  of  the  French,  and  Cortinarius  casta- 
neus  of  botanists,  is  only  a small  species,  deriving  both 
its  French  and  its  scientific  name  from  its  chestnut 


.54 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


colour.  It  is  common  in  woods  and  gardens  on  the 
naked  ground,  and  has  violet  stem  and  gills,  the  latter 
becoming  ultimately  of  a rusty  brown.  It  is  certainly 
a wholesome  esculent  species,  but  a great  number  would 
be  required  to  make  a good  dish. 

The  Cinnamon  Mushroom  ( C . cinnamomeus ) is  a very 
common  species,  with  a cinmamon-coloured  pileus  and  a 
yellowish  flesh.  It  is  a lover  of  woods,  and  in  northern 
latitudes  is  found  inhabiting  them  everywhere.  In  its 
fresh  state  it  has  the  odour  and  flavour  of  the  spice 
after  which  it  is  named,  so  powerful  and  peculiar  to 
itself,  that  this  alone  is  a good  test  of  its  identity. 
The  Germans  are  said  to  be  very  fond  of  this  species, 
which  is  generally  stewed  in  butter  and  served  with 
sauce  for  vegetables. 

The  small  genera  Paxillus  and  Gomphidius  are 
intermediate  between  Cortinarius  and  Hygrophorus. 
In  this  latter  genus  the  main  feature  is  found  in  the 
waxy  character  of  the  hymenium,  or  spore-bearing 
surface. 

Herein  are  found  three  species,  more  or  less  available 
for  culinary  purposes.  The  best  of  these  (Id.  mrgineus) 
is  of  a beautiful,  pure  ivory  whiteness  when  in  good 
condition,  becoming  dingy  or  tawny  when  old.  The 
gills  are  distant  and  decurrent,  or  produced  down  the 
stem.  It  is  common  on  short  pastures  and  downs,  and 
although  small  is  well  worth  the  trouble  of  collecting. 
Without  a continental  reputation,  although  occasionally 
eaten  in  France,  it  merits  a better  acquaintance. 
When  cooked,  the  method  recommended  is  to  stew 


. 


2/1  CO  del 


/ A<jcuiai6  vticulanOufi 

'l  ffygrofthonie  vcrgmeccs 


C (volte  Itf.ii 


OF  BRITISH  TUNGI. 


55 


them  gently  with  fine  herbs  and  delicate  sauce  : in 
this  manner,  Berkeley  says  that  they  may  supply  the 
place  of  better  species,  and  a correspondent,  who  always 
economizes  all  he  meets  with,  affirms  that  they  are 
excellent.  It  is  believed  that  our  figures  (PL  6,  fig.  2) 
will  enable  the  amateur  to  distinguish  them  with 
facility.  . 

The  second  species  ( H . pratensis ) is  found  in  open 
pastures  in  the  autumn,  not  uncommonly.  In  colour 
it  is  variable,  in  all  shades  between  a light  buff  and  a 
dark  orange.  Its  habits  are  gregarious,  growing  gene- 
rally in  tufts,  and  sometimes  in  parts  of  circles.  The 
pileus  is  slightly  elevated  in  the  centre,  and  smooth. 
The  stem  becomes  rather  smaller  at  the  base,  and  is 
more  or  less  spongy  in  the  interior.  The  gills  are 
not  numerous,  but  thick  and  decurrent,  and  of  a red- 
dish buff-colour,  and  there  is  no  trace  of  a ring.  In 
colour,  therefore,  it  is  readily  distinguished  from  the 
last  species,  although  occasionally  it  may  be  found 
nearly  white.  In  habit  and  general  appearance  it 
resembles  II.  virgineus.  It  is  perfectly  wholesome,  and 
is  sometimes  eaten  in  France  ; and  if  not  quite  equal 
to  the  other,  it  is  certainly  preferable  to  some  which  have 
been  more  strongly  recommended.  It  is  scarcely  neces- 
sary to  caution  our  readers  against  an  allied  species  of 
the  same  genus,  which  is  extremely  variable  in  colour, 
and  is  at  first  covered  with  a greenish  evanescent  gluten. 
The  best  that  can  be  said  of  it  is,  that  it  is  suspicious. 
It  is  sometimes  called  the  Parrakeet  Mushroom  ( H.psit - 
tacinus),  and  its  tints  are  generally  bright,  combin- 


•56 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


ing  parrot-like  hues  ; whence  its  cognomen  has  been 
derived. 

The  third  edible  species  (II.  eburneus ) cannot  be  so 
well  recommended  as  either  of  the  others,  to  the  first  of 
which  it  bears  some  resemblance,  but  may  be  distin- 
guished from  it  by  the  glandular  scales  with  which  the 
upper  portion  of  the  stem  is  dotted.  This  is  also 
common,  but  prefers  woody  localities,  and  betrays  a 
foxy  tint  as  it  decays.  Did  it  not  flourish  in  a different 
situation,  there  would  at  least  be  no  dangerous  results 
from  confounding  the  species. 

To  these  might  be  added  still  another  species 
(II.  niveus),  which  so  nearly  resembles  H.  mrgineua 
that  it  may  not  ultimately  prove  to  be  specifically  dis- 
tinct from  it.  It  is,  moreover,  much  smaller,  being 
sometimes  so  insignificant  that  it  would  appear  absurd 
to  talk  of  cooking  it,  notwithstanding  that  it  is  very 
common  in  pastures.  Whenever  found  large  enough, 
it  may  be  eaten  with  H.  virgineus,  from  which  the 
amateur  will  find  a difficulty  in  distinguishing  it. 

The  group  of  Agarics  now  classed  together  as  a genus 
under  the  name  of  Lcictarius,  are  distinguished  by  the 
presence  of  a milky  fluid,  from  whence  the  generic 
name  has  been  derived.  This  fluid  is  commonly  at 
first  white,  but  in  one  instance  it  is  coloured.  In  certain 
of  the  British  species  this  milk  is  acrid,  and  the  fungi 
of  that  group  are  not  only  valueless  as  food,  but  many 
of  them  are  decidedly  injurious.  There  are  but  two 
out  of  thirty  species  which  can  be  recommended 
with  any  confidence,  and  even  these  have  not  escaped 


Plate  Id. 


(da/ith/xTeZliAyS  cPbcu'ius . / . 
Lactom~u.is  d£p.c</>su/>-  , 2. 


\ 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


57 


the  censure  of  some  who  perhaps  have  never  tasted  them. 
In  France  they  appear  to  be  held  in  but  little  repute, 
although  in  other  continental  countries  they  are  sought 
after  and  esteemed.  In  Austria,  for  example,  they  are 
considered  equal  to  any  that  are  brought  to  table. 

One  would  imagine  from  the  name  ( Lactcirius 
deliciosus)  given  to  the  reddish  orange  fungus  found 
in  almost  every  fir  plantation,  that  it  would  be  a 
treasure  to  an  epicure  ; and  so  indeed  it  is,  if  the  testi- 
mony of  Sir  J.  Smith  is  to  be  received,  that  “ it 
really  deserves  its  name,  being  the  most  delicious  mush- 
room known.”  A gentleman  of  our  acquaintance  says 
that  whenever  he  finds  them  he  considers  himself 
possessed  of  the  greatest  treat  which  the  fungoid 
world  has  to  offer  ; but  that,  having  made  their  virtues 
known  to  his  neighbours,  it  is  now  but  seldom  that  he 
has  the  good  fortune  to  enjoy  them.  (PI.  13,  lower 
figure.) 

The  pileus  in  this  species  is  fleshy,  and  depressed  in 
the  centre,  of  a reddish  orange,  with  zones  or  rings  of  a 
darker  colour  ; the  stem  and  gills  are  also  of  an  orange 
colour.  The  milk  which  it  contains  is  at  first  of  a deep 
yellow,  but  upon  exposure  turns  to  a dull  green  : when 
raw,  the  taste  is  slightly  acrid.  In  some  seasons  and  in 
some  localities  this  species  is  very  common,  especially  in 
the  fir  plantations  of  Scotland  ; and  the  characters  are 
so  distinct  that  there  is  no  fear  of  mistaking  any  other 
species  for  it. 

The  other  esculent  species  ( Lactarius  volemum ) is 
not  common.  When  found,  it  generally  occurs  in  woods, 


58 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


and  will  attain  a diameter  of  four  inches.  It  is  of  a 
golden  tawny  colour,  and  the  crowded  gills,  which  are  at 
first  white,  become  ultimately  yellowish.  The  milk  in 
this  species  is  abundant  and  white,  wherein  it  differs 
from  the  preceding.  There  is  a more  common  species  of 
Lactarius,  found  generally  in  fir  plantations,  with  a 
darker  coloured  reddish  pileus  and  white  milk  ; but  it  is 
acrid  and  disagreeable  to  the  taste,  whereas  the  milk  of 
L.  volemum  is  mild. 

It  would  be  well  to  guard  carefully  against  the 
red  species,  as  it  is  certainly  dangerous ; and  should 
the  colour  not  be  sufficiently  decided  to  satisfy  the  col- 
lector, the  taste  will  at  once  set  the  matter  to  rest.  If 
the  reader  has  ever  inadvertently  masticated  the  leaf,  or 
a portion  of  the  root,  of  that  common  hedge-side  plant 
called  locally  “ Lords  and  Ladies  ” ( Arum  viaculatum ), 
he  will  have  experienced  some  such  a sensation,  as  would 
have  resulted  from  the  mastication  of  a portion  of  one 
of  the  acrid  milky  fungi  to  which  we  have  alluded. 

Lactarius  rolemum  has  been  celebrated  from  the 
earliest  times,  and  when  properly  prepared  is  said  to 
resemble  lamb’s  kidney.  The  method  employed  is  to 
mince  as  many  as  may  be  required,  and  fry  them  in 
a pan  with  a piece  of  butter,  stirring  them  about  mean- 
while : when  done,  strew  over  them  salt  and  pepper, 
parsley  chopped  fine,  a small  portion  of  shalot,  and 
a little  flour.  Add,  finally,  a glass  of  champagne  (or 
perry  will  answer  nearly  as  well),  and  a little  of  the 
juice  of  a lemon,  and  cayenne. 

The  genus  Russula  may  be  known  from  the  last  by 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


59 


the  stiff,  sharp-edged  gills  not  being  milky.  It  con- 
tains some  of  the  best  and  some  of  the  worst  of  fungi, 
viewed  in  an  alimentary  aspect,  and  some  of  the  most 
brilliantly  coloured  of  British  species.  There  is  evi- 
dence of  the  little  interest  which  fungi  have  hitherto 
possessed  in  the  popular  mind,  in  the  general  absence 
of  vulgar  or  local  names  for  the  different  species.  This 
may,  in  part,  be  accounted  for  in  the  similarity  of  exter- 
nal form  in  many  of  the  Agarics,  but  other  causes  have 
had  their  influence.  A mushroom,  a toadstool,  and  a puff- 
ball in  many  districts  will  comprise  the  entire  vocabulary 
for  the  larger  kinds.  Had  they  been  pleasant  to  the  eye, 
agreeable  to  the  nose,  or  of  reputed  miraculous  power  in 
curing  the  ills  that  flesh  is  heir  to,  each  would  have 
enjoyed  a cognomen  by  which  it  would  have  been  recog- 
nized as  readily  as  the  dandelion  or  daisy,  heartsease  or 
violet.  Returning,  however,  to  Russula,  which  we 
cannot  characterize  by  a more  popular  name.  Of  two 
species  found  in  woods  which  are  deserving  of  notice, 
one  ( R . vesca ) is  far  from  common,  and  the  characters 
are  scarcely  such  as  could  be  described  without  fear  of 
mistake  on  the  part  of  the  unscientific,  or  those  to 
whom  the  plant  is  hitherto  unknown.  Had  our  space 
permitted  of  the  introduction  of  a figure,  some  of  these 
difficulties  would  doubtless  have  vanished. 

The  other  species  ( R . heterophylla),  though  very 
variable  in  colour,  is  so  common  and  well  known,  at 
least  by  sight,  if  not  by  name,  that,  with  our  figure 
(PI.  4,  lower  figure)  before  us,  we  will  venture  a 
description.  The  pilous  is  firm  and  fleshy,  ultimately 


60 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


becoming  depressed,  often  of  some  shade  of  grey.  The 
gills  are  white,  much  crowded  together,  and  forked. 
The  stem  is  white,  solid,  and  firm. 

Both  these  species  are  covered  in  their  young  state 
with  a thin  pellicle,  or  superficial  skin,  which  disappears 
with  age,  and  the  latter  especially  is  subject  to  great 
variations  in  colour. 

Another  mild  species  (R.  lepida),  not  very  common, 
may  be  met  with  in  the  Kentish  woods  and  elsewhere. 
It  has  a compact,  fleshy  pileus,  with  a solid  w'hite 
or  pinkish  stem,  and  rounded,  thickish,  white  gills, 
crowded  together.  It  is  commonly  consumed  on  the 
Continent,  where  it  is  much  more  plentiful  than  with 
us. 

A species  ( R . virescens)  with  a rough,  warty,  greenish, 
pileus,  is  occasionally  found  in  woods.  It  has  also  a 
whitish  stem  and  gills,  but,  although  very  wholesome, 
it  is  not  common  enough  to  be  of  importance  as  a food 
resource.  In  France  this  species  is  said  to  be  preferred 
by  some  to  the  ordinary  mushroom,  and  is  known  in 
the  south  under  the  name  of  “ Verde tte.”  It  is  com- 
mon in  Languedoc,  where  it  is  collected  and  grilled 
with  small  herbs  and  oil. 

There  is,  however,  a very  common  species  {R.  aluta- 
cea ) found  in  similar  localities,  which,  like  all  the  other 
edible  species  of  Russula,  is  mild  to  the  taste  when 
raw  ; the  pileus  is  generally  depressed  and  changeable 
in  colour.  The  stem  is  stout,  and  either  white  or  red. 
The  gills  are  always  yellowish  in  all  stages  of  growth. 
The  large  size  and  yellowish  gills  are  sufficient  to 


Plate.21. 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


61 


distinguish  this  species  from  all  its  congeners.  Its  flesh 
is  soft  and  savoury,  and  may  be  eaten  without  fear  of 
unpleasant  consequences. 

We  have  already  hinted  at  the  poisonous  character 
of  some  members  of  this  genus.  As  an  example  we 
might  refer  to  one  which  fortunately  is  not  very  com- 
mon with  us  (A.  emetica),  and  which,  could  we  forget 
its  character,  would  commend  itself  by  the  beauty  of  its 
colours  and  the  variety  of  their  shades.  Although  red 
is  by  far  the  most  common  tint,  this  sometimes  fades 
into  pink,  or  deepens  into  purple.  The  surface  of  the 
pileus  is  smooth  and  shining,  and  the  flesh  beneath — as 
well  as  the  broad  gills  and  solid  stem — white.  Many 
are  the  stories  of  disasters  recorded  from  the  inadvertent 
indulgence  in  the  Emetic  Agaric,  as  it  is  sometimes 
termed,  only  a small  fragment  of  which  is  said  to  occa- 
sion unpleasant  sensations,  and  establish  its  claims  to 
its  specific  name.  It  is  questionable  whether  any 
amount  of  culinary  preparation  will  remove  all  its  poi- 
sonous properties,  notwithstanding  that  the  acrid  juices 
of  many  plants  are  of  so  volatile  a nature  that  they 
may  often  be  dispelled  by  heat,  as  in  the  case  of  the 
root  of  the  Mandioca  plant  of  Brazil,  from  whence  tapioca 
is  prepared.  Two  figures  of  this  species  are  given  in  our 
plate  (PI.  22),  which  represent  the  shades  of  colour  in 
the  pileus  most  usually  encountered. 

There  are  also  two  or  three  other  members  of  this 
genus  believed  to  be  equally  dangerous,  and  perhaps 
more  common ; so  that,  under  all  circumstances,  it  would 
be  more  advisable  to  reject  all,  than  risk  any,  unless  the 


62  A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 

esculent  species  are  so  well  known  tliat  there  is  not  the 
remotest  possibility  of  a poisonous  species  associating 
with  its  betters  unawares.  This  advice  is  given  in 
remembrance  of  the  fact  that  the  poison  of  the  dan- 
gerous species  is  so  powerful,  that  a single  specimen 
is  capable  of  producing  most  unpleasant  and  fatal 
results. 

The  genus  Cantharellus  has  thick,  swollen,  and 
branched  gills,  with  the  edges  blunt  and  rounded  so  as 
to  have  the  appearance  of  veins  rather  than  gills. 

The  beautiful  little  yellow  Chantarelle  ( Cantharellus 
cibarius ) having  been  once  seen,  is  sure  to  be  recog- 
nized, and,  once  tasted,  to  be  remembered.  It  is  of  a 
bright,  deep  yellow  colour,  with  a smell  like  that 
of  ripe  apricots  ; the  pileus  becomes  at  first  convex 
and  wafterards  funnel-shaped.  (PI.  13,  upper  figure.) 
The  gills  are  thick  and  branched,  and  of  the  same 
colour  as  the  pileus.  The  chantarelle  is  common  in 
woods  and  occasionally  in  more  open  localities,  although 
another  species  unworthy  of  commendation  is  generally 
found  on  heaths  and  commons. 

Berkeley  states  that  “ the  chantarelle  is  occasionally 
served  up  at  public  dinners  at  the  principal  hotels  in  : 
London  on  state  occasions,  where  every  effort  is  made  1 
to  secure  the  rarest  and  most  costly  dainties.”  In  some  1 
parts  of  Kent,  and  also  in  Sussex,  they  may  be  found 
in  profusion  at  the  proper  season  of  the  year,  and  there  J 
is  no  reason  why  their  use  should  be  confined  to  first- 
class  hotels  and  “state  occasions,”  provided  the  preju-  i 
dice  against  eating  “toadstools”  could  be  overcome.  ! 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


63 


Persons  who  do  not  emulate  French  cookery,  or  cannot 
provide  the  adjuncts,  are  recommended  to  prepare  the 
chantarelle  as  they  would  the  common  mushroom ; 
taking  care  that  their  stew  is  not  hurried,  for  if  boiled 
too  violently  they  might  as  soon  experiment  upon  shoe- 
makers' parings,  for  their  chantarelles  will  become  “ as 
tough  as  leather."  In  France,  Germany,  Austria,  and 
Italy,  this  fungus  is  alike  esteemed,  and  it  is  not  at 
all  uncommon  to  hear  from  epicures,  w’ho  have  been 
fortunate  enough  to  encounter  a well-cooked  dish  of 
chantarelles,  rapturous  encomiums  on  this  golden  fungus. 

Battarra  says  that  if  properly  prepared  the  chantarelle 
would  arrest  the  pangs  of  death.  But  regardless  of 
what  Battarra  or  Trattinick,  Roques  or  Vittadini  may 
say,  we  would  advise  our  readers  to  taste  and  try  for 
themselves,  should  a dish  of  chantarelles  ever  come  in 
their  way.  To  this  end  we  will  give  directions  for 
cooking  them  as  employed  in  France. 

After  having  picked  and  ivashed  them,  they  are  put 
into  boiling  water,  then  stewed  in  fresh  butter,  a little 
i ulive  oil,  chopped  tarragon,  pepper,  salt,  and  a little 
lemon-peel : when  they  are  cooked,  they  are  allowed  to 
i gently  simmer  over  a slow  fire  for  fifteen  or  twenty 

(minutes,  and  moistened  from  time  to  time  with  beef 
gravy  or  cream : when  about  to  be  served,  the  stew  is 
thickened  with  yolk  of  egg. 

As  a substitute  for  such  elaborate  cookery,  the  chan- 
- tarelles  may  be  simply  fried  in  butter  or  oil,  with 
j pepper  and  salt,  adding  a few  bread-crumbs,  or  pouring 
them  when  done  over  a slice  of  toasted  bread.. 


64 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


The  chantarelle  may  be  preserved  for  winter  use, 
either  by  drying  in  a current  of  air,  or  pickling  in  salt 
and  water,  and,  before  being  used,  soaked  a short  time 
in  lukewarm  water. 

The  genus  Nyctalis,  which  is  intermediate  between 
the  last  and  the  next,  contains  species  which  are  small 
in  size  and  parasitic  in  habit,  and  of  which  we  have  but 
two  representatives. 

In  Marasmius , the  hymenophorum,  or  part  which  , 
bears  the  gills,  though  continuous  with  the  stem,  is  dif- 
ferent in  texture.  The  spore-bearing  surface  is  dry, 
and  the  folds  are  thick  and  tough,  but  sharp  or  acute  at  I 
the  edge.  The  majority  of  species  are  also  rather  small  1 
in  size,  but  are  not  parasitic  on  other  fungi,  as  in  the  I 
last  genus. 

It  is  a singular  fact  that  whilst  in  this  country  i 
“ mushroom  ” is  a kind  of  general  name  for  all  the 
edible  species,  in  France  its  synonym  “ mousseron  ” j 
is  applied  to  but  one  species,  whilst  “ champignon,”  j 
which  is  used  in  the  latter  country  as  a general  term  for  < 
all  fungi,  is  in  England  restricted  to  one  species,  which  i 
is  a member  of  the  present  genus. 

The  little  Fairy-ring  Champignon  {Marasmius  H 
or  cades')  is  one  of  the  privileged  few  that  enjoy  a 
good  reputation ; but  even  in  this  instance  the  reputation 
is  but  local.  (PI.  14,  upper  figure.)  In  the  dried 
state  they  are  available  for  culinary  purposes,  whilst  c 
thousands  of  them  annually  rot  on  the  pastures  where  j 
they  grow,  without  a hand  to  gather  them.  There, 
is  very  little  difficulty  in  recognizing  the  champignon, 


cJLATE  14 


Mercur/ruae  orvade# 
M/wusrriuui  fwron/xtue 


E Cooke/,  Iztfu 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


65 


which  is  found  growing  in  rings,  and  the  pileus  at 
first  is  of  a brownish  ochre,  becoming  paler  as  it 
grows  older,  until  it  fades  into  a rich  cream-colour. 
Another  species  is  occasionally  found  mixed  with  it, 
which  might  perhaps  by  carelessness  be  mistaken  for 
it,  but  not  if  the  two  are  compared.  The  taste  of 
Marasmius  urens,  the  latter  species,  is  acrid,  and  the 
gills  yellowish  or  brownish,  and  narrower  than  in  the 
true  champignon  : the  stem  of  both  is  alike  solid,  but 
in  the  spurious  kind  clothed  with  a white  down  at  the 
base,  whilst  in  the  edible  kind  it  is  quite  naked.  A 
third  allied  species  ( Marasmius  peronatus ) is  some- 
times found  in  woods,  but  this  is  generally  larger,  and 
has  the  base  of  the  stem  clothed  with  yellow  stiff  hairs 
or  bristles.  (PL  14,  lower  figure.)  As  we  should  not 
search  for  the  true  champignon  in  woods,  there  is 
less  fear  of  mistaking  this  species.  There  is  scarcely 
a more  delicious  fungus  than  the  champignon,  and  the 
chance  of  confounding  other  species  with  it  is  more 
imaginary  than  real.  The  evidence  of  the  Rev.  M.  J. 
Berkeley  is  strongly  in  its  favour : — “ When  of  a good 
size  and  quickly  grown,  it  is  perhaps  the  best  of  all 
fungi  for  the  table,  whether  carefully  fried  or  stewed 
with  an  admixture  of  finely-minced  herbs  and  a minute 
portion  of  garlic.  It  is  at  the  same  time  tender  and 
easy  of  digestion,  and  when  once  its  use  is  known  and 
i its  characters  ascertained,  no  species  may  be  used  with 
■ less  fear.  It  is  so  common  in  some  districts  that  bushels 
may  be  gathered  in  a day/'  They  may  also  be  readily 
dried  by  stringing  the  caps  together  on  a thread  and 

F 


66 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


suspending  them  in  a dry  kitchen,  and  when  thoroughly 
dried  may  be  kept  in  close  tins.  Only  a month  or  two 
since  the  same  gentleman,  whose  name  we  have  already 
mentioned,  directed  attention  to  this  species  in  the  pages 
of  the  Gardeners  Chronicle,  in  terms  of  strong  com- 
mendation.  Indeed,  we  could  not  mention  a species  the 
evidence  in  whose  favour  is  so  strong,  and  yet  biishels 
are  allowed  to  decay  every  year,  whilst  scarce  a single 
mushroom  of  the  common  kind  is  allowed  to  remain  for 
twenty-four  hours,  wherever  the  foot  of  man  or  boy  can 
find  access.  This  species  would  yield  good  ketchup, 
but  in  very  small  quantities  ; if,  however,  a few  are 
added  with  other  mushrooms,  it  greatly  improves  the 
flavour  of  the  ketchup. 

The  Rev.  Gerard  Smith  thus  describes  the  general 
character  of  the  circles  on  the  grass  found  where  these 
mushrooms  do  grow,  and  which  were  long  attributed 
to — 

“ The  nimble  elves 

That  do  by  moonshine  green  sour  ringlets  make, 
Whereof  the  ewe  bites  not  ; whose  pastime  5tis 
To  make  these  midnight  mushrooms.’5 

“ Fairy-rings  consist,  generally  speaking,  of  circles 
or  parts  of  circles  of  grass,  of  a darker  colour  and  more 
luxuriant  growth  than  the  surrounding  herbage,  the 
outer  edge  of  the  circle  being  well  defined,  while  the 
colour  and  stature  of  the  grass  diminish  and  fade  so 
gradually  inwards,  that  it  is  difficult  to  determine  the 
exact  limit  of  the  ring  towards  the  centre.  Very  com- 
monly there  is  to  be  observed  an  outer  and  contiguous 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


67 


ring,  much  narrower  than  the  inner,  and  of  which  the 
grass  is  either  short  and  weak,  or  faded  and  brown, 
remarkably  contrasting  with  the  vivid  green  of  the 
inner  ring:  on  this  brown  ring,  or  just  upon  its  margin, 
fungi  are  found.  The  duration  of  fairy-rings  varies 
much  ; some  disappear  in  a few  weeks,  others  endure 
for  years.  A severe  winter  will  obliterate  the  external 
traces  of  a ring,  and  prevent  the  usual  crop  of  fungi 
appearing  upon  it  at  the  proper  season  ; but  such  rings 
often  reappear,  and  are  thus  considered  to  have  been 
suddenly  formed.  During  the  whole  course  of  their 
appearance  the  rings  increase  in  diameter,  spreading 
outwards  from  the  centre,  the  faded  brown  circle  becom- 
ing rank  with  green  and  copious  grass,  and  a fresh  outer 
circle  being  formed  of  dead  or  feeble  blades  of  grass. 
The  rate  of  increase  is  various,  some  enlarging  their 
diameter  a few  inches  in  the  year,  others  as  many  feet. 
The  circles  frequently  meet  in  the  course  of  this 
.gradual  enlargement.  In  such  cases  the  point  of  con- 
! tact  becomes  obliterated  ; and  when  this  contact  occurs 
between  the  margin  of  several  such  rings,  the  oblitera- 
tion of  the  parts  which  meet  leaves  a variety  of  seg- 
ments of  circles  upon  the  turf,  which,  pursuing  an 
independent  course,  and  some  increasing  more  rapidly 
i than  others,  present  eventually  an  unaccountable  irre- 
i gularity,  and,  as  it  were,  patchwork  of  greener  and 
1 paler,  stronger  and  weaker,  portions  of  turf.  When 
the  turf  is  cut  through  such  a ring  at  two  contiguous 
: points,  so  that  a breadth  is  taken  up  from  the  inner 
'rank  green,  through  the  faded  breadth,  to  the  outer 

F 2 


68 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


ordinary  state,  tlie  soil  of  the  faded  ring  is  always  found 
drier  and  of  a paler  colour  than  the  adjoining  parts, 
and  abundantly  impregnated  with  mycelium.  Indeed, 
a careful  examination  will  show  that  the  faded  and 
impoverished  condition  of  the  turf  of  the  outer  ring  is 
due  to  the  close  investment  of  its  roots  by  the  mycelium 
of  the  fungi  which  occupy  the  ring.  The  dimensions 
of  the  rings  vary  from  three  feet  to  three  hundred  feet 
in  diameter ; they  are  at  times  very  irregular  in  form, 
an  accident  arising  either  from  the  nature  of  the  soil 
and  the  obstacles  which  they  meet  with  in  their  cir- 
cumferential expansion,  or  from  more  than  one  ring 
coalescing,  and  producing  an  outline  of  undulating 
curves.” 

That  these  fairy-rings  were  the  nightly  haunts  and 
dancing-grounds  of  fairy-folk  was  a general  belief 
before  the  existence  of  these  little  people  came  to  be 
doubted.  One  old  author  writes,  “ They  had  always 
fine  music  among  themselves,  and  danced  in  a moon- 
shiny  night,  around,  or  in  a ring,  as  one  may  see  at 
this  day  upon  every  common  in  England  where  mush- 
rooms grow.”  Numerous  conjectures  were  ventured 
as  to  the  origin  of  these  rings  when  their  fairy  history 
was  no  longer  believed  in.  They  were  attributed  to 
the  exhalations  of  a fertile  subterranean  vapour,  to  the 
burrowing  of  moles,  to  the  effects  of  lightning,  and,  in 
1807,  Dr.  Wollaston  ascribed  them  to  the  growth  of 
certain  species  of  Agarics,  which  so  entirely  absorbed 
all  nutriment  from  the  soil  beneath,  that  the  herbage 
was  for  a while  destroyed. 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


69 


The  Rev.  M.  J.  Berkeley,  an  excellent  authority,  writes 
of  them:  “ These  rings  are  sometimes  of  very  ancient 
date,  and  attain  enormous  dimensions,  so  as  to  be  dis- 
tinctly visible  on  a hill-side  from  a considerable  distance. 
It  is  believed  that  they  originate  from  a single  fungus, 
whose  growth  renders  the  soil  immediately  beneath  unfit 
for  its  reproduction.  The  spawn,  however,  spreads  all 
around,  and  in  the  second  year  produces  a crop  whose 
spawn  spreads  again,  the  soil  behind  forbidding  its 
return  in  that  direction.  Thus  the  circle  is  continually 
increased,  and  extends  indefinitely  till  some  cause 
intervenes  to  destroy  it.  If  the  spawn  did  not  spread 
on  all  sides  at  first,  an  arc  of  a circle  only  is  produced. 
The  manure  arising  from  the  dead  fungi  of  the  former 
years  makes  the  grass  peculiarly  vigorous  round,  so 
as  to  render  the  circle  visible  even  when  there  is  no 
external  appearance  of  the  fungus,  and  the  contrast  is 
often  the  stronger  from  that  behind  being  killed  by  the 
old  spawn.  This  mode  of  growth  is  far  more  common 
than  is  supposed,  and  may  be  observed  constantly  in 
our  woods,  where  the  spawn  can  spread  only  in  the 
soil  or  amongst  the  leaves  and  decaying  fragments  which 
cover  it.”* 

One  of  the  fairy  legends  associated  with  mushrooms 
is  that  of  the  two  serving-girls  at  Tavistock,  to  whom 
the  fairies  were  very  kind.  One  of  them  by  her  negli- 
gence having  offended  the  little  people,  they  proceeded 
to  her  room,  and  debated  together  as  to  what  punish- 


* “ Outlines  of  British  Fungology,”  p.  41. 


70 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


ment  they  should  inflict.  This  conversation  the 
unoffending  one  overheard,  and  it  was  to  the  effect  that 
her  companion  should  have  a lame  leg  for  seven  years, 
and  be  ultimately  cured  by  a herb  growing  on  Dartmoor, 
but  with  a name  so  long  that  the  girl  could  not  remember 
it.  In  the  morning  the  other  girl  arose  lame,  and  con- 
tinued so  to  the  end  of  the  period  assigned  ; when,  one 
day,  as  she  was  picking  a mushroom,  up  started  a 
strange-looking  little  boy,  who  insisted  upon  striking 
her  leg  with  a plant  which  he  held  in  his  hand.  This 
was  the  magical  plant,  with  which  he  continued  striking 
her  leg  till  she  became  perfectly  cured,  and  one  of  the 
best  dancers  in  the  country. 

Marasmius  oreades  is  not  the  only  fungus  which  has 
this  habit  of  growing  in  rings.  One  of  our  largest  gill- 
bearing  fungi,  as  well  as  some  others,  indulge  in  this 
eccentricity — probably,  in  times  past,  to  the  great  alarm 
of  the  superstitious. 

Marasmius  scorodonius  is  largely  consumed  in 
Austria,  Germany,  and  some  other  continental  countries. 
It  is  known  under  the  name  of  Lauchschwamm  and 
Hagyma  gornba ; but  neither  these  nor  its  garlic  odour 
would  commend  it  to  our  own  countrymen.  This  little 
species  grows  in  dry  pastures  and  on  heaths.  It  has  a 
tough  and  crisped  reddish  pileus,  a hollow  smooth 
reddish-brown  stem,  and  dirty-white  gills.  Although 
plentiful  in  the  countries  already  named,  it  is  rare 
with  us. 

Two  or  three  other  species  might  also  be  enumerated, 
equal,  if  not  superior,  to  the  latter  for  culinary  purposes; 


Pi  ATE  is. 


Boletus  eAuht 


I 


Or  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


71 


but  their  inconstant  or  limited  occurrence  would  only 
serve  to  raise  expectations  not  likely  to  be  realized. 

Five  other  genera  complete  the  order  Agaricini , all 
more  or  less  tough  and  dry,  becoming  at  length  hard  and 
corky.  In  Lentinus  the  sharp  edges  of  the  tough  gills 
are  toothed,  and  in  Panns  they  are  equally  sharp  and 
tough,  but  not  toothed.  In  Xerotus  the  tough  gills  are 
forked,  but  with  blunt  or  obtuse  edges ; and  the  two 
divisions  into  which  the  gills  separate  are  spreading  or 
rolled  back  in  Schizophyllum.  In  Lenzites  the  whole 
substance  is  corky,  and  the  gills  are  often  so  connected 
by  lateral  branches  as  to  form  irregular  cavities  resem- 
bling pores. 


POKE-BEARING  EUNGI. 

The  observing  eye  of  the  lover  of  nature  in  all  its 
Protean  forms  will  have  discovered  fungi,  which  in 
external  contour  resembled  those  we  have  already 
described,  being  furnished  with  a cap  or  pileus  sup- 
ported upon  a stem  ; but  when  more  closely  examined 
have  been  found  to  present  the  important  distinction  of 
having  the  under  surface  of  the  pileus  not  divided  into 
plates  or  gills,  but  apparently  perforated  with  small 
holes,  as  if  pricked  with  a pin  by  some  fairy  in  childish 
sport.  Others,  again,  entirely  devoid  of  a stem,  and  in 
some  instances  of  extraordinary  size  and  as  tough  as 
leather,  or  hard  and  unyielding  as  cork  or  wood,  with  the 
under,  or  sometimes  upper  surface,  similarly  perforated. 
And,  again,  yet  others  of  a waxy,  or  almost  gelatinous 


72 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


texture,  with  wrinkles  or  folds  more  or  less  imperforated ; 
all  of  which  are  botanically  united  into  a group,  or 
natural  order,  in  which  the  pores  distinguish  them  from 
the  gill-bearing  order,  and  to  which  the  distinctive 
appellation  of  Pqlyporei  has  been  given.  It  requires 
no  great  erudition  to  arrive  at  the  conclusion,  that  this 
name  has  been  given  in  allusion  to  the  numerous  pores 
with  which  one  or  other  of  the  surfaces  of  these  fungi 
are  studded,  derived  from  the  Greek  word  pokes , signi- 
fying many.  These  pores  are  the  extremities  of  more 
or  less  connected  tubes,  upon  the  walls  or  inner  linings 
of  which  the  hymenium,  or  fructifying  surface,  support- 
ing the  reproductive  bodies,  or  spores,  is  borne.  Like 
the  Agaricini , this  order  is  again  subdivided  into 
smaller  groups,  or  genera,  in  each  of  which  the  indivi- 
duals agreeing  most  intimately  with  each  other  are  ' 
associated.  In  the  first  genus,  Boletus  ( bolos , Greek, 
a ball),  the  tubes  are  separable  from  one  another.  In 
Polyporus  the  pores  are  not  easily,  if  at  all,  separable. 
In  Dcedalea  the  pileus  is  corky  and  hard,  and  the  pores 
are  labyrinthiform,  irregular,  or  torn.  The  remaining 
genera  are  briefly  characterized  in  the  Tabular  arrangement 
of  Orders  and  Genera  with  which  this  work  concludes. 

Upwards  of  thirty  species  of  Boletus  are  British,  and 
one  of  the  commonest  of  these  (B.  edulis ) in  the 
opinion  of  some  is  scarcely  inferior  to  the  best  mush- 
room in  flavour.  It  has  a smooth,  brownish  pileus, 
with  tubes  at  first  yellowish,  but  becoming  greenish  or 
green  as  it  advances  in  age.  For  esculent  purposes  1 
they  should  be  collected  whilst  still  yellow.  The  stem 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


73 


is  reticulated,  especially  towards  the  summit,  with  a 
delicate  pinkish  network  of  fine  lines  (PL  15).  It  is 
frecjuent  in  woods,  especially  in  the  South  of  England, 
and  is  well  diffused  and  appreciated  on  the  continent  ot 
Europe.  Frequently  it  will  attain  a large  size,  so  that 
two  or  three  of  them  are  sufficient  to  furnish  a family 
with  a meal.  The  best  feature  by  which  to  distinguish 
this  species  from  its  congeners,  is  the  reticulation  of  the 
stem.  It  would  be  well  to  notice  if  the  flesh  changes 
colour  when  bruised  or  cut,  for  the  juice  of  the  most 
unwholesome  species  of  this  genus  speedily  turns  blue 
on  exposure  to  the  air.  Dr.  Badham  says  that  “ the 
best  manner  of  cooking  this  fungus  must  be  left  to  be 
decided  by  the  taste  of  the  gourmand  ; in  every  way 
' it  is  good.  Its  tender  and  juicy  flesh,  its  delicate  and 
sapid  flavour,  render  it  equally  acceptable  to  the  plain 
and  to  the  accomplished  cook.  It  imparts  a relish 
alike  to  the  homely  hash  and  the  dainty  ragout,  and 
may  be  truly  said  to  improve  every  dish  of  which  it  is 
a constituent/’  Mr.  Berkeley  takes  exception  to  its 
excellence,  and  gives  as  a result  of  his  experience 
: that  it  is  very  moderate  eating.  Our  own  knowledge, 
and  that  of  gentlemen  of  our  acquaintance  who  are 
much  greater  amateurs  of  fungi,  hold  rather  to  the 
opinion  of  Dr.  Badham  ; but  tastes  are  universally 
allowed  to  vary.  The  ancient  Homans  are  believed  to 
’ have  employed  this  species  of  Boletus,  and,  apart  from 
: their  predilection  for  snails,  cossi,  and  other  delicacies 
i which  we  do  not  nowadays  admire,  were,  on  the  whole, 
not  bad  judges  of  dainties. 


74 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


In  Lorraine  this  species  is  eaten  under  the  name  of 
Polish  Mushroom,  because,  it  is  said,  certain  Poles  first 
showed  by  their  own  example  that  these  Boleti  could 
be  eaten  without  danger.  In  Russia  they  are  strung  on 
threads  and  dried  for  future  use.  When  the  fasts  of  the 
Greek  Church  come  round,  these  dried  fungi  are  in  requi- 
sition, being  prepared  by  simple  simmering  in  water  till 
they  become  soft.  In  the  department  of  Gironde,  in 
France,  great  quantities  are  preserved  in  this  manner 
and  sent  annually  to  the  Parisian  markets,  and  when 
required  for  use  are  soaked  in  lukewarm  water,  or  beef 
gravy,  till  they  become  softened,  and  are  then  cooked 
in  the  same  manner  as  when  in  the  fresh  state.  French 
cookery  has  devised  many  variations  in  the  art  of  pre- 
paring this,  as  well  as  almost  every  other  commonly 
used  fungus,  for  the  gastronome.  There  is  certainly  a 
kind  of  sliminess  about  the  Boleti  which  would  not 
commend  them  to  the  tastes  of  many  ; but  this  becomes 
far  more  unpleasantly  evident  in  some  methods  of  pre- 
paration than  others.  They  are,  nevertheless,  in  any 
way  better  than  no  dinner  at  all,  and  if  our  rural 
population  could  be  induced  to  look  upon  them  with  a 
little  more  favour,  they  would  often  get  a relish  with 
their  “ potatoes  and  point  ” for  the  trouble  of  col- 
lecting and  cooking,  while  the  Boleti  are  now  per- 
mitted to  flourish  and  decay  year  by  year,  without  care 
or  regret. 

In  all  cases  the  young  state,  while  the  under  surface 
is  still  of  a pale  yellow,  is  preferable.  One  ready 
method  of  preparation  consists  in  removing  the  stem, 


4 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


75 


clearing  away  the  pores,  and  then  drawing  off  all  super- 
fluous moisture  upon  a gridiron,  wiping  them,  and  after- 
wards stewing  them  with  olive  oil,  parsley,  garlic,  pepper 
and  salt,  adding,  when  nearly  ready,  a little  lemon-juice. 
In  the  rural  districts  of  France  they  are  simply  cooked 
on  the  gridiron,  and  seasoned  with  salt  and  pepper,  or 
fried  in  a pan  with  butter  or  oil.  M.  Roques  states, 
that  in  the  Lower  Pyrenees  the  farm  servants  and  others 
regale  themselves  with  these  fungi,  baked  on  a dish  and 
seasoned  with  oil,  garlic,  and  parsley.  This  sometimes 
forms  their  principal  meal. 

For  a stew,  or  soup,  half  a dozen  young  Boleti  are 
put  into  a stewpan,  with  salt,  pepper,  a little  grated 
nutmeg,  a pound  of  lean  ham  minced  small,  half  a 
pound  of  bread-crumbs,  and  a quarter  of  a pound  of 
fresh  butter.  These  are  then  placed  over  a brisk  fire  for 
an  hour,  care  being  taken  to  add  from  time  to  time  a little 
beef  gravy.  The  stew  is  then  strained,  and  put  on  the 
fire  again  to  simmer  for  twenty  minutes,  adding  beef 
gravy  according  to  taste.  It  is  finally  poured  into  a 
soup-tureen  upon  crusts  of  bread  cut  in  pieces. 

A gregarious  species  ( B . bovinus)  may  be  found 
growing  in  heathy  localities,  and  especially  in  fir  woods. 
The  pileus  is  reddish  grey,  sometimes  tinged  with 
purple,  and  the  angular  tubes  are  of  a greyish  yellow, 
ultimately  becoming  of  a rusty  brown.  The  spores  in 
; this  species  are  yellowish.  The  taste  and  smell  are 
sweetish  and  agreeable ; and  Krombholz  says,  it  is 
much  sought  after  abroad  as  a dish,  and  is  good  when 
dried. 


76 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


Another  species  of  Boletus  ( B . scaber)  is  very  com- 
mon in  woods,  but,  though  esculent,  does  not  enjoy  so 
good  a reputation  as  the  last.  The  tubes  are  white  or 
dingy,  the  stem  rather  tough,  and  it  is  much  inferior  in 
respect  of  size,  smell,  and  flavour  to  Boletus  edulis. 

Boletus  castaneus , a small  species  with  a velvety, 
cinnamon-coloured  pileus  and  stem,  short,  white,  and 
afterwards  yellowish  tubes,  and  white  unchanging  flesh, 
is  rarely  found  in  woods,  and  although  eaten  on  the 
Continent,  is  of  inferior  flavour. 

An  elegant  Boletus  ( B . elegans ) is  found  in  woods, 
especially  of  firs,  which  is  remarkable  for  the  brilliant 
golden-yellow  tint,  and  its  pileus  being  viscid  in  moist 
weather ; the  flesh  is  of  a pale  yellow,  and  though 
said  to  be  eatable,  is  certainly  not  worthy  of  recom- 
mendation. 

Two  other  species  (B.  impolitus  and  B.  cestivalis), 
also  found  in  woods  or  woodland  pastures,  have  the 
reputation  of  being  wholesome.  The  latter  we  have 
seen  growing  freely  in  Darenth  Wood,  Kent ; the  flesh 
is  firm,  of  a nutty  flavour  when  raw,  and  not  to  be 
despised  when  prepared  for  the  table. 

It  will  be  advisable  to  caution  all  who  are  inex- 
perienced in  collecting  Boleti  for  alimentary  purposes, 
and  who  may  yet  desire  to  make  trial  of  them,  that 
numerous  species  of  Boletus  are  common  to  Great 
Britain,  and  several  of  these  are  unwholesome,  some 
decidedly  poisonous.  If  upon  cutting  or  bruising  any 
specimen,  it  should  be  found  to  change  colour,  it  should 
be  rejected.  Some  species  become  blue  almost  imme- 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


77 

diately  upon  wounding.  Those  with  reddish  stems,  or 
with  the  edcms  of  the  tubes,  i.  e.  the  under  surface  of 
the  pileus,  red  or  crimson,  should  also  be  rejected. 

The  large  B.  satanas,  the  very  name  of  which 
conveys  suspicion,  should  be  guarded  against.  It  is 
occasionally  found  in  woods.  The  under  surface  of  the 
pileus  appears  of  a blood-red  colour,  as  also  the  stem. 

The  spores  of  the  Boleti  may  be  collected  for  exami- 
nation in  the  same  manner  as  already  described  for  the 
Agarics.  In  many  instances  they  will  be  found  to  be 
coloured,  and  in  some  of  a beautiful  roseate  tint.  The 
prevailing  colour  will  be  some  shade  of  pallid  or  reddish 
brown,  white  being  the  exception  rather  than  the  rule. 

The  genus  Polyporus  has  the  pores  not  easily  sepa- 
rable, they  being  closely  packed  and  united  together. 
The  substance  of  the  hypnenophorum  descends  between 
the  pores,  where  it  is  called  the  trama.  This  is  not  the 
case  in  Boletus ; for  in  that  genus  the  hymenophorum 
is  quite  distinct  from  the  pores. 

This  genus  is  a very  large  one,  and  contains  every 
intermediate  texture  of  substance  from  succulence  or 
pulpiness,  to  the  hardness  and  density  of  wood.  We 
remember  a slice  from  one  of  the  latter  species  being 
sent  to  us  for  identification,  with  a number  of  specimens 
of  wood,  and  which  was  supposed  to  be  “some  kind  of 
palm  wood.  Forms  are  as  varied  as  texture,  and  colour 
as  devious  as  form.  Some  have  stems  which  are  central, 
others  that  are  lateral,  but  the  majority  are  without 
stems  at  all. 

A very  familiar  species  (P.  squamosus)  of  those 


78 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


having  a lateral  stem  is  found  on  almost  every  decayed 
ash,  and  sometimes  on  other  trees.  It  has  a pale  ochre- 
tinted  pileus,  somewhat  of  a fan  shape,  with  the  surface 
covered  with  darker  scales  (PI.  19).  The  stem  is  thick 
and  dark-coloured,  the  pores  running  some  distance 
down  it.  It  is  extremely  various  in  size,  occasionally 
attaining  enormous  dimensions,  perhaps  seven  feet  in 
circumference,  and  weighing  forty-two  pounds.  We  have 
already  alluded  to  the  rapidity  of  its  growth.*  We 
have  seen  drawings  of  exceedingly  curious  forms  that 
have  been  found  growing  in  cellars.  The  edible  qualities 
of  this  species  cannot  be  declared  first-rate.  Mrs.  Hussey, 
who  is  a very  good  judge  in  such  matters,  says  one  might 
as  well  think  of  eating  saddle-flaps.  Young  specimens, 
before  they  have  acquired  the  leathery  consistency, 
would  serve  for  an  occasional  ,meal.  In  this  stage  they 
are  prepared  for  the  table  in  some  parts  of  the  Con- 
tinent. A more  suitable  application,  and  one  strongly 
recommended  to  those  who,  in  these  hirsute  days, 
require  such  an  instrument,  is  to  select  a large  tough 
specimen,  and  after  drying  it  carefully,  cut  it  into  shape, 
and  employ  it  as  a razor  strop.  A person  who  has  had 
one  in  use  for  many  years,  says  that  it  is  far  superior  to 
the  majority  of  those  offered  for  sale.  Another  Poly- 
porus  (P.  betulinus ),  without  a stem,  and  not  uncom- 
monly found  growing  on  birch-trees,  is  equally  available 
for  the  same  purpose. 

Two  other  species  are  recommended  as  esculent, 
although  neither  of  them  is  at  all  common  in  our 

* Page  6. 


PMTk  A. 


/wfe/w  hepoutica 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


79 


islands  ; they  are  both  of  them  peculiar  in  appearance, 
from  being  broken  up  into  numerous  pilei,  so  as  to 
look  like  a dense  cluster  of  separate  individuals. 

P.  intybaceus,  the  first  of  these,  is  strongly  recom- 
mended, and  sometimes  attains  so  large  a size  that 
one  fungus  will  weigh  forty  pounds  and  suffice  for  the 
meal  of  a very  large  family.  In  cooking  this  species, 
it  is  advisable  to  cut  off  the  darker  coloured  pileus, 
and  only  employ  the  white  branching  stem  : when  pre- 
pared in  this  way,  it  is  equal  to  any  Agaric  we  possess, 
according  to  the  testimony  of  some,  whilst  all  agree 
that  it  is  excellent.  The  odour  is  inviting,  and  we 
would  advise  any  who  may  meet  with  it  to  condemn  it 
to  the  stew-pan. 

P.  giganteus  is  the  other  species  to  which  we  have 
alluded,  and  which,  with  P.  intybaceus , is  more  com- 
mon on  the  Continent,  where  its  esculent  qualities  are 
known  and  duly  appreciated.  Both  of  these  are  found 
growing  on  the  trunks  of  trees,  and  sometimes  attain 
extraordinary  dimensions. 

The  trunks  of  trees,  of  various  kinds,  are  often  found 
bearing  a very  conspicuous  sulphur-coloured  fungus 
(P.  sulphur  eus'),  consisting  of  a number  of  overlapping 
pilei  of  the  consistence  of  a mellow  cheese.  When 
wounded,  it  exudes  copiously  a yellow  juice,  which  has 
been  employed  in  dyeing,  though  it  is  doubtful  whether 
: it  is  of  any  great  value  for  such  a purpose.  As  this 
; fungus  dries,  it  becomes  covered  with  beautiful  crystals 
of  oxalate  of  potash,  which  might  suggest  the  presence 
of  more  active  properties  than  the  majority  of  the  mem- 


80 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


bers  of  this  genus  possess.  During  decomposition  this 
plant  emits  a bright  phosphorescent  light,  a feature  not 
common  in  our  native  fungi,  and  which  makes  this  an 
object  of  curiosity,  although  we  need  scarcely  add  that 
it  is  entirely  unfit  for  food. 

The  dry-rot  of  oak-built  vessels  is  a species  belonging 
to  this  genus  (P.  liybridus ),  whilst  the  common  dry-rot 
of  fir  timber  is  a species  of  M erulius. 

A curious  leathery  substance,  known  under  the  name 
of  Amadou,  or  German  tinder,  found  in  tobacconists’ 
shops,  occasionally  in  sheets,  or  irregularly-shaped  pieces, 
but  more  commonly  manufactured  into  f usees,  gives  but 
little  external  evidence  of  its  fungoid  origin.  This  sub- 
stance is  obtained  from  several  species  of  Polyporus, 
and  consists  of  slices  of  these  hard  and  corky  Fungi, 
beaten  out  till  they  have  become  quite  soft  and  flexible, 
then  saturated  in  a solution  of  saltpetre  and  dried.  At 
one  time  it  was  rather  extensively  employed  in  medical 
practice  as  a styptic,  but  is  now  seldom  resorted  to  in 
England.  On  the  Continent  it  is  still  an  article  of 
commerce,  and  in  Northern  Europe,  the  smoker  would 
almost  as  soon  think  of  venturing  abroad  without  his 
tobacco  and  pipe  as  without  a supply  of  Amadou  to 
rekindle  his  extinguished  fire.  One  of  the  species 
usually  employed  in  the  manufacture  of  this  article  is 
P.  fomentarius,  a stemless  species  common  on  the 
trunks  of  trees. 

Trametes  and  Dcvdalea  are  genera  containing  no 
species  of  economic  value.  The  latter  includes  a 
fungus  which,  from  its  corky,  rugged  nature  and 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


81 


common  occurrence,  is  likely  to  interest  the  young 
mycologist.  Bcedcdea  quercina  grows  on  oak-stumps, 
sometimes  to  a large  size,  spreading  out.  from  its  sup- 
port in  a semicircular  manner,  and  having  the  under 
surface  broken  up  into  a number  of  long,  irregular, 
wavy  fissures,  as  if  the  walls  of  several  contiguous 
tubes  had  been  broken  down.  Another  equally  com- 
mon species  ( 1 ).  unicolor ),  with  a zoned  or  banded 
pileus,  may  be  met  with  on  stumps.  The  peculiar 
form  of  the  pores  is  one  of  the  chief  features  of  the 
genus. 

In  Merulius,  the  genus  which  succeeds  it,  the  tex- 
ture is  not  of  the  woody  character  of  Dcedcilea , but 
on  the  contrary  soft  and  waxy,  and  the  hymenium  is 
disposed  in  porous  or  wavy  toothed  folds.  The  only 
popularly  known  species  is  one  which  unfortunately 
is  too  well  known  under  the  name  of  dry-rot.  This 
name  must  not  be  supposed  to  indicate  that  the  fungus 
is  itself  dry,  or  is  caused  by  the  absence  of  moisture, — 
the  contrary  of  this  being  the  case  ; but  probably  on 
account  of  its  ravages  reducing  the  structure  upon 
which  it  establishes  itself  to  a kind  of  dust.  The 
Merulius  lacrymans  ( lacrymo , Lat.,  I weep)  is  often 
dripping  with  moisture,  as  if  weeping  in  regret  for  the 
havoc  it  has  made.  It  is  found  sometimes  attaining 
a dimension  of  several  feet,  and  to  check  or  prevent  its 
ravages  numerous  experiments  have  been  instituted, 
none  having  resulted  in  the  discovery  of  a remedy 
thoroughly  effective,  though  saturation  with  creosote 
appears  to  be  the  best. 


82 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


The  last  genus  in  this  order  is  Fistulina,  which 
bears  much  external  and  general  resemblance  to  Poly - 
poms,  and  was  at  one  time  included  in  it ; but  is  now 
separated,  on  account  of  the  hymenium  being  at  first 
covered  with  little  pap-like  elevations,  which  afterwards 
elongate  into  distinct  tubes  bearing  the  reproductive 
bodies.  The  only  species  we  possess  is  termed  F.  hepa- 
tica  ( hepar , Lat.,  the  liver),  from  its  colour,  which 
resembles  that  of  liver.  This  fungus  assumes  a great 
variety  of  forms.  In  its  earliest  stages  it  sometimes 
looks  like  a strawberry  ; when  more  advanced  it  has 
often  the  appearance  of  a tongue.  One  of  its  conti- 
nental local  names  is  Lingua  di  Castagna , which 
applies  to  this  resemblance.  It  is  a fleshy,  juicy  fungus, 
wTith  an  undivided,  unstalked  pileus,  and  when  cut  pre- 
sents a bright  streaky  appearance,  not  unlike  beetroot, 
and  contains  a red  juice  ; the  porous  under  surface  is 
yellowish  or  flesh-coloured  (PI.  18).  The  trunks  of  old 
oaks  are  very  commonly  the  habitat  of  this  species, 
which  occasionally  attains  a very  large  size.  When  old, 
it  becomes  rather  tough,  but  in  all  its  stages  it  affords 
an  excellent  gravy,  and,  when  young,  if  sliced  and 
grilled,  would  pass  for  a good  beefsteak.  Specimens 
are  now  and  then  met  with  that  would  furnish  four  or 
five  men  with  a good  dinner  ; and  they  have  been  col- 
lected weighing  as  much  as  thirty  pounds.  The  liver- 
colour  and  streaky  interior  are  sufficient  guides  whereby 
to  recognise  this  species  under  all  its  protean  forms. 
Mrs.  Hussey  says  of  it,  that  “ if  it  is  not  beef  itself,  it 
is  sauce  for  it and  she  recommends  that  it  should  be 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


83 


sliced  and  macerated  with  salt  after  the  manner  of 
making  mushroom  ketchup.  The  deep  red  liquor  that 
is  produced  should  be  put  hot  into  a dish  with  a little 
lemon-juice  and  minced  shalots,  and  a broiled  rump- 
steak  deposited  in  it.  Great  will  be  the  surprise  of  the 
epicure  at  the  quantity  of  gravy  the  steak  has  afforded, 
greater  still  when  told  that  it  is  the  simple  juice  of 
a fungus  ; for  the  similitude  to  the  juice  of  beef  is  exact. 
The  ketchup  must  be  strained  from  the  substance  raw, 
and  afterwards  boiled  with  spice  for  keeping,  like  ordi- 
nary ketchup.  It  should  not  be  employed  but  to  repre- 
sent beef  gravy,  as  it  does  not  possess  the  flavour  of 
mushrooms.  In  France,  where  this  species  is  also 
eaten,  it  is  first  washed  and  dried,  then  placed  in  boiling 
water  for  a short  time,  and  afterwards  stewed  with 
butter,  parsley,  scallion,  pepper  and  salt  ; yolk  of  egg 
being  afterwards  added,  when  the  stew  is  ready  for  the 
table.  It  is  also  grilled.  In  Vienna  it  is  cut  in  thin 
slices  and  eaten  with  salad  as  we  employ  beetroot,  and 
is  also  cooked  with  meat,  adding  a little  cream  or  lemon- 
juice.  It  will  be  found  necessary,  whichever  method  of 
cooking  is  adopted,  to  employ  fresh  specimens,  as  they 
will  shrivel  up  and  become  leathery  if  sliced  and  dried. 
The  best  mode  of  preserving  for  future  use,  is  by  con- 
. verting  them  into  the  kind  of  sauce  or  gravy  to  which 
we  have  alluded.  Dr.  Blount,  of  Bagshot,  says  that  it 
is  of  far  greater  excellence  as  an  article  of  food,  than 
either  our  remarks  or  those  of  Dr.  Badham  would  lead 
i the  reader  to  imagine. 


84 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


TEETH-BEAUING  FUNGI. 

The  third  order  of  fungi  is  termed  Hydnei,  from 
Hydnum  ( udna , Gr.,  puffs  resembling  mushrooms),  the 
typical  genus.  In  this  order  we  encounter  numerous 
spines,  teeth,  or  pap-like  projections  from  the  surface, 
over  which  the  hymenium  is  spread,  and  hearing  the 
spores.  The  order  is  not  a very  large  one,  but  is  distinct 
in  its  features  from  the  preceding. 

In  Hydnum  the  spines  are  awl-shaped,  and  distinct 
or  separate  at  the  base.  This  structure  will  be  better 
understood  by  a reference  to  our  plate  (PI.  1 6),  in  which 
a portion  of  the  pileus  of  Hydnum  repandum  is  shown 
in  section,  magnified.  This  species  is  common  on  the 
ground  in  woods  and  woody  places,  and  has  a compact 
wavy  pileus,  with  spines  of  unequal  length  proceeding 
from  the  under  surface,  which  is  rather  paler  in  colour. 
There  is  a variety  much  redder  than  our  plate,  which 
has  been  treated  as  a distinct  species  under  the  name 
of  rufescens , but  which  appears  to  be  the  same  in  every 
feature  except  colour.  The  flesh  of  this  fungus  is  firm 
and  white,  rather  hot  to  the  taste  when  raw,  but  mild 
when  cooked. 

On  account  of  its  containing  less  than  the  average 
amount  of  water  in  its  composition,  it  may  be  dried 
successfully,  and  in  this  state  preserved  for  winter  use. 
It  is  employed  as  food  in  Austria  and  Belgium,  as  well 
as  in  France,  in  all  of  which  localities  it  is  a common 
species.  From  the  firmness  of  its  texture  it  may  be 


°LATJi  lb 


M.C.C 


/ Hydruun/  urd/rica/zun.. 
/-  Hydtvunv  r&parujUuru. 


E Cooke 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


85 


concluded  that  young  and  fresh  specimens  are  the  best, 
and  the  cooking  operations  should  be  carefully  per- 
formed. The  method  recommended  is  to  cut  them  in 
pieces,  steep  them  in  warm  water,  and  afterwards  stew 
them  in  a rich  brown  sauce.  Roques  says  that  after 
steeping  they  should  be  cooked  in  hog’s  lard  with  pepper, 
salt,  parsley,  and  beef  gravy,  taking  care  that  they  are 
cooked  long  enough  to  become  tender. 

Singularly  enough,  this  species  has  suffered  under 
the  imputation  of  being  poisonous  ; but  this  was  evi- 
dently destitute  of  foundation,  for  M.  Roques  says  that 
himself  and  friends  scoured  the  woods  of  Malmaison, 
“ where  we  gathered  a dish  of  these  champignons, 
which  I prepared  myself  with  butter,  grated  nutmeg, 
pepper,  salt,  a point  of  garlic,  and  some  spoonfuls  of 
chicken  broth.  This  ragout,  poured  over  some  thin 
toasted  bread,  well  browned,  was  served  at  table,  and 
was  greatly  relished  by  all  the  guests.”  In  France  this 
species  is  known  locally  by  the  name  of  Eurchon , 
Rignoche,  and  Arr  ester  on ; in  the  Vosges  as  Barbe 
de  xaclie  (cow’s  beard)  and  Pied  de  rnouton  (sheep’s 
foot). 

The  scaly-capped  Hydnum  {II.  imbricatum ) is  found 
but  rarely  in  our  pine  woods  ; but  when  once  seen  is  not 
likely  to  be  forgotten.  Our  plate  (PI.  16)  will  give  a 
very  good  idea  of  its  general  appearance,  and  experience 
the  best  test  of  its  esculent  properties,  which  are  affirmed 
to  be  fully  equal  to  those  of  any  other  member  of  the 
genus.  It  is  much  more  common  on  the  continent  of 
• Europe  than  with  us,  where  it  is  regarded  equally  with 


S6 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


H.  repandam , and  in  Austria  especially  it  is  included 
amongst  the  esculent  species. 

II.  coralloides  in  its  early  stages  greatly  resembles  a 
cauliflower ; it  is  whitish  and  very  much  branched, 
differing  in  appearance  from  any  fungus  which  hitherto 
we  have  encountered.  It  occurs  on  decayed  trees  and 
stumps,  especially  of  fir,  beech,  and  ash.  This  is  said 
to  be  fully  equal  to  II.  repandum,  but  unfortunately 
it,  as  well  as  the  succeeding  species,  is  rare  in  our 
country. 

II.  caput- Med  us  w has  very  much  the  same  habit  and 
appearance,  being  branched  in  a similar  manner,  but 
has  ultimately  a greyish  tint.  It  is  also  found  on  the 
trunks  of  trees.  Though  rarely  occurring  in  France, 
it  is  common  in  Italy  and  in  parts  of  Austria,  where  it 
is  reckoned  among  the  edible  species.  The  flavour  of 
both  these  is  said  to  resemble  greatly  that  of  the  com- 
mon mushroom. 

No  other  species  is  recorded  in  this  or  the  remaining 
seven  genera  of  the  order,  as  of  any  service  to  man. 
The  student  will  find  at  the  end  of  the  volume  the 
names  and  characters  of  these  genera,  with  an  indication 
of  the  number  of  indigenous  species. 


LEATHERY  EUNG1. 

The  fourth  order,  Auricularini , has  distinct  pecu- 
liarities ; but  as  no  member  is  of  sufficient  importance,  on 
account  of  the  absence  of  economic  properties,  to  claim 
our  notice,  we  will  not  attempt  the  somewhat  difficult 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


87 


task  of  defining  it  so  as  to  be  comprehended  by  our 
non-scientific  readers,  except  by  stating  in  general 
terms  that  the  hymenium,  or  fructifying  surface,  is 
almost  destitute  of  folds  or  projections.  No  fungus  is 
more  common  or  better  known  than  Stereum  hirsutum, 
which  is  found  on  stumps  everywhere.  The  leathery 
pileus  spreading  out  from  its  matrix,  hairy  on  its  upper 
surface,  of  a colour  bordering  upon  olive,  zoned  with  a 
darker  tint,  and  bearing  a yellowish  margin.  In  size 
it  is  generally  three  or  four  inches  across,  and  several 
pilei  are  often  closely  arranged  one  above  another. 
Many  others  in  this  group  are  nearly  equally  common, 
did  the  limits  of  our  work  permit  of  their  description 
and  illustration  ; but  as  more  important  genera  are  still 
unnoticed,  we  must  content  ourselves  with  again  referring 

o o 

to  the  synopsis. 


CLUB-BEARING  FUNGI. 

In  this  order  ( Clavariei ) another  change  of  form 
takes  place.  We  have  herein,  grouped  together,  a 
series  of  club-shaped,  or  branched,  fleshy  fungi,  with 
the  hymenium  scarcely  distinct  from  the  portion  which 
bears  it,  and  often  obtaining  a great  expansion  of  surface 
by  means  of  multiplied  and  intricate  ramifications.  The 
most  beautiful  examples  are  not  met  with  in  Britain, 
but  those  which  we  have  may  serve  to  give  a general 
idea  of  the  more  magnificent  kinds  which  vegetate 
in  the  Alpine  regions  of  Europe.  Some  of  the  species 
have  white,  and  others  yellowish  spores.  The  former 
are  nearly  all  wholesome,  the  latter  seldom.  It  has, 


88 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


however,  been  distinctly  affirmed  that  none  of  them  are 
dangerous.  Small  specimens  of  some  of  the  edible 
kinds  are  represented  in  our  plate  in  company  with  a 
species  of  Geoglossum  (PL  17)  ; the  latter  being  added 
for  comparison,  belonging  as  it  does  to  a different 
order,  to  which  a brief  reference  will  be  made,  and 
which  does  not  furnish  any  kinds  that  are  esculent. 

Clamria  rugosa  is  not  an  uncommon  inhabitant 
of  woods,  but  is  generally  so  small,  and  sparingly 
distributed,  as  not  to  repay  collecting  for  esculent 
purposes.  This  species  may  be  found  either  simply 
club-shaped,  delicately  white,  and  with  longitudinal 
furrows,  or  with  the  tip  more  or  less  lobed,  or  with 
decided  branches  proceeding  from  the  axis.  Occa- 
sionally it  is  found  of  a dirty  white,  or  with  a bluish- 
grey  tinge.  If  laid  upon  a piece  of  slate  or  black 
paper,  the  white  spores  will  be  thrown  down.  All  the 
white- spored  Clavarias  are  wholesome,  but  some  are  so 
tough  and  leathery,  and  others  so  small,  that  the  num- 
ber at  all  available  for  alimentary  purposes  is  limited. 
They  should,  after  being  collected,  be  washed  in  luke- 
warm water  and  perfectly  dried,  then  tied  together  in 
little  bundles  like  asparagus,  and  cooked  with  butter, 
parsley,  onion,  pepper,  and  salt ; when  cooked,  they  may 
be  improved  by  the  addition  of  a little  cream  and  the 
yolk  of  an  egg.  It  has  also  been  recommended  that 
a few  spoonfuls  of  stock  be  added  during  the  cooking. 
Roques  states  that  at  Vienna  they  are  fricasseed  with 
butter  and  sweet  basil. 

A fleshy,  much-branched  species,  with  red  tips  (C. 


Plait:  17 


V'S 


ICUvasiw  cuuruv  am.ett,y«LuuL 

1.  Cvennixulccta/  5.  Cevylosxusru  oUrru-m/n 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


89 


Botrytis),  is  rare  in  this  country,  but  is  common  in  the 
Vosges,  and  in  Carinthia,  where  it  is  usually  eaten. 

The  cinereous  Clavaria  ( C . cinerea ) is  common  in 
woods  in  some  districts.  It  has  a short  thick  stem, 
is  very  much  branched  and  irregular,  and  becomes  ulti- 
mately of  a cinereous  hue.  The  substance  is  brittle, 
and  not  tough  as  m some  species.  In  France  this  is 
known  under  various  names,  as  Pied  de  coq,  Galli- 

nole,  4 c.,  and  in  Italy  as  Ditola  rossa,  in  both  which 
countries  it  is  eaten. 


An  extremely  common,  clustered,  yellow  species  is 
found  in  pastures  (C.  fastigiatd),  and  although  some 
authors  have  proscribed  all  the  yellow  species,  Roques 
affirms  that  it  is  equally  good  eating  with  those 
generally  esteemed  as  the  best,  and  that  in  Germany 

beard)  UIK'e1'  name  Ziegenbart  (goat’s 


„•  , , mof  beautifully  coloured  species  ( C . amethys- 

Zm  l m ntam’  'S  rare  and  small>  s»  that  it 
would  be  vain  to  seek  sufficient  to  constitute  a dish 

t rs  not  plentiful  on  the  Continent,  where  it  is  pre- 

01  red  by  some  to  all  the  other  species,  and  is  said  to 
possess  a very  fine  flavour. 

The  coral-like  Clavaria  (<7.  comlloides)  has  rather 
a ,ck  stem,  ,s  much  and  irregularly  branched,  whit 
ho  low,  w,  h a mushroomy  odour  and  agreeabi;  taste’ 
t is  an  inhabitant  of  woods,  hut  not  a plentiful  species 
on  this  s,de  the  Channel  It  is  found  eommonlT  and 

much  esteemed  in  German v Tfniv  a -p  , /’  0 d 

Tn  time  . • VJLimfmy,  Italy,  bwitzerland,  &c. 

n these  countries  they  are  preserved  for  winter  use  by 


90 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


being  plunged  in  boiling  water,  dried,  and  macerated 
in  vinegar. 

Probably  others  of  our  indigenous  kinds  are  edible, 
especially  one  resembling  C.  fastigiata,  which  is  found 
on  lawns,  and  is  of  a tint  of  palish  umber,  not  at  all 
inclining  to  yellow  ; and  C.  cristata , which,  as  well  as 
C.  rugosa,  is  found  in  woods.  Should  either  of  these 
be  found  in  sufficient  quantity,  they  certainly  merit  the 
trouble  of  an  experiment. 

The  largest  and  most  beautiful  fungus  of  this  section 
(Sparassis  crispa ) has  only  recently  been  found  in  this 
country  in  a fir  wood  in  Berkshire ; it  somewhat  resembles 
a yellow  cauliflower  or  a Millepore  in  appearance,  and 
is  excellent  eating. 

The  three  remaining  genera  of  this  order  contain  no 
species  calling  for  notice. 


GELATINOUS  EUNGI. 

The  last  order  of  the  first  family  of  Fungi  is  Tre- 
mellini , in  which  the  whole  plant  is  gelatinous,  and 
more  or  less  folded.  The  fructifying  surface  is  always 
uppermost,  spread  over,  and  following  all  its  foldings 
and  inequalities.  With  but  one  exception,  this  order 
is  unhonoured  in  history  or  romance,  and  unknown  as 
food  or  physic.  The  exception  is  in  favour  of  the 
J ew’s-ear  ( Hirneola  auricula- Judce),  which  had  at 
one  time  a reputation  for  the  cure  of  sore  throats,  and 
also  as  a topical  astringent,  and  even  now  it  has  some 
repute  abroad,  or  it  would  not  appear  amongst  the 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


91 


medicinal  substances  sent  to  the  International  Exhi- 
bition from  one  of  the  French  colonies.  Its  faculty  of 
absorbing  and  holding  water  like  a sponge  has  resulted 
in  its  use  as  a medium  for  applying  eye-water  to  weak 
or  diseased  eyes,  and  similar  purposes.  Of  late  years  it 
is  seldom  to  be  met  with  in  the  herbalists’  shops,  and, 
in  England  at  least,  its  reputation  and  “occupation ’s 
gone.”  The  curious  name  it  has  appropriated  to  itself 
may  be  traced  to  the  ear-like  form  which  it  sometimes 
assumes.  It  is  not  uncommonly  found  on  elder  stumps, 
and  sometimes  on  elms.  A variety,  shaped  something 
like  a bird’s  nest,  has  obtained  the  distinctive  appel- 
lation of  Nidularia,  but  its  forms  are  by  no  means 
permanent. 

The  six  orders  already  described,  and  in  part  illus- 
trated, constitute  that  most  important  group  called 
Hymenomycetes , from  the  fact  of  the  hymenium  being 
the  most  prominent  feature.  Space  w'ill  not  permit  of 
our  entering  so  fully  into  the  particulars  of  the  succeed- 
ing  groups,  which  need  be  less  regretted  as  many  of 
the  members  are  exceedingly  minute,  and  scarce  any 
present  features  of  equal  interest  with  those  which 
have  hitherto  occupied  our  attention. 


PERIDIATE  FUNGI. 

The  second  family  of  fungi  is  termed  G aster omycetes 
( gaster , Gr.,  a stomach ; mukes,  a mushroom),  which, 
though  in  common  with  many  others  to  be  found  in  the 
Appendix,  a long  and  complicated  name,  truly  repre-  '* 


92 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


sents  the  features  of  the  group  to  which  it  is  applied. 
Herein  the  hymenium,  or  spore-bearing  surface,. is  in- 
closed within  a covering  called  a peridium  (from  perideo , 
Gr.,  I wrap  round),  so  that  all  the  spores  are  produced 
and  ripened  within  a kind  of  stomach  or  paster ; and 
from  this  feature  the  family  bears  the  name  of  Gastero- 
mycetes.  Every  one  knows  the  puff-ball,  a spherical 
pouch,  containing,  when  ripe,  an  almost  impalpable 
brownish  dust,  not  unlike  Scotch  snuff,  and  which 
mischievous  schoolboys  delight  in  puffing  in  each  other’s 
faces.  The  pouch  is  the  peridium  or  stomach,  and  the 
brown  dust  the  innumerable  ripened  spores.  But  puff- 
balls are  not  the  sole  members  of  this  group  ; they 
constitute  but  one  of  five  orders. 


SUBTERRANEAN  FUNGI. 

Certain  fungi  having  such  a structure  as  we  have 
described,  are  subterranean  in  habit,  and  these  are  in- 
cluded in  the  first  order  under  the  name  of  Hypogcei 
( upo , Gr.,  under  ; gcea , the  earth).  In  these  fungi  the 
hymenium  does  not  become  dusty,  but  remains  perma- 
nent ; nor  does  it  melt  away  as  in  other  groups,  except 
when  it  becomes  decayed.  Some  of  these  resemble 
truffles  so  nearly  as  to  be  confounded  with  them.  One 
species  of  Melanogaster  is  sold  in  the  markets  of  Bath 
under  the  name  of  red  truffle,  and  is  therefore  edible. 
This  is  the  only  example  which  has  come  to  our 
knowledge  of  a useful  species.  31 elanog aster  rarigea- 
r*  tus  is  found  under  trees,  especially  in  the  neighbourhood 


Plate. 20. 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


93 


of  beeches,  in  the  south  and  south-western  counties  of 
England,  and  resembles,  externally,  a brownish  irregular 
tuber  ; internally  it  is  divided  into  cells  by  whitish 
walls,  containing  at  first  a black  pulp,  and  ultimately  a 
number  of  minute  dark  spores  (PL  23,  fig.  2).  The 
surface  of  the  red  truffle  is  smooth  and  not  covered  with 
warts  or  tubercles  as  in  the  true  truffle.  It  is  believed 
that  the  taste  and  aroma  of  this  species  is  inferior  to 
that  of  the  truffle,  although  it  may  be  employed  as  a 
substitute  when  the  genuine  article  is  scarce.  Although 
we  have  employed  the  term  subterranean  as  representa- 
tive of  Ilypogcei , and  applied  it  to  this  order,  it  must  not, 
therefore,  be  concluded  that  it  includes  all  funo-i  which 
are  subterranean  in  habit,  as  the  Truffles,  for  instance, 
are  excluded,  and  must  be  sought  for  in  the  Sporidi- 
ferous  families. 


STINKHORN  FUNGI. 

An  acquaintance  with  the  members  of  this  order, 
which  is  known  botanically  as  Phalloidei,  will  convince 
any  one  of  the  propriety  of  assigning  to  them  not  only 
their  common  English  but  also  their  scientific  Greek 
name.  Some  of  them  are  rare,  but  the  common  Stink- 
horn  will  serve  as  a type,  and  answer  as  a convincing 
argument  in  both  cases. 

One  of  the  most  striking  in  appearance,  disgusting 
in  odour,  and  noxious  in  properties  of  all  fungi,  is  the 
Latticed  Stinkhorn  ( Clathrus  cancellatus) , wrhick  is, 
however,  so  rare  as  scarcely  to  merit  a notice  here  except 
to  call  attention  to  its  only  commendable  feature,  that 


94?  A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 

of  the  beauty  and  singularity  of  its  form  (PL  20). 
The  receptacle  resembles  a spherical  network  or  lattice- 
work  of  coral,  but  is  of  so  putrescent  a nature  that  its 
odour  materially  detracts  from  its  beauty ; and  it  is 
recorded  of  a botanist  who  gathered  one  for  the  purpose 
of  drying  it  for  his  herbarium,  that  he  was  compelled  by 
the  stench  to  rise  during  the  night  and  cast  the  offender 
out  at  the  window.  M.  Roques  relates  of  its  properties 
that  a young  person  having  eaten  a morsel  was  seized 
with  violent  convulsions,  lost  the  use  of  her  speech, 
and  ultimately  fell  into  a stupor  which  lasted  forty- 
eight  hours  : prompt  attention  was  given  to  her,  but  it 
appears  to  have  been  some  months  before  she  was  per- 
fectly cured. 

The  common  Stinkhorn  (. Phallus  impudicus)  has  an 
equally  abominable  odour,  to  which  we  have  already 
alluded,*  with  nothing  of  beauty  to  recommend  it,  and 
although  not  uncommon,  no  one  would  think  of  pre- 
paring it  for  a meal. 


PUFF-BALL  FUNGI. 

In  the  first  of  the  two  orders  just  noticed,  the 
hymenium  neither  melts  nor  becomes  dusty ; in  the 
last  it  melts,  and  in  the  present  order  it  dries  into 
a dusty  mass  of  threads  and  spores.  From  the  remote 
resemblance  which  this  mass  sometimes  bears  to  a lock 
of  soft  brown  wool,  the  order  has  been  called  Tricho- 
gastres  (thrix,  Gr.,  wool  or  hair).  The  most  pictu- 

* Vide  p.  10. 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


95 


Tesque  of  forms  are  found  in  the  genus  Geaster ; but 
although  we  have  nine  indigenous  species,  none  of  these 
are  common.  In  these  the  peridium  or  covering  is 
double,  the  outer  one,  bursting  and  dividing  into  sepa- 
rate lobes,  falls  back  in  a stellate  manner  at  the  base  of 
the  ball  formed  by  the  inner  peridium,  which  latter 
ultimately  opens  and  discharges  its  spores  from  the 
summit.  Although  useless,  these  are  very  curious  and 
interesting  fungi,  and  are  not  possessed  of  the  strong 
and  unpleasant  odour  of  the  members  of  the  last  group. 

The  genera  Bovista  and  Lycoperdon,  which  follow, 
may  be  distinguished  from  each  other  by  the  bark  of  the 
former  at  length  shelling  off,  and  of  the  latter  remaining 
attached  in  the  form  of  scales  or  warts.  There  are  but 
hree  species  of  Bovista  indigenous  to  Britain,  dis- 
tinguished chiefly  by  the  colour  of  the  peridium. 
B.  nigrescens  is  blackish,  and  B.  plumbea  of  a lead- 
colour.  Although  wTe  have  never  heard  of  the  former 
being  eaten,  it  is  stated  that  the  latter  furnishes  a 
very  palatable  dish.  Bovista  plumbea  and  Lycoperdon 
pyriforme  have,  however,  been  so  confounded  together, 
sometimes  in  name  and  sometimes  in  the  individuals 
themselves,  as  evidenced  by  the  fact  that  figures  of  the 
latter  have  been  given  with  the  name  of  the  former, 
that  one  seems  disposed  to  doubt  whether  both  have  not 
been  eaten  the  one  for  the  other,  and  whether  both 
may  not  be  esculent,  though  perhaps  not  excellent. 
Two  species  of  Bovista  are  very  common  in  pastures, 
and  resemble  little  round  balls,  which,  when  ripe,  dis- 
charge their  dust-like  spores  from  openings  in  the  top  of 


96 


A PLAIN  AND  EAST  ACCOUNT 


the  papery  peridium  ; the  third  species,  B.  ammophila , 
is  not  common. 

There  is  scarcely  a dweller  or  stroller  into  the  country 
that  has  not  seen  the  giant  puff-ball  ( Lycoperdon  gigan- 
teum),  sometimes  attaining  the  size  of  a child’s  head,  and 
in  its  earlier  stages  of  a dirty  whitish  colour,  becoming 
browner  by  age,  in  which  latter  condition,  if  broken,  it 
emits  a cloud  of  snuff-coloured  impalpable  dust.  Very  few 
persons  are,  however,  aware  that  when  in  its  young  and 
pulpy  condition  this  Lycoperdon  is  excellent  eating,  and, 
indeed,  has  but  few  competitors  for  the  place  of  honour 
at  the  table.  It  is  especially  esteemed  in  Italy,  and 
would  be  with  us,  not  only  on  account  of  the  impossi- 
bility of  confounding  it  with  other  species,  on  which 
account  the  repast  may  be  enjoyed  without  fear,  but  also' 
for  its  ow u intrinsic  value.  Unfortunately  this  fungus; 
deteriorates  very  speedily  after  gathering,  and  should  be 
discarded  if,  when  cut,  any  yellow  marks  or  stains  are 
visible,  for  then  it  is  too  old.  When  the  cut  surface  of 
the  puff-ball  is  white  as  snow,  then  cut  it  up  into  slices 
of  a quarter  of  an  inch  in  thickness,  and  fry  it  in  fresh  i 
butter,  adding  according  to  your  taste  a sprinkling  of 
pounded  sweet  herbs,  pepper,  and  salt.  Mrs.  Hussey 
recommends  that  each  slice  be  dipped  in  the  yolk  of 
an  egg  and  sprinkled  with  chopped  sweet  herbs  and 
spice.  Then,  she  says,  “ they  are  much  lighter  and 
more  digestible  than  egg  omelettes,  and  resemble  brain 
fritters.” 

My  late  friend,  R.  Ward,  Esq.,  of  Salhouse  Hall,  who, 
by  the  bye,  was  a connoisseur  in  edible  fungi,  writes, 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


97 


" We  have  a delicious  dish  in  this  fungus,  which  is  not 
uncommon  in  some  seasons  in  these  parts.  Sliced  and 
seasoned  with  butter  and  salt,  and  fried  in  a pan,  no 
French  omelette  is  half  so  good  in  richness  and  delicacy 
of  flavour.  I am  too  glad  to  seize  upon  them  when  I can 
get  them  ; of  course,  in  the  soft  pulpy  state.”  This  is 
not  the  only  testimony  we  have  of  their  excellence. 
Another  connoisseur  says,  “ The  puff-ball  makes  such 
an  excellent  omelette,  and  is  so  much  better  than  any 
mushroom  I ever  before  tasted,  that  it  ought  not  to  be 
called  mushroom.”  To  this  we  may  add  our  own  expe- 
rience, derived  while  this  work  is  passing  through  the 
press.  A gardener  brought  us  a large  puff-ball,  equal 
in  size  to  a half-quartern  loaf,  and  which  was  still  in  its 
young  and  pulpy  state,  of  a beautiful  creamy  whiteness 
when  cut.  It  had  been  found  developing  itself  in  a 
garden  at  Highgate,  and  to  the  finder  its  virtues  were 
unknown.  We  had  this  specimen  cut  in  slices  of  about 
half  an  inch  in  thickness,  the  outer  skin  peeled  off, 
and  each  slice  dipped  in  an  egg  which  had  been 
beaten  up,  then  sprinkled  with  bread  crumbs,  and 
fried  in  butter,  with  salt  and  pepper.  The  result  was 
exceedingly  satisfactory  ; and  finding  ■ this  immense 
fungus  more  than  our  family  could  consume  whilst  it 
remained  fresh,  we  invited  our  friends  to  partake, 
and  they  were  as  delighted  as  ourselves  with  the 
new  breakfast  relish,  to  them,  and  to  us— the  first, 
but  we  hope  not  the  last,  experiment  upon  a fried 
puff-ball. 

The  great  puff-ball  has  an  ancient  reputation  for  the 

ii 


98 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


stanching  of  blood,  and  was  consequently  dried  and 
preserved  by  many  a good  housewife  in  days  gone  by, 
and  is  still  considered  by  some  of  the  antique  dames  of 
the  past  generations  as  a sovereign  remedy  for  a cut 
finger.  The  use  of  the  spongy  portion  as  a tinder 
must  also  be  reckoned  amongst  the  achievements  of 
the  past.  When  burnt,  the-  fumes  of  this  fungus  are 
said  to  possess  a stupefying  narcotic  property  ; in  this 
form  the  Lycoperdon  is  still  occasionally  employed  to  ■ 
stupefy  bees,  so  that  their  hives  may  be  robbed  of  the 
honey  without  danger.  Lately  these  fumes  have  been 
proposed  and  recommended  as  an  anaesthetic  in  the  place 
of  chloroform.  But  the  most  important  of  all  uses  is 
that  of  food,  to  which  we  have  already  alluded. 

Lycoperdon  ccelatum  is  another  common  species 
scarcely  attaining  so  large  a size,  and  occasionally  found 
growing  in  rings.  The  spores  in  this  species  are  yel- 
lowish, whilst  in  the  great  puff-ball  they  are  of  an 
olive-colour.  When  this  puff-ball  is  dried,  it  may  be 
employed  as  amadou,  first  soaking  it  in  a solution  of 
nitre,  and  afterwards  drying  it.  It  is  questionable 
whether  in  any  stage  it  is  wholesome  as  food. 

The  pear-shaped  puff-ball  (L.  pyriforme),  to  which  il 
allusion  has  already  been  made,  may  be  found  in  clus- 
ters in  almost  any  old  decayed  stump.  It  is  small 
and  pear-shaped,  as  its  name  implies.  If  good  for  food 
at  all,  it  must  be  during  its  young  state. 

The  remaining  genera,  Scleroderma,  Polysaccum, 
and  Cenococcum,  contain  no  species  of  general  interest 
It  has  been  stated  that  the  powder  from  some  of  the 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


99 


Sclerodermce  is  irritating  to  the  eyes  and  nose,  and  that, 
taken  inwardly,  they  are  poisonous  ; but  for  neither  of 
these  statements  are  we  prepared  to  vouch. 

The  order  next  in  rotation  is  Myxogastres , in  which 
the  entire  mass  is  at  first  pulpy  and  gelatinous,  becom- 
ing ultimately  dusty.  This  is  a remarkable  group, 
sometimes  presenting  individuals  exceedingly  beautiful 
both  in  form  and  colouring  ; and  were  they  not  of  such 
microscopic  dimensions,  they  would  certainly  become 
popular  favourites,  only  surpassed  by  some  species  of 
JEcidiumy  which  would  compete  with  them  for  the 
preference.  Unfortunately,  however,  these  beautiful 
creations  are  unknown,  save  to  the  privileged  few  who 
have,  by  the  aid  of  the  microscope,  become  acquainted, 
not  only  with  these,  but  other  minute  denizens  of  a 
new  floral  world.  As  it  constitutes  a portion  of  the 
plan  upon  which  this  work  was  designed,  that  it  should 
not  include  more  than  incidental  references  to  species 
unappreciable  by  the  naked  eye,  these  and  many  suc- 
ceeding groups,  of  greater  or  less  extent,  will  have  to  be 
thus  summarily  dismissed. 

It  is  probable  that  the  young  student  of  nature  has 
found,  and  marvelled  at,  certain  curious  cup  or  crucible- 
shaped receptacles  containing  a number  of  roundish  or 
elliptical  bodies,  which  caused  the  whole  to  assume  the 
appearance  of  a miniature  birdsnest  containing  eggs, 
and  hence  procured  for  them  the  name  of  Birdsnest 
Fungi.  These  singular,  but  not  uncommon,  produc- 
tions are  members  of  the  order  N idulariacei  ( nidulus , 
Lat.,  a little  nest),  so  termed  from  the  features  alluded 

h 2 


100 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


to.  In  this  order  the  spores  are  compacted  together 
into  lenticular  or  similarly  shaped  masses,  inclosed  in 
a peridium,  and  several  of  these  are  contained  within 
an  outer  peridium,  either  open  or  closed  ; this  outer 
peridium  constituting  the  nest,  and  the  compacted 
masses  of  spores  the  eggs.  This  little  order  has  not 
more  than  four  representatives  in  Britain. 


DUST-LIKE  FUNGI. 

The  third  group  or  family,  termed  Coniomycetes, 
consists  of  dust-like  fungi  in  which  the  prominent 
feature  is  the  spores.  The  mycelium  is  often  obsolete 
and  the  threads  short  ; they  are  in  some  instances 
naked,  and  in  others  inclosed.  The  spores  are  large  in 
proportion  to  the  rest  of  the  plant,  and  extremely  abun- 
dant. We  shall  not  attempt  to  characterize  the  different 
divisions  of  this  group,  containing,  as  it  does,  objects  so 
minute  and  uninteresting  to  the  general  observer.  There 
are,  however,  some  few  facts  which,  even  in  a work  of 
this  description,  deserve  to  be  recorded. 

One  section  of  this  family  includes  the  numerous 
species  of  rust  and  mildew  which  are  found  all  over  the 
world  as  parasites  upon  flowering  plants.  It  was- 
doubted  at  one  time  whether  these  were  plants  at  all, 
and  now  that  they  are  acknowledged  as  members  of  the 
vegetable  kingdom,  are  very  much  despised  and  neglected. 
They  may  not  present  such  beauties  of  form  and  colour; 
as  to  enchant  the  fashionable  collector,  or  induce  him  to 
stroll  into  the  country  in  search  of  them ; but  the  agricul- 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


101 


turist  views  them  as  amongst  the  pests  of  the  farm,  and, 
if  for  no  other  reason,  they  deserve  to  be  better  known. 

The  Puccinim  are  developed  on  almost  every 
plant, — on  wheat,  grass,  asparagus,  mint,  plum-leaves, 
beans,  beet,  oak,  birch,  poplar,  sallow,  willow,  roses, 
violets,  primroses,  thistles,  -coltsfoot,  &c.  &c.  The 
Dhoora  corn  of  the  tropics,  and  the  maize  of  temperate 
regions,  are  not  less  certainly  the  victims  of  these 
parasites  than  the  wheat,  barley,  and  oats  of  our  own 
land.  It  has  been  said,  and  we  fear  with  some  show  of 
truth,  that  bunted  wheat  ground  up  into  flour  is  largely 
used  in  the  manufacture  of  gingerbread  ; in  which  case 
the  colour  is  concealed  on  the  one  hand,  and  the  taste 
on  the  other  ; and  not  having  been  found  to  be  seriously 
injurious,  no  depreciation  in  gingerbread  has  resulted 
in  consequence.  Many  species  of  JEcidium  are  exceed- 
ingly beautiful  when  viewed  under  the  microscope.  The 
clusters  of  brightly-coloured,  urn-shaped  bodies  resemble 
the  delicate  waxy  flowers  of  exotic  heaths  ; but  to  the 
naked  eye  these  appear  only  as  rusty  spots  on  the  leaves 
or  other  portions  of  plants  upon  which  they  establish 
themselves. 

In  early  spring  the  leaves  of  the  pilewort  ( Ranunculus 
ficarta)  will  otten  be  found  with  bright  orange-coloured 
spots  on  the  under  surface  and  occasionally  on  the 
petioles.  When  viewed  through  a lens,  these  spots  will 
be  seen  to  consist  of  clusters  of  cup-shaped  receptacles, 
fringed  at  the  margin,  and  filled  with  minute,  bright, 
dust-like  spores.  These  are  examples  of  JEcidium 
ranunculacearum,  which  is  also  found  on  other  species 


102 


A PLAIN  AND  EAST  ACCOUNT 


of  Ranunculus.  There  are  species  of  A Ecidium  found 
flourishing  on  the  living  leaves  of  other  plants  equally 
interesting  and  beautiful.  For  further  particulars  of 
this  group  we  refer  our  readers  to  a companion  volume 
on  “ Microscopic  Fungi.” 


THREADY  FUNGI. 

The  fourth  group  contains  the  Hyph omycetes,  in 
which  the  threads  are  the  principal  feature.  These 
threads,  which  bear  the  naked  spores,  are  white,  brown, 
or  coloured,  and  the  best-known  examples  are  those 
which  bear  the  common  name  of  Moulds.  These  are 
amongst  the  most  insatiate  of  the  fungoid  race  ; scarce 
anything  escapes  them  : — dead  fungi  or  dead  spiders, 
meal  or  sugar,  cheese  or  onions,  pears  or  oranges,  linen 
or  glass.  Mouldy  cheese  may  be  relished,  and  pains 
taken  to  engraft  or  bud  the  plant  upon  others,  yet  the 
moulds  are  not  always  so  harmless.  In  certain  species 
they  are  decidedly  poisonous.  Turpin  says  that  milk 
arrested  for  some  time  in  the  udder  of  a cow  was  found 
to  contain  mould,  and  species  of  fungi  belonging  to  this 
group  ^e  not  unfrequent  in  the  lungs  and  stomach  of 
the  human  subject  in  certain  conditions  of  disease. 

The  yeast-plant  is  a fungus,  or,  to  speak  more  pre- 
cisely, a kind  of  Penicillium,  growing  and  increasing 
almost  indefinitely,  and  by  a species  of  chemical  action 
producing  fermentation  in  any  saccharine  matter  with 
which  it  is  mixed.  When  microscopically  examined, 
yeast  will  be  found  to  consist  of  a multitude  of  ovoidal 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


103 


cells  containing  a nucleus.  The  fresh  yeast  consists  of 
these  individual  cells  ; but  after  being  mixed  with  the 


wort  of  beer  for  an  hour,  budding  will 
have  commenced  (as  in  fig.  g).  These 


/O  fas?}  buds  will  ultimately  increase  to  the  size 
. za'  0f  the  parent  cells,  and  these  will  again 
bud  ; so  that  in  six  or  eight  hours  a 
string  of  cells  will  be  found  to  have  been 
CJ‘  produced,  attached  to  each  other  like  a 
strino-  of  beads,  with  occasional  lateral  branches.  Some 
authors  have  referred  the  yeast-plant  to  a low  station 
in  a subdivision  of  A Igce. 

The  vinegar-plant  is  of  a similar  nature,  and  both 
are  more  correctly  included  amongst  those  plants  with 
which  we  have  associated  them.  This  view  is  supported 
by  the  most  eminent  mycologists  of  the  present  day. 


MUCORACEOUS  EUNGI. 

The  fifth  group  or  family,  the  Physomycetes , is  a 
small  one,  at  least  so  far  as  British  examples  are  con- 
cerned, and  forms  an  intermediate  link  between  the 
S 'poriferous , or  naked-spored  fungi,  and  the  Sporidiife- 
rous,  or  those  in  which  the  spores  are  inclosed,  to  which 
this  group  belongs.  In  the  Physomycetes , the  cells 
which  contain  the  spores  are  bladder -shaped,  and 
scattered  upon  threads,  which  are  not  compacted  into  a 
distinct  ^hymenium.  Like  the  true  moulds,  these 
minute  plants  are  found  upon  decaying  vegetable  sub- 
stances, especially  articles  of  food.  The  bread-mould 
is  a common  and  familiar  example,  and  if,  in  this 


104 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


instance,  decay  has  not  already  taken  place,  it  is 
speedily  accelerated. 


SPORIDIIFEROUS  FUNGI. 

The  sixth  and  last  group  consists  of  the  Ascomycetes, 
in  which  the  spores  are  developed  in  cells  or  bags,  called 
asci,  often  accompanied  by  abortive  asci  in  the  form  of 
threads,  and  termed  paraphyses.  These  are  produced 
upon  a cellular  stratum,  sometimes  forming  a cavity,  or 
envelope,  which  constitutes  the  peridium,  and  some- 
times the  peridium  is  absent.  A portion  of  the  members 
of  this  group  are  subterranean  in  their  habits ; and 
though  the  majority  of  them  are  too  small  to  serve 
as  articles  of  food,  there  are  some  which  have  great 
repute  amongst  the  lovers  of  delicious  repasts. 

In  the  order  Ehellacei  the  hymenium  becomes  more 
or  less  exposed.  The  substance  is  in  most  instances 
fleshy,  in  others  waxy,  and  the  form  is  commonly  either 
cup-shaped  or  club-shaped.  The  genus  Peziza  con- 
tains some  of  the  most  elegant  of  British  fungi,  as  in 
the  example  ( Peziza  aurantia ) given  on  our  title-page, 
and  which  was  gathered  amongst  the  grass  on  Hamp- 
stead Heath,  early  in  November.  It  is  by  no  means  an 
uncommon  species,  very  beautiful,  but  of  no  economic 
value.  Another  species  (P.  coccinea ) is  still  more 
beautiful,  both  in  form  and  colouring,  but  less  common. 
Almost  every  fallen  twig  of  the  larch  will  afford  examples 
of  the  little  white  and  red  Peziza  ( P . elegans).  Two 
other  species,  of  more  modest  hue,  have  the  recommen- 
dation of  being  esculent. 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


105 


The  sporidia  of  many  of  the  Pezizca  are  ejected  from 
the  hymenium  with  such  force,  and  in  such  profusion, 
that  they  form  a cloud  or  vapour  of  minute  sporidia  in 
the  air  around  the  plant  from  whence  they  are  expelled. 
In  some  of  the  genera  0f  this  order  the  surface  of  the 
hymenium  is  greatly  enlarged  by  folding  or  plaiting, 
so  that  there  are  deep  fissures  or  cavities,  which  give 
such  a distinct  feature  to  the  plants,  that  there  is  little 
fear  of  confounding  them  with  other  species. 

In  the  order  Elvellacei  we  meet  externally  and 
superficially  with  the  appearance  of  a return  to  the 
pileated  forms  encountered  in 
the  commencement  of  our  sur- 
vey. The  hymenium  is  at  length 
more  or  less  exposed,  and  some- 
times borne  on  a stem.  In  the 
genus  Morchella  tfte  hymenium 
is  folded  upon  a stalked  recep- 
tacle, these  folds  forming  deep 
pits,  at  times  irregular,  at  others 
definite  in  shape.  In  such  species 
as  have  the  pileusfree  at  the  base, 
the  external  contour  reminds 
one  at  first  of  a conical-capped 
Agaric;  but  this  resemblance  no  longer  obtains  when 
it  is  remembered  that  tire  hymenium  is  borne  on  the 
upper  surface,  and  not  on  the  under,  as  in  Agarics 
and  Boleti. 

The  Morell  ( Morchella  esculenta)  is  chiefly  em- 
ployed in  this  country  in  the  dried  state  as  a seasoning 


106  A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 

for  soups,  in  which  state  they  are  imported.  The 
ordinary  retail  price  is  from  one  shilling  to  eighteen 
pence  an  ounce.  Although  only  employed  here  in  its 
dried  state  for  seasoning,  it  is  far  more  delicious  when 
fresh,  and  affords  a liquor  of  much  more  exquisite 
flavour  than  the  ketchup  of  mushrooms.  The  demand 
was  formerly  so  great  for  morells  in  Germany,  that  the 
peasantry  were  induced  to  burn  down  the  woodland  in 
immense  tracts,  on  account  of  the  more  productive 
nature  of  the  burnt  soil,  until  legislative  enactments 
put  an  end  to  the  practice. 

We  have  three  native  species  of  Morchella,  one  of 
which  (il/.  patula ) is  too  rare  to  be  of  economic  im- 
portance. Of  the  other  two,  31.  esculenta  is  distin- 
guished by  having  the  base  of  the  pileus  attached  to  the 
stem  (fig.  h).  In  31.  semilibera  the  pileus  is  free  half- 
way up  from  its  base.  In  the  former  the  pileus  is 
commonly  ovate,  and  in  the  latter  conical.  31.  esculenta 
is  more  a lover  of  woods,  and  31.  semilibera  of  hedges. 
The  capability  of  distinguishing  between  the  two  is  of 
little  importance  for  alimentary  purposes,  since  both  are 
good,  and  equally  esteemed  abroad.  We  have  the 
authority  of  M.  Eoques  for  stating,  that  they  are  not 
less  esteemed  in  France  than  in  Italy,  in  Germany  than 
in  Switzerland,  and  in  Brabant  than  in  England.  Some 
;ive  the  preference  to  one  kind,  and  some  to  the  other ; 
but  both  have  nearly  the  same  odour  which  gratifies  the 

v o 

smell,  and  the  same  flavour  which  pleases  the  taste  ; 
but  they  must  not  be  gathered  with  the  dew  upon  them. 
Different  methods  of  cooking  morells  are  in  vogue 

O O 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


107 


in  France.  Amongst  the  most  approved  are  the 
following  : — 

Ragout  of  Morells. — Pick  and  clean  your  fungi 
and  cut  them  in  twro,  wash  and  dry  them  well  by  wiping, 
then  put  them  in  a stew-pan  with  butter,  place  them 
over  a brisk  fire,  and  when  the  butter  is  melted,  squeeze 
in  a little  lemon-juice,  give  a few  turns,  and  then  add 
salt,  pepper,  and  a little  grated  nutmeg.  Cook  slowly  for 
an  hour,  adding  at  intervals  small  quantities  of  beef  gravy 
or  jelly  broth.  When  done,  thicken  with  yolks  of  eggs. 

Morells  may  also  be  treated  in  this  fashion : — Put 
them  upon  the  fire  with  butter,  salt,  pepper,  and  a 
small  bundle  of  herbs.  Simmer  and  add  a little  flour. 
Soften  them  with  good  beef  gravy.  Let  them  cook  and 
reduce  on  a gentle  fire,  then  remove  the  bundle  of  herbs. 
Fry  some  bread-crumbs  in  butter,  then  beat  up  the  yolks 
of  three  eggs,  add  a pinch  of  powdered  sugar,  which 
mix  with  the  morells,  and  pour  the  whole  over  the  fried 
bread-crumbs,  previously  put  into  a dish. 

Morells  a la  Italienne. — Pick,  wash,  and  dry 
your  morells.  Cut  them  in  two  or  three  pieces  accord- 
ing to  size,  and  place  them  in  a stewpan  over  a lively 
fire  ; add  olive  oil,  pepper,  salt,  and  a bundle  of  herbs  ; 
let  them  simmer  some  minutes,  then  add  chopped  parsley, 
a little  onion,  and  a chive  of  garlic.  Continue  the 
cooking  over  a gentle  fire.  Soften  with  beef  gravy 
and  a glass  of  white  wine.  Serve  with  the  piece  of  a 
lemon,  and  bread-crumbs  fried  brown  and  crisp. 

Besides  these  ways,  morells  are  eaten  in  a variety  of 
styles  ; but  M.  Roques  affirms  that  there  is  none  so 


108 


A PLAIN  AND  EAST  ACCOUNT 


delicate  as  a piece  of  veal  surrounded  with  morells, 
suitably  seasoned,  and  cooked  in  an  oven  in  its  own 
juices. 

In  the  genus  Helvetia  the  return  to  the  forms  of 
Hymenomycetal  fungi  seems  to  be  still  more  complete, 
on  account  of  the  even  manner  in  which  the  hymenium 
overspreads  the  surface,  a feature  distinguishing  this 
genus  from  the  preceding ; but  the  student  must  not  be 
led  by  the  external  appearance  in  opposition  to  impor- 
tant structural  differences. 

The  best  substitute  for  the  expensive  morell  may  be 

found  in  two  indi- 
genous species  of 
Helvetia  (II.  crispa 
and  H.  lacunosa ). 
Like  the  morell,  they 
may  be  collected 
during  the  season 
and  dried,  and  thus  ; 
preserved  for  use  all 
the  year  round.  He 
must  be  indeed  an 
excellent  judge  and 
of  a most  exquisite 
taste,  who  can  detect 
Hg-  i-  the  difference  in 

flavour  between  the  Morchella  and  the  Helvetia,  for 
both  are  equally  good.  Five  species  are  found  in  Great 
Britain  ; i.  e.  II.  gigas,  crispa,  lacunosa,  elastica,  and 
ephippium.  Doubtless  all  of  them  would  be  esculent, 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


109 


but  two  only  are  large  enough  or  sufficiently  plentiful 
for  the  table. 

Hekella  crlspa  has  a lobed  and  dc flexed  pileus,  pallid 
above  and  ochraceous  beneath  (fig.  i).  The  stem  is 
fistulose  or  hollow ; when  dried,  the  texture  is  tough  and 
leathery,  and  in  this  condition  it  resembles  crumpled 
up  pieces  of  wash-leather,  that  have  been  saturated  with 
water  and  allowed  to  dry.  It  is  a common  species  in 
woods,  and  may  occasionally  be  found  growing  on  banks 
in  the  autumn.  It  is  almost  impossible  to  confound 
these  with  any  other  species  of  fungi  found  in  Britain, 
so  that  they  may  be  enjoyed  without  fear. 

Helvetia  lacunosa  is  also  common,  and  is  found  in 
similar  localities  to  the  last.  It  much  resembles  II. 
crispa  in  everything  save  the 
colour  of  the  pileus,  which,  in 
this  instance,  is  cinereous-black 
(%.£).  Thiskindis  not  met  with 
so  large  or  so  plentifully  as  the 
other.  For  all  purposes  to  which 
the  morell  is  applicable,  these 
species  may  either  of  them  be 
substituted.  They  impart  an 
excellent  flavour  to  gravies  and 
soups,  and  in  establishments 
where  they  have  been  once  in- 
troduced and  tested,  will,  we 
doubt  not,  for  ever  afterwards  hold  equal  sway  with 
the  more  aristocratic  morell.  Unlike  the  Agarics, 
there  is  no  necessity  for  the  Helvellas  to  be  used  as 


Fig.  Ic. 


110 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


soon  as  gathered,  and  for  this  reason,  superadded  to  an 
experience  of  their  excellent  qualities,  one  cannot  but 
feel  surprised  at  their  absence  from  our  markets,  while  the 
truffle  and  morell  obtain  at  times  most  extravagant 
prices.  During  the  past  summer  a country  gentleman, 
living  remote  from  town  and  railway,  has  assured  us 
that  his  own  kitchen,  and  those  of  many  of  his  friends, 
are  kept  with  a supply  of  Helvellas,  for  culinary  purposes, 
from  year  to  year.  In  Sweden  and  Germany  they  are 
considered  equal  to  the  morell,  and  are  known  in  the 
latter  country  uuder  the  name  of  Gemeine  Morchel  or 
Stumpf-Mo  rch  el. 

In  the  succeeding  genus,  Verpa,  we  meet  with  forms 
somewhat  intermediate  between  the  pileate  or  capped 
Helvella  and  the  club-shaped  Geoglossum ; both  species 
are,  however,  rare.  The  only  species  of  Spathularia, 
with  a yellowish,  spoon-shaped  head,  is  more  common, 
as  are  also  two  or  three  of  Geoglossum.  In  this  genus 
the  receptacle  is  club-shaped  and  simple,  with  the  fruc- 
tifying surface  surrounding  the  club,  and,  as  our  figure 
of  G.  olivaceum  (PI.  1 7)  will  show,  might  at  first  be 
taken  for  a species  of  Clavaria.  Both  the  common 
species  of  this  genus  are  black,  and  there  is  no  fear  of  a 
tyro  cooking  them  instead  of  a Clavaria,  from  which 
they  are  further  removed  by  the  unbranched  and  dis- 
tinctly clubbed  termination.  One  of  these  is  hairy  ( G . 
ldrsutum ) and  the  other  smooth  ( G . di forme),  and 
both  are  found  growing  amongst  grass. 

The  succession  of  such  forms  as  are  met  with  in  the 
genus  Peziza  seems  to  be  far  more  sudden.  The  cup- 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


Ill 


shaped  form  of  the  fully  expanded  plant  alone  being 
considered,  it  would  seem  to  be  out  of  place ; but  its 
structural  association  is  far  more  complete.  The  genus 
is  a large  one,  and  the  species  exceedingly  variable  in 
size,  some  having  an  expanse  of  several  inches,  whilst 
others  are  microscopically  minute.  On  account  of  dif- 
ference in  substance,  this  genus  is  subdivided  into  three 
series,  each  of  which  contains  three  or  four  subgenera. 
Although  many  of  the  Pezizas  are  exceedingly  beautiful, 
they  are  equally  useless.  It  is  true  that  one  or  two 
species  have  been  mentioned  as  affording  a wholesome 
and  agreeable  article  of  food,  but  it  is  questionable 
whether  they  really  deserve  recommendation.  The 
localities  on  which  these  fungi  are  produced  are  as 
variable  as  they  are  themselves  in  colour  and  size.  A 
great  number  may  be  found  on  the  ground,  others  on 
damp  walls,  on  the  branches  and  trunks  of  trees,  on 
stumps  and  decayed  wood,  on  fir-cones,  on  plaster  ceil- 
ings and  whitewashed  walls,  on  sticks,  rushes,  dead 
leaves,  and  gravel  walks.  Of  those  that  are  found  on 
wood,  the  majority  confine  themselves  to  trees  of  one 
species  or  genus,  whilst  a few  are  less  exclusive  in  their 
“ natural  selection/’ 

Allied  to  this  genus  is  that  of  Helotium , in  which  the 
disc,  instead  of  being  at  first  closed  as  in  Peziza,  is 
always  open  : the  species  are  less  numerous,  but  the 
localities  are  similar.  Nearly  all  the  members  of  both 
genera  may  be  collected  and  dried  by  exposure  to  the 
air,  and  kept,  in  company  with  a little  cotton  wool  that 
has  been  dipped  in,  or  sprinkled  with,  oil  of  turpentine, 


112 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


in  small  paper  pill-boxes  for  future  reference  or  exami- 
nation. Some  forms,  especially  of  Peziza,  resemble  the 
shields  or  receptacles  of  certain  lichens,  with  which, 
nevertheless,  none  but  a novice  would  confound  them. 

In  the  manufacture  of  the  handsome  Tunbridge-ware, 
a variety  of  wood  is  employed,  under  the  name  of  green 
oak.  Althoug  of  a mineral-green  colour,  this  is  the 
ordinary  British  oak  ; but  the  alteration  which  it  has 
undergone  is  due  to  the  presence  of  a fungus.  A hand- 
some little  species  resembling  a Peziza  {Helotium  ceru- 
ginosim ) traverses  with  its  mycelium  the  whole  fabric 
of  such  wood,  and  these  minute  threads  give  their  green 
tint  to  the  timber.  When  examined  under  the  micro- 
scope, the  beautiful  network  of  the  green  mycelium  is 
distinctly  seen.  This  fungus  attacks  the  fallen  oak- 
branches,  and  the  timber  affected  by  it  is  therefore 
generally  small  in  diameter  ; but,  from  the  minute  size 1 
required  in  the  manufacture  for  which  it  is  employed,  it 
answers  equally  with  the  largest.  Green  wood  is  so' 
exceedingly  uncommon  that,  although  in  a state  of 
decay,  the  green  oak  becomes  of  a marketable  value. 
The  little  green  open  cups  of  this  Helotium  are  not  so 
commonly  met  with  as  the  timber  showing  traces  of  its 
mycelium. 

So  long  since  as  the  time  of  Pliny  and  Dioscorides, 
the  truffle  seems  to  have  been  known  and  appreciated. 
There  are  numerous  species,  and  several  of  these  are 
indigenous  to  Britain.  In  form  and  habit  they  differ 
considerably  from  the  majority  of  fungi,  having  the 
appearance  of  rough,  dark-coloured,  warty  nodules. 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


113 


occasionally  nearly  as  large  as  the  fist,  and  which  are 
found  buried  beneath  the  surface  of  the  soil  (PL  23,  fig.  1). 

The  ordinary  method  of  searching  for  mushrooms  will 
not  succeed  in  this  instance,  and,  therefore,  dogs  are 
trained  to  hunt  for  truffles 
by  the  aid  of  their  peculiar 
odour,  which  makes  itself  evi- 
dent to  the  acute  canine  sense 
of  smell.  In  some  of  the  con- 
tinental countries  of  Europe 
where  these  fungi  are  found, 
pigs  are  employed  as  hunters. 

Kromholz  gives  the  following  instructions  for  the 
benefit  of  those  who  would  undertake  the  search  : — 
“ You  must  have  a sow,  of  five  months  old,  a good 
walker,  with  her  mouth  strapped  up,  and  for  her  efforts 
recompense  her  with  acorns  ; but  as  pigs  are  not  easily 
led,  are  stubborn,  and  go  astray,  and  dig  after  a thou- 
sand other  things,  there  is  but  little  to  be  done  with 
them.  Dogs  are  better;  of  these  select  a small  poodle.” 

The  truffle  most  commonly  obtained  in  Britain  is 
Tuber  wstivim  (the  T.  cibarium  of  some  authors)  ; 
but  the  ordinary  truffles  of  the  Parisian  markets  are 
much  larger  and  better  flavoured.  They  are,  doubtless, 
more  common  in  chalky  districts  than  has  been  sup- 
posed. Our  native  supplies  are  obtained  chiefly  from 
the  downs  of  Wiltshire,  Hampshire,  and  Kent.  From 
the  Continent  we  import  them  sliced  and  dried  ; but  in 
this  condition  one  can  have  but  a faint  idea  of  the  true 
truffle  flavour,  to  appreciate  which  they  must  be  cooked 

i 


Fig.  1. 


114 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


fresh.  Lovers  of  a dish  of  truffles  protest  also  against 
the  barbarity  of  paring  them,  by  which  process  much  of 
the  delicious  aroma  is  lost.  Like  other  fungi,  these 
cannot  be  eaten  too  fresh  ; and  amateurs  speak  with 
delight  of  fresh  truffles  cooked  in  the  embers.  Inferior 
as  the  dried  truffles  are,  they  ordinarily  realize  from 
fifteen  to  twenty  shillings  per  pound  in  the  London 
market,  and  on  the  Continent  this  fungus  always  ob- 
tains a good  price,  which  has  occasioned  many  experi- 
ments being  made  on  its  artificial  culture.  In  woods  in 
the  south  of  France,  truffles  are  raised  by  watering  the 
soil  with  water  in  which  the  skins  of  these  tubers  have 
been  rubbed.  In  Vaucluse  crops  have  been  raised  in  a 
meadow  manured  with  truffle  parings.  In  the  latter 
locality,  also,  seedling  oaks  have  been  reared,  and  with 
them,  what  have  been  termed  oak-truffles.  M.  de  Gas- 
parin,  one  of  the  jurors  of  the  Paris  Exposition,  has 
reported  the  result  of  his  visit  to  one  of  these  truffle- 
grounds  at  Carpentras.  Encouraged  by  the  high  price 
of  truffles,  the  proprietor  of  a somewhat  stubborn  soil 
determined  to  convert  it  into  a truffle-ground.  The 
land  was  sown  with  the  acorns  of  the  common  and  of 
the  evergreen  oak.  In  the  fourth  year  three  truffles 
were  found,  and  in  about  four  years  more  upwards  of 
thirty  pounds  were  collected.  When  M.  de  Gasparin 
visited  the  plantation,  upwards  of  two  pounds  of  truffles 
were  gathered  in  a very  poor  part  of  the  plantation 
within  an  hour.  All  the  truffles  collected  on  this 
ground  have  been  taken  at  the  base  of  evergreen  oaks  ; 
but  other  plantations  in  Vaucluse  produce  them  at  the 


Via  te  2" 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


115 


foot  of  the  common  oak.  It  lias  been  remarked  that 
the  truffles  produced  about  the  latter  trees  are  larger 
and  more  irregular  in  form  than  those  of  the  evergreen 
oak,  which  are  nearly  always  spherical.  The  planta- 
tion of  vines  in  these  truffle-plots  has  been  found 
advantageous  ; so  that,  in  some  cases,  rows  of  vines 
alternate  with  those  of  oaks.  As  a remunerative 
speculation,  however,  thus  far  the  experiment  has  not 
been  altogether  successful. 

M.  de  Gasparin  says,  “ A sow  is  employed  to  search 
for  the  truffles.  At  the  distance  of  twenty  feet  she 
scents  the  truffles  and  makes  rapidly  for  the  foot  of  the 
oak,  where  she  finds  them,  and  digs  into  the  earth  with 
her  snout.  She  wmuld  soon  root  up  and  eat  her  treasure 
were  she  not  turned  aside  by  the  light  stroke  of  the  stick 
on  her  nose,  and  given  an  acorn  or  a dry  chestnut, 
which  is  her  reward/’ 

The  truffles  are  gathered  at  two  periods  of  the  year. 
In  May  white  truffles  only  are  found,  which  never 
blacken,  and  have  no  odour  ; these  are  dried  and  sold 
for  seasoning.  The  black  truffles  are  dug  up  a month 
before,  and  a month  after  Christmas,  when  they  have 
become  hard  and  acquired  all  their  perfume. 

In  order  that  all  who  are  fortunate  enough  to  find  a 
dish  of  fresh  truffles  may  be  able  to  cook  them  to  the 
best  advantage,  let  us  commend  them  to  a few  of  the 
most  approved  methods.  If  one  should  desire  a ragout , 
then  let  the  tubers  be  well  washed  and  afterwards 
soaked  in  oil,  then  cut  them  in  slices  about  a quarter 
of  an  inch  in  thickness,  place  them  in  a stewpan,  with 

I 2 


116 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


oil,  or  butter  if  preferred,  salt,  pepper,  and  a little  white 
wine.  When  cooked,  bind  the  whole  together  with  the 
yolks  of  eggs.  Another  method  employed  in  France 
includes  a bottle  of  champagne  in  the  preparation.  A 
far  more  economical  one  consists  in  wrapping  each 
truffle  in  a sheet  of  buttered  paper,  and  cooking  them 
by  steam.  Should  it  be  desired  to  prepare  them  a I’lt- 
alienne,  then  middle-sized  truffles  should  be  selected, 
cut  into  fine  slices,  placed  in  a stewpan,  with  oil,  salt, 
pepper,  parsley,  shallots,  and  chopped  garlic.  Let  them 
cook  gently  over  a slow  fire,  and  serve  with  the  juice  of 
a lemon.  If  it  is  preferred  that  your  dish  of  truffles 
should  be  prepared  a la  Piemontaise,  then,  having 
soaked  them  in  oil,  slice  them  thin,  put  them  in  your 
stewpan  (an  eminent  French  authority  says  it  should 
be  a silver  dish),  add  thereto  salt,  oil,  and  pepper,  and 
grate  over  them  some  Parmesan  cheese  ; then  place  the 
dish  over  the  hot  cinders  for  a quarter  of  an  hour.  One 
method  which  is  highly  recommended  by  those  who 
have  adopted  it,  consists  in  cleaning  some  good  truffles, 
sprinkling  them  with  salt  and  pepper,  and  wrapping 
them  in  several  folds  of  paper,  garnished  with  rashers 
of  bacon.  They  should  be  cooked  a good  hour,  then 
denuded  of  their  paper  envelope,  wiped,  and  served  hot. 
It  will  suffice  to  add  a method  for  preparing  a ratafia 
which  may  recommend  itself  to  some.  Take  two  pounds 
of  truffles,  cut  intt)  fragments,  and  soak  them  in  two 
pints  of  good  brandy,  to  which  has  been  added  about 
half  an  ounce  of  vanilla  cut  in  pieces.  After  three 
weeks,  strain  the  liquor  and  add  two  pounds  of  sugar 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


117 


dissolved  in  one  pint  of  water.  The  ratafia  may  then 
be  preserved  in  well-corked  bottles  for  use.  If  this 
process  has  nothing  else  to  recommend  it,  it  has  at  least 
the  merit  of  being  rather  an  expensive  one. 

Besides  this  the  following  species  are  also  indigenous 
to  Great  Britain : T.  brumale , macrosporum,  bitumina- 
tum,  rufium,  excavatum,  scleroneuron,  nitidum,  puber il- 
ium, and  dryophilum  ; but  of  their  esculent  properties 
we  confess  ourselves  profoundly  ignorant. 

Under  the  name  oiLy  coper  don  nuts,  or  Hart’s  truffles, 
one  species  of  Elaphomyces  (E.  granulatus ) had  for- 
merly a medicinal  reputation,  and  might  be  met  with 
in  the  herbalists’  shops  ; but  now  the  name  is  almost 
unknown.  In  some  country  districts,  amongst  the 
lovers  of  the  marvellous  and  antique,  it  still  bears  a part 
of  its  original  reputation,  and  occasionally  obtains 
employment. 

The  medicinal  substance  known  under  the  name  of 
ergot  of  rye  has  a fungoid  origin,  and  is,  indeed,  an 
altered  condition  of  the  grain,  caused  by  the  growth  of 
a parasitical  species  of  Claviceps  ((7.  purpurea ).  The 
mycelium  of  this  parasite  traverses  the  substance  of  the 
grain,  and  so  entirely  changes  its  properties,  that  what 
w*as  before  available  as  an  article  of  food,  now  becomes 
decidedly  injurious.  Bread  made  of  ergfttized  grain 
produces  a form  of  disease  called  ergotism,  which  has 
at  different  times  overspread  large  districts  on  the  Con- 
tinent, as  though  it  were  the  visitation  of  the  plague. 
The  genus  Claviceps  belongs  to  the  order  Splicer iacei, 
which  is  nearly  allied  to  that  which  contains  the  truffle. 


118 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


DISCRIMINATION  AND  PRESERVATION  OF 
FUNGI. 

It  may,  perhaps,  be  anticipated,  that  some  general 
rules  will  be  given  to  facilitate  discrimination  between 
esculent  <and  poisonous  species.  Unfortunately,  all 
attempts  at  establishing  such  a code  of  regulations, 
which  shall  be  applicable  in  all  cases,  have  failed  ; for 
unless  universally  applicable,  such  rules  are  useless. 
We  remember  to  have  seen  the  following  example  of 
generalization,  which  would  exclude  several  useful 
species;  viz.,  “ All  that  have  the  following  characters 
are  poisonous  : — 

“ I.  Such  as  have  a cap  very  thin  in  proportion  to 
the  gills. 

“ II.  Such  as  have  the  stalk  growing  from  one  side 
of  the  cap. 

“ III.  Those  in  which  the  gills  are  all  of  equal 
length. 

“ IV.  Such  as  have  a milky  juice. 

£<  V.  Such  as  deliquesce  ; that  is,  run  speedily  into 
a dark  watery  fluid. 

£C  VI.  Arfd  lastly,  every  one  that  has  the  collar  that 
surrounds  the  stalk  filamentous,  or  resembling  a spider’s 
web.” 

If  the  second  rule  were  always  true,  then  the  elm 
agaric,  Agaricus  ulmarius,  which  has  its  stem  excen- 
tric,  or  near  the  margin  of  the  cap,  would  be  poisonous, 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


119 


whereas  it  is  often  eaten  without  ill  effects.  If  the 
fourth  rule  is  without  exception,  how  is  it  that  the 
orange  agaric  ( Lactarius  deliciosus) , which  contains  a 
milky  juice,  has  obtained  the  name  of  delicious,  and  is 
really  considered  so  by  those  who  have  tried  it,  and 
without  inconvenience?  If  the  fifth  rule  is  accepted, 
then  both  species  of  Coprinus,  which  have  been  recom- 
mended as  affording  an  excellent  ketchup,  ■ must  be 
avoided. 

In  default,  however,  of  general  rules,  we  would  re- 
commend no  one  to  experiment  upon  species  which  are 
unknown  to  them,  or  which  we  have  not  pointed  out  as 
safe.  It  is  not  advisable  to  venture  upon  such  as  have 
a decidedly  acrid  or  unpleasant  taste  in  the  raw  state, 
unless  they  are  known  to  be  edible.  One  or  two  species 
which  possess  such  properties  when  uncooked,  are  whole- 
some when  dressed ; but  these  are  exceptions  to  the 
general  rule.  If  only  such  species  are  employed  as  we 
have  described  in  the  foregoing  pages,  and  delineated 
in  the  plates,  there  is  no  fear  of  unpleasant  results. 
Unfortunately,  it  is  too  true  that  some  people  will  not 
give  themselves  the  trouble  to  think  or  examine,  or  we 
should  never  hear  of  such  manifest  stupidity,  as  con- 
founding the  root  of  monkshood  with  that  of  horseradish  ; 
two  roots  almost  as  unlike  as  roots  well  can  be,  and 
much  more  distinct  than  many  a noxious  and  esculent 
mushroom.  Upon  such  individuals  all  rules  and 
recommendations  would  be  thrown  away ; but  the 
majority  of  our  readers  will,  we  think,  confess  that 
we  have  given  them  the  best  guide  in  the  distinct 


120 


A PLAIN  AND  EASY  ACCOUNT 


specific  characters  of  each  fungus  which  enjoys  a good 
reputation. 

Subject  as  all  fungi  are  to  speedy  decomposition, 
which  intimates  the  existence  of  new  compounds  as  the 
result  of  the  chemical  action,  it  is  always  advisable  that 
all  mushrooms,  whether  of  the  ordinary  kind  or  those 
less  commonly  included  under  that  term,  should  be 
prepared  for  the  table  as  soon  as  possible  after  being 
collected.  Not  only  do  they  lose  flavour  by  keeping, 
but  they  are  then  more  likely  to  produce  unpleasant 
results.  It  is  also  an  excellent  precaution  to  employ 
plenty  of  salt  and  spice  in  the  preparation.  Even 
poisonous  fungi,  and  those  of  an  active  character,  have 
been  cooked  with  plenty  of  salt,  and  eaten  with  safety. 
It  is  only  under  such  circumstances  that  we  can  imagine 
a fungus  so  injurious  as  Amanita  muscaria  being  eaten 
at  all,  as  it  is  said  to  be  in  Russia.  The  fact  is  equally 
well  known,  that  in  Russia  fungi  are  thoroughly  cooked, 
and  with  plenty  of  salt.  We  have  always  exercised 
what  we  believed  to  be  a prudent  caution  in  experiment- 
ing upon  the  esculent  qualities  of  fungi,  and  would 
recommend  others  to  follow  our  example.  It  is  true 
that  we  have  a number  of  species  which  are  now  known 
to  be  wholesome  ; but  an  amateur  testing  a species  for 
the  first  time  would  do  well  to  exercise  caution  in  con- 
ducting the  experiment,  to  have  regard  to  the  taste 
when  raw,  and  to  proceed  still  more  cautiously  if  there 
is  any  evidence  of  acridity  in  the  uncooked  fungus.  We 
would  fain  hope  that  our  little  account  will  be  found  a 
‘plain  and  easy  ” one,  and  that  it  may  lead  to  a better 


OP  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


121 


acquaintance  with  such  species  as  we  have  recommended 
without  fear ; but  we  would,  nevertheless,  lend  no 
encouragement  to  a promiscuous  consignment  of  un- 
known species  to  the  charge  of  the  cook  for  a hash  or 
puree. 

It  has  often  been  alleged,  not  only  that  the  study  of 
fungi  has  but  few  attractions,  and  cannot  compete  suc- 
cessfully in  interest  with  that  of  ferns  and  algae,  but 
also  that  there  are  such  insurmountable  obstacles  in  the 
way  of  preserving  them,  that,  having  once  secured  the 
specimens,  there  is  no  chance  of  making  them  available 
for  a future  occasion.  It  may  be  true  that  the  delicate 
and  elegant  forms  and  beautiful  tints  of  many  sea-weeds, 
as  well  as  the  graceful  outline  of  the  fronds  of  ferns, 
may  make  these  members  of  the  vegetable  kingdom 
more  suitable  for  the  lady’s  album,  but  it  is  not  every 
one  who  is  privileged  to  dwell  by  the  seashore  through 
the  entire  year,  and  the  ferns  of  one  locality  may  soon 
be  collected  and  consigned  to  their  resting-places. 
Fungi,  on  the  contrary,  abound  everywhere,  and  the 
collector  can  never  declare  the  resources  of  his  locality 
exhausted.  Beautiful  objects  are  by  no  means  rare, 
and  the  pocket  lens  and  microscope  are  sure  of  constant 
employment.  There  is  no  difficulty  whatever  in  pre- 
serving the  minute  species  upon  the  leaves,  or  other 
matrices  upon  which  they  vegetate.  These  may  be 
dried  and  fastened  down  upon  small  squares  of  white 
paper,  named,  and  arranged  with  as  great  facility  as 
either  of  the  more  popular  classes  of  plants  to  which  we 
have  adverted.  Occasionally  a group  will  be  met  with, 


122 


A PLAIN  AND  EAS5T  ACCOUNT 


the  individuals  composing  which  are  so  exceedingly 
fragile  that  such  a method  of  preservation  will  not  avail. 
In  many  such  cases  the  mould , or  fungus,  may  be 
mounted  at  once  in  the  ordinary  way  on  a slide  for  the 
microscope,  and  all  its  features  carefully  preserved. 

The  greatest  difficulty  rests  with  the  larger  species, 
such  as  many  of  the  Agarics  and  Boleti ; and  for  these 
no  better  method  can  be  recommended  than  that  detailed 
by  Klotsch,  himself  an  indefatigable  collector,  thirty 
years  ago  : — 

“ With  a delicate  scimitar-shaped  knife  or  scalpel, 
such  as  is  found  in  a surgeon’s  instrument-case,  I make 
a double  vertical  section,  through  the  middle,  from  the 
top  of  thepileusto  the  base  of  the  stem,  so  as  to  remove 
a slice.  This,  it  will  be  at  once  seen,  shows  the  vertical 
outline  of  the  whole  fungus,  the  internal  nature  of  its 
stem,  whether  hollow,  or  spongy,  or  solid,  the  thickness 
of  the  pileus,  and  the  peculiarities  of  the  gills,  whether 
equal  or  unequal  in  length,  decurrent  upon  the  stem,  or 
otherwise,  &c.  There  will  then  remain  the  two  sides, 
or  nearly  halves  of  the  fungus,  which  each  in  itself 
gives  a correct  idea,  if  I may  so  express  myself,  of  the 
whole  circumference  of  the  plant.  But  before  we  pro- 
ceed to  dry  them,  it  is  necessary  to  separate  the  stem 
from  the  pileus,  and  from  the  latter  to  scrape  out  the 
fleshy  lamellae  or  gills,  if  an  Agaric,  or  the  tubes  of 
a Boletus.  We  have  thus  the  fungus  divided  into 
five  portions, — a central  thin  slice,  two  nearly  halves  of 
the  stem,  and  the  same  sections  of  the  pileus.  These, 
after  being  a little  exposed  to  the  air,  that  they  may 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


123 


part  with  some  of  their  moisture,  but  not  so  long  that 
they  shrivel,  are  to  be  placed  between  dry  blotting- 
paper,  and  subjected  to  pressure  as  other  plants,  the 
papers  being  changed  daily  till  the  specimens  are  per- 
fectly dry.  When  this  is  the  case,  the  central  portion 
or  slice  and  the  two  halves  of  the  stem  are  to  be 
fastened  upon  white  paper,  together  with  the  respective 
halves  of  the  pileus  upon  the  top  of  the  latter  in  their 
original  position.  Here  will  thus  be  three  sections,  from 
which  a correct  idea  of  the  whole  plant  may  be  obtained. 
The  volva  and  ring  of  such  species  as  possess  them  must 
be  retained.  With  care,  even  the  most  fugacious  species 
may  be  well  preserved,  according  to  this  method.  Some 
of  the  smaller  and  less  fleshy  kinds  will  not  require  to 
have  the  gills  removed.  In  collecting  fleshy  fungi,  care 
must  be  taken  that  they  are  not  too  old,  and  absolutely 
in  a state  of  decomposition,  or  too  much  infested  with 
the  larvae  of  insects.  When  this  latter  is  the  case, 
some  oil  of  turpentine  poured  over  them  will  either 
drive  them  rapidly  from  their  holes,  or  destroy  them. 
Species  with  a clammy  viscid  pileus  it  is  better  to 
expose  to  a dry  air  or  the  heat  of  a fire,  before  being 
placed  in  papers. 

“ The  separate  parts  of  the  genera  Phallus  and 
Clathrus  I fill  with  cotton,  keep  them  for  a time 
exposed  to  a dry  atmosphere,  and  then,  after  removing 
the  cotton,  subject  them  to  pressure.  The  same  may 
be  done  with  the  large  tremelloid  Pezizcu.” 

In  order  to  protect  the  specimens  as  far  as  possible 
from  insects,  it  is  recommended  that  they  should  be 


124 


BRITISH  FUNGI. 


washed  over,  by  the  aid  of  a camel-hair  pencil,  with  oil 
of  turpentine,  in  which  a little  finely  powdered  corrosive 
sublimate  has  been  mixed.  As  the  sublimate  will  not 
dissolve  in  the  turpentine,  it  is  essential  that  it  should 
be  powdered  as  fine  as  possible,  and  that  the  mixture, 
should  be  well  shaken  before  it  is  employed. 

Some  of  the  smaller  species  may  be  dried  at  once  ■ 
without  dissection,  and  there  are  others,  which,  though . 
larger,  are  less  watery,  and  may  be  dried  in  a current  of 
air,  so  as  to  retain  much  of  their  original  character. 
Many  of  the  species  of  Polyporus,  Dccdalea,  Thelephora, 
he.,  require  nothing  more  than  drying  in  the  air,  wash- 
ing with  a little  turpentine,  and  keeping  in  paper  trays 
or  boxes.  It  is  scarce  worthy  of  ^inquiry  what  fluid . 
will  best  preserve  the  specimens  immersed  in  it,  since 
the  room  occupied  by  a series  of  glass  bottles  or  jars, . 
each  containing  its  own  individual  species,  would  be  so 
great  as  to  render  the  method  impracticable.  Withering ; 
recommended,  that  for  such  a process  two  ounces  of: 
sulphate  of  copper  should  be  powdered  and  dissolved  in 
a pint  of  boiling  water,  and  when  cold  added  to  half  a 
pint  of  spirits  of  wine.  In  this  liquor  the  specimens 
should  be  immersed  for  three  or  four  hours,  then  taken . 
out  and  placed  permanently  in  glass  bottles  containing  a 
preserving  fluid  of  the  proportions  of  three  fluid  ounces 
of  spirits  of  wine  to  a pint  of  water.  We  nevertheless 
entertain  serious  doubts  whether  such  a plan  would  in . 
its  results  offer  compensation  for  the  labour,  room,  and 
expense  to  be  sacrificed. 


TABU  HAIR  ARRAMGEMENT 

OF 

BEITISH  FUNGI. 


Cellular  flowerless  plants,  nourished  through  their 
mycelium  or  spawn  ; living  in  air  ; propagated  by  spores  ; 
naked,  or  inclosed  in  asci.  Destitute  of  green  gonidia 
(by  which  feature  they  are  distingished  from  Lichens). 

Cohort  I.— SPORIFERI. 

Having  the  spores  or  reproductive  bodies  naked  or 
exposed. 

Family  I. 

HYMEHOMYCETES  or  AGAK.ICACEYE. 

Hymenium,  or  spore-bearing  surface,  exposed;  spores 
generally  in  fours,  borne  on  distinct  spicules. 

Order  I. — AGARICINI.  Gill-hearing  Fungi. 

Hymenium,  or  spore-bearing  surface,  inferior,  spread 
over  lamellae  or  gills,  which  radiate  from  a common 
centre,  and  each  of  which  may  be  separated  into  two 
plates. 

Genera. 

1.  Yolva  distinct;  gills  membranaceous,  persistent, 
acute.  Amanita 


126 


TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT 


2.  Gills  membranaceous,  not  melting  ; edge  acute. 

Agaricus  L. 


Series  1. — Leucospori,  with  white  spores. 


Sub-Oen.  Lepiota. 

Armillaria. 

Tricholoma. 

Clitocybe. 


Sub-Gen.  Collybia. 
Mycena. 
Omphalia. 
Pleurotus. 


Series  2. 


HyporTiodii , with  salmon-coloured 
spores. 

Sub-Gen.  Vo lv aria. 

Pluteus. 

Entoloma. 


Clitopilus. 


Sub- Gen.  Leptonia. 

Nolanea. 

Eccilia. 


Series  3.  — Dermini,  with  ferruginous  spores, 
sometimes  tawnv. 


Sub-Gen.  Pholiota. 

Hebeloma. 

Elammula. 


Sub-Gen.  Naucoria. 
Galera. 
Crepidotus. 


Series  4.  — Fratellas , with  brownish-purple  orr 
brown  spores. 


Sub-Gen.  Psalliota 

Hypholoma. 


Sub-Gen.  Psilocybe. 
Psathyra. 


Series  5. — Coprinarii,  with  black  spores. 
Sub-Gen.  Panseolus.  I Sub-Gen.  Psathyrella. 


Gills  membranaceous,  deliquescent ; spores  black. 

Copkinus,  Fr. 


Gills  becoming  moist ; spores  coloured. 

Bolbitius,  Fr. 


Gills  persistent ; veil'  arachnoid  or  cobweb-like ; 
spores  rusty  ochre.  Cortinarius,  Fr. 


Sub-Gen.  Phlegmacium. 
Myxacium. 


Sub-Gen.  Dermocybe. 

Telamonia. 

Hygrocybe. 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


127 


6.  Grills  persistent,  distinct  from  hymenophorum. 

Paxielus,  Fr. 

7.  Gills  slightly  branched  ; pileus  top-shaped  ; spores 

fusiform.  Gomphidius,  Fr. 

8.  Hymenophorum  continuous  with  stem. 

Hygrophorus,  Fr. 

9.  Gills  milky.  Lactarius,  Fr. 

10.  Gills  rigid,  not  milky  ; veil  absent. 

Ktjssula,  Fr. 

11.  Gills  thick,  branched,  obtuse-edged. 

Cantiiarellus,  Fr. 

12.  Gills  fleshy,  obtuse  ; often  parasitic. 

Nyctalis,  Fr. 

13.  Hymenium  dry,  continuous  between  the  gills  ; 
lamellae  thick,  rough,  and  acute-edged. 

Marasmius,  Fr. 

14.  Pileus  hard,  dry,  and  tough  ; edge  of  gills  acute, 

toothed.  Lentinus,  Fr. 

15.  Pileus  fleshy  and  tough  ; edge  acute,  entire. 

Pants,  Fr. 

16.  Gills  tough  and  forked ; edge  obtuse,  entire. 

Xerotus,  Fr. 


17.  Gills  split  longitudinally,  with  the  two  divisions 
spreading.  Schizomlyllum:,  Fr. 

] 8.  Corky  ; gills  anastomosing.  Lenzites,  Fr. 


128 


TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT 


Order  II. — POLYPOBEI.  Tube-bearing  Fungi. 

Hymenium,  or  spore-bearing  surface,  lining  the  cavities 
of  tubes  or  pores,  which  are  sometimes  broken  up  into 
plates. 

Genera. 

19.  Tubes  separable  from  one  another ; hymenopho- 
rum  distinct  from  hymenium.  Boletus,  Fr. 

20.  Spores  globose,  or  broadly  elliptic  and  rough. 

Steobilomyces,  j Berk. 

21.  Pores  not  easily  separable.  Polypokus,  Fr. 

22.  Pores  concrete  with  the  pileus.  Teametes,  Fr. 

23.  Substance  corky  ; pores  labyrinthiform. 

Djedalea,  Pers. 

24.  Substance  waxy,  with  sinuous  toothed  folds. 

Meeulius,  Fr. 

25.  Covered  with  papillae,  ultimately  opening. 

POEOTHELIUM,  Fr. 

26.  Hymenium  inferior ; papillae  forming  distinct 

tubes.  Pistulina,  Bull. 


Order  III. — HYDNEI.  Spine-bearing  Fungi. 
Fructifying  surface  spread  over  spines  or  teeth. 

Genera. 

27.  Spines  awl-shaped,  distinct.  Hydnum,  L. 

28.  Gill-like  teeth,  irregularly  distributed,  bearing  the 

hymenium.  Sistoteeha,  Pers. 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


129 


29.  Teeth  in  rows,  or  like  network,  connected. 

Iepex,  Fr. 

30.  With  waxy  irregular  tubercles.  Radulum,  Fr. 

31.  Hymenium  subgelatinous,  spread  over  persistent 

veins.  Phlebia,  Fr. 

32.  Hymenium  granulated.  G-randinia,  F\ 

33.  With  spiny,  crested  warts.  Odontia,  Fr. 

34.  Hymenium  rough,  with  bristles.  Kneieeia,  Fr. 


Order  IY. — ATJRICITLARXNL  Leathery  Fungi. 
Hymenium  commonly  even. 

Genera. 

35.  Fleshy,  smooth,  putrescent  when  old. 

Crateeellus,  Fr. 

36.  Hymenium  tough,  fleshy,  without  a cuticle,  at 

length  rigid  and  flocculent.  Thelephora,  Fr. 

37.  Hymenium  leathery,  having  a cuticle,  even,  not 

bristly.  Stereuh,  Fr. 

38.  Hymenium  leathery,  even,  beset  with  short  bristles. 

Hyhenochaste,  Lev. 

39.  Hymenium  gelatinous  when  wet,  folded,  differing 

in  substance  from  the  pileus. 

Aueiculabia,  Fr. 

40.  Hymenium  soft  and  fleshy,  swollen  when  moist. 

Corticium,  Fr. 

41.  Cup-shaped.  Hymenium  inferior,  confluent  with 

the  pileus.  Cyphella,  Fr. 

K 


130 


TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT 


Order  Y. — CL  A.  V AHIEI.  Club-bearing  Fungi. 

The  hymenium  not  confined  to  a particular  surface, 
and  scarcely  distinct ; vertical. 

Genera. 

42.  Eiesliy,  much  branched,  branches  dilated. 

Sparassis,  Fr. 

42*.  Eleshy.  Hymenium  dry,  simple  or  branched. 

Clavaria,  L. 

43.  Gelatinous.  Hymenium  viscid,  simple  or  branched. 

Calocera,  Fr. 

44.  Filiform,  flaccid.  Hymenium  thin,  waxy. 

Typhula,  Fr. 

45.  Club-shaped,  waxy,  thin,  horny.  Cellular. 

Pistillaria,  Fr. 


Order  VI, — TREMELLINI.  Gelatinous  Fungi. 
Whole  plant  gelatinous  ; spicules  elongated  threads. 

Genera. 

46.  Iunnarginate.  Hymenium  not  papillate. 

Trehella,  F\ 

47.  Margined,  fertile  above,  glandular  ; barren  below. 

Exidia,  Fr. 

48.  Cup-shaped.  Hymenium  not  papillate,  outer  sur- 

face velvety.  Hirneola,  Fr. 

49.  Nucleus  solid,  entirely  invested  by  the  hymenium. 

Nojmatelia,  Fr. 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


131 


50.  Conidia  in  moniliform  rows,  sporophores  clavate. 

Dacryhyces,  Nees. 

51.  Hollow,  inflated,  floccose,  smooth. 

Apyrenium,  Fr. 

52.  Effused,  maculceform,  very  thin. 

Hymenula,  Fr. 

53.  Orbicular,  discoid.  Hymenium  at  first  veiled. 

Hitiola,  Fr. 


Family  II. 

GASTEROMYCETES,  or  LYCOPERDACEJE. 

Hymenium,  or  spore-bearing  surface,  enclosed  in  a 
peridium  ; spores  generally  iu  fours,  on  distinct  spicules 
or  stalks. 

Order  VII. — IIYPOGiEI.  Subterranean  Fungi. 

Hymenium  not  becoming  dusty,  or  melting ; subter- 
ranean. 

Genera. 

54.  Peridium  cottony,  with  a sterile  base.  Cells  at 

first  empty.  Trama  byssoid.  Spores  rough. 

Octayiania,  Vitt. 

55.  Peridium  without  a distinct  base.  Cells  at  first 

pulpy.  Spores  smooth. 

Melanogaster,  Cor  da. 

56.  Peridium  fleshy,  without  a distinct  base.  Cells 

at  first  empty.  Spores  echinate. 

Hydnangium,  Wallr. 

57.  Peridium  separable.  Cells  at  first  empty.  Spores 

roinute.  IIysterangium,  Vitt. 

k 2 


132 


TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT 


58.  Peridium  continuous,  traversed  with  branched 
fibres.  Cells  at  first  empty.  Spores  smooth. 

Ehizopogon,  Tul. 


59.  Peridium  fleshy,  with  an  absorbing  base.  Cells  at 
first  empty.  Trama  not  byssoid.  Spores 
various.  Hymenogastee,  Tul. 


Order  VIII. — PIIALLOIDEI.  StinJchorn  Fungi. 

* 

Hymenium  melting. 

Genera. 

60.  Pileus  perforated  at  the  apes,  free.  Phallus,  L . 

61.  Pileus  imperforate,  adnate.  Cynophallus,  Fr. 

62.  Eeceptacle  forming  a network. 

Clathrus,  Mich . 


Order  IX.— TEICHOGASTEES.  Fuff-hall  Fungi . 
Hymenium  drying  into  a dusty  mass. 

Genera. 

63.  Eeceptacle  pileate,  seated  on  a tall  stem. 

Bataerea,  Fers. 

64.  Peridium  thin,  distinct  from  the  elongated  stem. 

Tulostoha,  Fers. 

65.  Peridium  double,  the  outer  dividing  in  a stellate 

manner.  Geaster,  Mich. 

66.  Peridium  with  a distinct  bark.  Spores  pedicellate, 

Boyista,  Bill. 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


133 


67.  Peridium  membranaceous,  bark  adnate,  breaking 

up  into  scales  or  warts.  Base  sterile. 

Lycopeedon,  Tourn. 

68.  Peridium  firm,  veined  internally.  Spores  large, 

granulated.  Scleroderma,  Pers. 

69.  Common  peridium,  simple,  interior  divided  into 

cells  filled  with  peridiola.  Polysaccum,  DC. 

70.  Peridium  naked,  thick,  at  length  hollow. 

Cenococcum,  Fr. 


Order  X. — MYXOGrASTRES.  Dust  Fungi. 

At  first  pulpy ; afterwards  filled  with  threads  and 
dust-like  spores. 

Genera. 

71.  Peridium  double,  persistent,  warty  or  mealy. 

Elocci  delicate,  adnate.  Lycogala,  Mich. 

72.  Peridium  simple,  fugitive,  naked.  Elocci  flat,  sub- 

reticulate. Reticulaeia,  Bull. 

73.  Peridium  with  a floccose  coat.  Elocci  interwoven. 

^Ethalium,  Link. 

74.  Peridium  simple,  crustaceous.  Spores  enclosed  in 

the  folds  of  a membrane.  Spumabia,  Pers. 

75.  Peridium  double,  external  smooth,  internal  eva- 

nescent. Elocci  adnate.  Diderma,  Pers. 

76.  Peridium  scaly  or  floccose.  Bursting  irregularly. 

Didymium,  Schrad. 

77.  Peridium  delicate,  smooth.  Columella  absent. 

Physaeum,  Pers. 


134 


TABULAE  ARRANGEMENT 


78.  Peridium  membraneous,  bursting  longitudinally. 

Flocci  flat,  adnate.  Angioeidiuh,  Grev. 

79.  Peridium  naked  or  mealy.  Spores  clustered  at 

first  in  cysts.  Badhamia,  Berlc. 

80.  Peridium  simple,  at  first  closed  with  an  opercu- 

lum. Ceaterium,  Trent. 

81.  Peridium  delicate,  falling  away  in  fragments. 

Diachea,  Fr. 

82.  Peridium  delicate,  evanescent.  Threads  reticulate, 

springing  from  a central  stem. 

Stemonitis,  Gled. 

83.  Peridium  delicate,  evanescent,  except  at  the  apex.' 

Spores  in  cysts.  Eneethenema,  Boicm. 

84.  Peridium  delicate,  evanescent,  veined  with  the 

enclosed  threads.  Dictydium,  Schrad. 

85.  Peridium  persistent  below.  Elocci  netted  above. 

Ceibraria,  Schrad. 

86.  Peridium  simple,  evanescent  above.  Threads 

elastic,  not  spiral.  Arcyeia,  Sill. 

87.  Peridium  simple,  bursting  longitudinally.  Threads 

of  two  kinds : 1.  delicate,  bearing  spores ; 
2.  thicker,  branched  and  echinulate. 

Ophiotheca,  Curr. 

88.  Peridium  simple,  persistent,  bursting  irregularly. 

Threads  spiral.  Trichia,  Sail. 

89.  Peridium  simple,  persistent,  splitting  horizontally. 

Threads  not  spiral.  Perichjena,  Fr. 

90.  Peridium  membranaceous,  bursting  irregularly. 

Spores  not  mixed  with  threads. 

Licea,  Schrad. 

91.  Peridium  persistent,  splitting  longitudinally. 

Spores  large,  rough.  Phelonitis,  Chev. 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


135 


Order  XI. — NIDULARIACEI.  Nest-bearing  Fungi. 

Spores  compacted  into  globose  or  disk-shaped  bodies, 
nested  in  a distinct  peridium. 

Genera. 

t 

92.  Peridium  composed  of  three  membranes.  Spo- 

rangia plane,  attached  by  a thread  to  the  walls. 

Ctathus,  Fers. 

93.  Peridium  uniform,  spongy.  Sporangia  plane, 

attached  by  a thread  to  a little  tubercle. 

Crucibuluh,  Tul. 

94.  Peridium  double.  Inner  one  at  length  inverted, 

ejecting  a globose  sporangium. 

Sphjeeobolus,  Tode. 

95.  Peridium  globose,  somewhat  fleshy.  Sporangium 

globose,  papillate.  Theleeolus,  Tode. 

96.  Peridium  sub-hemispherical,  hyaline.  Sporangia 

large.  Polyangium,  Link. 

Family  III. 

CONIOMYCETES,  or  UEEDINACEiE. 

Spores  single,  on  more  or  less  distinct  sporophores ; 
flocci,  or  threads  of  the  fruit,  obsolete,  or  nearly  so. 

Order  XII. — SPHiERONEMEi. 
Perithecium  distinct. 

Genera. 

97.  Perithecium  membranaceous.  Spores  simple. 

Coniothyeium,  Co  r da. 


136 


TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT 


98.  Perithecium  membranaceous,  breaking  off  at  the 

• base.  Spore  simple,  minute. 

Leptosteoha,  Fr. 

99.  Perithecium  subglobose,  sometimes  incorporated. 

Spores  simple.  Phoma,  Fr. 

100.  Perithecium  flat,  breaking  off  at  the  base.  Spores 

cylindrical  or  irregular. 

Leptothteium,  Kze. 

101.  Perithecium  orbicular.  Spores  fusiform,  simple. 

Actinothyeiuh,  Kze. 

102.  Perithecium  covered.  Spores  fusiform,  simple. 

Ceyptospoeiuh,  Kze. 

103.  Perithecium  free.  Spores  minute,  oozing  out 

and  forming  a globule.  Sph^eeonema,  Tode. 

104.  Perithecium  free,  distinct,  papillate.  Spores 

minute.  AposPHiEEiA,  Berk. 

105.  Perithecium  distinct.  Spores  various,  simple, 

escaping  at  the  apex.  Sph^eopsis,  Lev. 

106.  Nucleus  immersed  in  the  stroma.  Astomous. 

Spores  pedicellate,  simple.  Dothiora,  Fr. 

107.  Perithecium  free,  bursting  by  fissures.  Spores 

simple.  Clinterium,  Fr. 

108.  Perithecium  cylindrical.  Spores  long,  flexuous 

a$d  erect.  Acrospeemum,  Tode. 

109.  Perithecium  distinct.  Spores  uniseptate. 

Diploma,  Fr. 

110.  Perithecium  distinct.  Spores  two  or  multisep- 

tate.  Hendeesonia,  Berk. 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


137 


111.  Perithecium  delicate.  Spores  containing  a row 

of  sporidiola,  oozing  out  in  a tendril.* 

Darluca,  Cast. 

112.  Perithecium  thin,  bristly.  Spores  vermiculate. 

Vermicularia,  Tode. 

113.  Perithecium  flat,  opening  at  the  base.  Spores 

septate,  aristate.  Discosia,  Lib. 

114.  Perithecium  scutellasform.  Spores  curved. 

Piliditjm,  Kze. 

115.  Perithecium  membranaceous,  at  length  effused. 

Spores  minute.  Melasmia,  Lev. 

116.  Perithecium  irregular,  thin,  confluent.  Spores 

large,  obovate,  at  length  tomi parous. 

Piggotia,  Berk. 

117.  Perithecium  minute,  incorporated.  Spores  ob- 

long or  thread-shaped,  simple  or  septate,  es- 
caping in  tendrils.  Seetoria,  Fr. 

118.  Perithecium  distinct.  Spores  uniseptate  or  sim- 

ple, escaping  in  tendrils.  Ascochyta,  Lib. 

119.  Perithecium  minute,  seated  on  a discoloured  spot. 

Spores  ovoid  or  oblong,  straight,  minute, 
ejected  in  tendrils  from  a terminal  pore. 

Phyllosticta,  Pers. 

120.  Perithecium  subglobose.  Spores  more  or  less 

globose,  escaping  in  tendrils  through  a fissure. 

Cheilaria,  Lib. 

121.  Perithecium  bursting  longitudinally.  Sporophores 

branched.  Spores  oblong,  uniseptate. 

Cystotricha,  Berk. 

122.  Perithecium  concealed.  Spores  hyaline,  crested. 

Neottiosporia,  Besm. 


138 


TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT 


123.  Perithecium  excipuliform,  hispid.  Spores  hya- 

line, attenuated.  Excipula,  Fr. 

124.  Perithecium  excipuliform,  hispid.  Spores  hyaline, 

aristate.  Dinemasporiuh,  Lev. 

125.  Perithecium  composed  of  flocci  with  free  apices. 

Spores  concatenate.  Myxorhia,  Berk. 

126.  Perithecium  carbonaceous.  Spores  fasciculate, 

fusiform,  septate,  attached  to  articulated 
threads.  Prosthemiuh,  Kze. 

127.  Perithecium  flat,  attached  to  creeping  branched 

threads.  Spores  simple  or  uniseptate. 

Asteroma,  DC. 

12S.  Conceptacle  thin,  cup-shaped,  covered.  Nucleus 
gelatinous.  Kabenhorstia,  Fr. 

129.  Perithecium  irregular  or  compound.  Spores 

minute,  oozing  out  in  tendrils  or  globules. 

Cytispora,  Fr. 

130.  Perithecium  innate,  without  ostirolum.  Spores 

simple,  linear.  Micropera,  Lev. 

131.  Perithecium  spurious,  sometimes  excipuliform. 

Spores  elongated,  simple  or  uniseptate. 

Discella,  BerTc. 

132.  Perithecium  spurious.  Spores  elongated. 

PHLYCTiENA,  Desm. 

133.  Perithecium  spurious,  innate,  multicellular. 

Spores  ejected  from  one  or  more  orifices. 

Ceuthospora,  Fr. 

134.  Stroma  multicellular.  Spores  quaternate,  filiform, 

seated  on  short  sporophores. 

Eriospora,  Berk. 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


139 


Order  XIII.— MELANCONIEI. 
Perithecium  obsolete  or  absent. 


Genera. 

135.  Spores  simple,  oozing  out  in  a dark  mass. 

Melanconium,  Link. 

136.  Spores  cellular,  oozing  out  in  a dark  mass. 

Stegonosporium,  Corda. 

137.  Spores  septate,  oozing  out  in  a black  mass. 

Stilbospora,  Pers. 

138.  Spores  septate,  stellate,  oozing  out  in  a black 

mass.  Asterosporium,  Kze. 

139.  Spores  septate,  seated  on  a cushion-like  stroma. 

Coryneum,  Kze. 

140.  Spores  septate,  pedunculate,  crested  above. 

Pestalozzia,  Be  Not. 

141.  Spores  collected  in  bundles,  at  the  tips  of  hyaline 

sporophores.  Cheirospora,  Pr. 

142.  Spores  of  two  kinds,  coloured,  oozing  out  in 

tendrils.  Nehaspora,  Pers. 

143.  Spores  minute,  of  one  kind,  cojoured,  forming 

tendrils.  Myxosporium,  Be  Not. 

144.  Spores  simple,  hyaline,  forming  tendrils. 

Glasosporium,  Mont. 


140 


TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT 


Order  XIV.— TOKTTLACEI. 

Perithecium  obsolete ; fructifying  surface  naked. 

Genera. 

145.  Spores  simple,  tomiparous.  Toettla,  Pers. 

146.  Spores  multiseptate,  radiating,  coloured  or  hya- 

line. Bactriditjm,  Kze. 

147.  Spores  filiform  and  involute,  articulated. 

Helicosporitjm,  Nees. 

148.  Spores  didymous,  moniliform. 

Bispoea,  Corda. 

149.  Spores  multiseptate,  moniliform. 

Septoneha,  Corda. 

150.  Spores  quadriseptate,  at  first  enclosed  in  a mem- 

brane. Sporoschisma,  Berk. 

151.  Spores  multicellular,  irregular,  springing  from  the 

mycelium.  Sporidesmium,  Link. 

152.  Spores  multicellular,  conglutinate. 

Coniothecittm,  Corda. 

153.  Spores  multicellular,  tongue-shaped,  cells  sub- 

concentric.  Dictyosporium,  Corda. 

154.  Spores  quadri-articulate,  growing  in  fours. 

Tetraploa,  Berk. 

155.  Spores  simple,  fasciculate,  rough. 

Echinobotrytjm,  Corda. 

156.  Spores  simple,  arising  from  the  matrix. 

Gyhnospoeitjm,  Corda. 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


141 


Order  XY. — PIJCCINIiEI.  Parasitic  or  Mildew  Fungi. 


Peridium  obsolete  ; spores  germinating,  and  producing 
secondary  spores. 


Genera. 

157.  Spores  stipitate,  multiseptate,  moniliform. 

Xenodochus,  Schlecht. 

158.  Spores  stipitate,  multiseptate,  cylindrical. 

Aeegma,  Fr. 


159.  Spores  stipitate,  biseptate. 

Teipheagmiuh,  Link. 

160.  Spores  stipitate,  uniseptate.  Puccinia,  Pers. 

161.  Spores  immersed.  Stroma  gelatinous,  expanded. 

Gymnosporangium,  DC. 

162.  Spores  immersed.  Stroma  club-shaped. 

Podisoma,  Link. 

163.  Spores  simple,  not  stipitate,  springing  from  deli- 

cate threads.  Tilletia,  Tal. 

164.  Spores  simple,  deeply  seated,  not  stipitate,  pul- 

verulent, blackish.  Ustilago,  Link. 

165.  Spores  simple,  superficial,  not  stipitate,  yellow  or 

brown.  Ueedo,  Lev. 


166.  Spores  simple,  not  stipitate,  nor  enclosed  in  sepa- 
rate cells.  Lecythea,  Lev. 


142 


TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT 


167.  Spores  simple,  with  deciduous  appendages.  * 

Teichobasis,  Lev. 

168.  Spores  simple,  with  permanent  appendages. 

Ukomyces,  Lev. 

169.  Spores  compound,  irregular. 

Polycystis,  Lev. 

170.  Spores  compound,  subglobose  or  shell-shaped. 

Tubuecinia,  Fr. 

171.  Spores  of  two  orders  : 1.  spherical ; 2.  cylin- 

drical, septate.  Coleosporium,  Lev. 

172.  Spores  of  two  orders  : 1.  spherical ; 2.  wedge- 

shaped,  compact.  Melampsora,  Cast. 

173.  Spores  of  two  orders  : 1.  concatenate,  exposed  ; 

2.  spherical,  concealed.  Cystopus,  Lev. 


Order  XVI.— -2ECIDI ACEI. 

Peridium  cellular. 

Genera. 

174.  Peridium  elongated,  separating  in  threads. 

Eosstelia,  Feb. 

175.  Peridium  elongated,  rupturing  irregularly. 

Perideemium,  Chev. 

176.  Peridium  abbreviated,  or  semi-immersed. 

iEciDiUM,  Fers. 

177.  Peridium  immersed.  Endophyllum,  Lev. 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


143 


Family  IV. 

HYPHOMYCETES,  or  BOTFYACEJE. 

Filamentous  ; spores  naked,  often  with  divisions. 

Order  XVII.— ISAEIACEI. 

Threads  compacted. 

Genera. 

178.  Receptacle  elongated,  floccose,  tips  of  threads 

free.  I sari  a,  Hill. 

179.  Receptacle  elongated,  dilated  above,  confluent 

with  the  stem,  tips  of  thread  free. 

Anthina,  Fr. 

180.  Receptacle  branched,  subgelatinous,  reticulated. 

Ceratiuh,  A.  and  S. 

181.  Stem  solid,  clavate  above,  dusted  with  minute 

spores.  Pachnocybe,  Berk. 


Order  XVIII— STILBACEI. 

Receptacle  globose;  spores  minute,  involved  in  gluten. 

Genera. 

182.  Stipitate,  globose.  Spores  minute. 

Stilbuh,  Tode. 

183.  Sessile.  Receptacle  bristly,  spores  diffluent. 

Volute lla,  Tode. 

184.  Verrucaolorm,  covered  with  a stratum  of  spores. 

Tubeuculakia,  Tode. 


144 


TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT 


185.  Discoid,  covered  with  diffluent  spores. 

Fusarium,  Link . 

186.  Marginate.  Spores  forming  a dark  green  stra- 

tum. Myeothecium,  Tode. 

187.  Subglobose,  studded  with  large  spores. 

Epicoccum,  Link. 

188.  Spores  irregular,  pulverulent. 

Illospoeium:,  Mart. 

189.  Spores  irregular,  moniliform,  on  branched  pe- 

duncles. jEgerita,  Pers. 


Order  XIX.— DEMATIEI.  Black  Moulds. 

Threads  free,  coated,  or  dark-coloured  ; never  white. 

Genera. 

190.  Stem  compacted  of  jointed  threads.  Spores 

large,  radiating,  septate. 

Arthroboteyum,  Cesati. 

\ 

191.  Threads  jointed,  free,  branched  above.  Spores 

.terminal,  septate.  Dendrypiiium,  Corda. 

192.  Threads  jointed,  simple,  capitate.  Spores  simple, 

surrounding  the  head.  OEdocepiialuh,  Pr. 

193.  Threads  compacted  into  a stem.  Head  globose, 

spores  terminal.  Periconia,  Corda. 

194.  Threads  jointed,  free.  Heads  globose,  studded 

with  spores.  Sporocibe,  Pr. 

195.  Threads  jointed,  free.  Spores  borne  singly  on 

the  tips  of  branchlets,  which  form  little  heads. 

Stachybotrys,  Corda. 

196.  Threads  jointed,  free.  Spores  concatenate, 

colourless.  IIaplogeaphium,  Berk. 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


145 


197.  Threads  jointed,  free,  supporting  large  subglobose 

black  spores.  Monotospora,  Corda. 

198.  Threads  jointed,  free ; branches  tufted,  bearing 

globose  spores.  Cephalotrichum,  Link. 

199.  Threads  free,  flexuose.  Spores  on  sporophores 

at  the  base.  CEdemium,  Fr. 

200.  Threads  irregular,  bearing  scattered  multiseptate 

spores.  Helminthosporium,  .Link. 

201.  Threads  jointed  or  torulose,  bearing  terminal, 

solitary  or  agglomerated  spores. 

Mystrosporium,  Corda. 

202.  Threads  obscure,  spores  stalked  with  transverse 

and  vertical  septa.  Macrosporium,  Fr. 

203.  Threads  jointed,  bearing  tri-radiate,  septate 

spores.  Triposporium,  Corda. 

204.  Threads  jointed,  bearing  from  their  sides  pale, 

spiral  spores.  Helicoma,  Corda. 

205.  Threads  branched,  upper  joints  swollen.  Spores 

large,  septate.  Cladotrtchum,  Corda. 

206.  Threads  moniliform.  Spores  didymous. 

Polythrincium,  Kze. 

207.  Threads  jointed,  branched.  Spores  uniseptate. 

Cladosporium,  Link. 

208.  Threads  jointed,  thickened  at  the  joints.  Spores 

fusiform.  Arthrinitjh,  Kze. 

209.  Threads  jointed,  thickened  at  the  joints.  Spores 

angular,  in  whorls.  Gonatosporium,  Corda. 

210.  Threads  thickened  at  the  joints.  Spores  curved, 

in  terminal  clusters.  Camptoum,  Link. 

211.  Threads  jointed.  Spores  moniliform,  seated  at 

the  base.  Sporodum,  Corda. 

211*.  Threads  erect,  not  jointed.  Spores  simple,  ac- 
cumulated at  the  base,  or  scattered. 

Culoridium,  Link. 


L 


46 


TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT 


Order  XX.— MUCEDINES.  Blue  Moulds. 
Threads  never  coated,  white  or  coloured. 

Genera. 

212.  Threads  jointed,  head  globose,  bearing  moniliform 

spores.  Aspergillus,  Miclt. 

213.  Threads  clavate  at  the  tips,  bearing  moniliform 

spores  on  spicules.  Nematogonum,  Besm. 

214.  Threads  jointed,  clavate,  bearing  spores  on  dis- 

tinct spicules.  Khinotrichum,  Corda. 

215.  Threads  jointed,  branched,  bearing  terminal 

spores.  Botrytis,  Mich. 

215*.  Threads  erect,  branched.  Apices  of  the  branches 
quadriarticulate,  spirally  convolute.  Spores 
subglobose,  granulated,  formed  from  the 
joints.  Acrospeira,  B.  Sf  Br. 

216.  Threads  seldom  jointed,  bearing  terminal  conidia, 

with  large  globose  spores  on  the  mycelium. 

Peronospora,  Corda. 

217.  Threads  jointed.  Branches  in  whorls.  Spores 

terminal.  Ybrticillium,  Link. 

2 IS.  Threads  jointed,  simple  or  forked,  with  spores 
scattered  over  the  tips.  Haplaria,  Link. 

219.  Threads  jointed,  branched  above.  Spores  in  ter- 

minal clusters.  Polyactis,  Link. 

220.  Threads  jointed,  bearing  tassels  of  moniliform 

spores.  Penicillium,  Link. 

221.  Threads  short,  bearing  a moniliform  string  of 

spores.  Oidium,  Link. 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


147 


222.  Threads  short,  spores  cylindrical,  septate,  at- 

tached end  to  end.  Cylindrium,  Bon. 

223.  Threads  jointed,  bearing  necklaces  of  spores  in 

bundles  at  their  tips.  Monilia.,  Hill. 

224.  Threads  jointed,  branched,  bearing  terminal,  sep- 

tate spores.  Dactylium,  JVees. 

225.  Threads  evanescent.  Spores  nearly  straight, 

filiform.  Fusidium,  Link. 

226.  Threads  jointed,  tufted.  Spores  simple,  scat- 

tered. Sporotrichum,  Link. 

227.  Threads  short,  with  the  joints  at  intervals  cut 

half-way  through.  Zygodeshus,  Corda. 

228.  Threads  jointed,  black,  furcate.  Spores  minute, 

scattered.  Virgaria,  Lees. 

229.  Threads  jointed,  simple,  curled  at  the  tips. 

Spores  large,  globose,  stipitate,  basal. 

Bolacotricha,  Berk. 

230.  Threads  branched.  Spores  in  little  masses  near 

the  base.  Myxotricrum,  Kze. 

231.  Threads  branched,  knotted,  with  whorls  of 

branchlets  bearing  globose  masses  of  spores. 

Gtonytricrum,  JVees. 

232.  Threads  jointed.  Spores  terminal,  at  first  in 

bundles,  spindle-shaped  or  cylindrical. 

Menispora,  Pers. 

233.  Threads  jointed,  tapering,  branched  at  the  base. 

Spores  cylindrical,  terminal  on  the  branches. 

CniETOPSis,  Orev. 

234.  Threads  jointed,  creeping,  with  short,  simple 

branches,  each  terminated  by  a spore. 

Acremonium,  Link. 
l 2 


148 


TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT 


235.  Threads  jointed,  erect.  Internodes  swollen, 

bearing  spicules,  terminated  by  obovate  spores. 

Gonatobotrys,  Corda. 

236.  Threads  jointed  above.  Branches  in  fours.  Spores 

in  spikes.  Clonostachys,  Corda. 

237.  Threads  jointed,  erect.  Branches  short,  bearing 

the  simple  spores  in  clusters  of  five  at  their 
tips.  Botryosporium,  Corda. 

23S.  Threads  jointed,  prostrate,  with  short  erect 
branches  bearing  cellular  heads  studded  with 
two  to  four  partite  spores. 

Papulaspora,  Preuss. 

239.  Threads  jointed,  swollen  into  a head  at  the  tips. 
Spores  borne  singly  on  spicules,  each  of  which 
springs  from  a cavity  in  the  head. 

Khopalomyces,  Corda. 


Order  XXL— SEPEDONIEI. 

Mycelium  threadlike  ; spores  resting  on  the  matrix. 

Genera. 

240.  Spores  large,  simple,  globose. 

Sepedoniuh,  Link. 

241.  Spores  fusiform,  curved,  septate,  in  a gelatinous 

mass.  Pusisporium,  Link. 

242.  Spores  septate,  attached  to  the  matrix. 

Epochniuh,  Link. 

243.  Threads  persistent,  joined  in  a mass,  covering  the 

simple  spores.  Psilonia,  P\\ 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


149 


Order  XXII. — TRICHODERMACEI. 

Threads  covering  the  spores  with  a kind  of  peridium. 

Genera. 

244.  Stem  solid.  Head  of  flexuous  radiating  threads, 

globose.  Spores  terminal.  Pilacre,  Fr. 

245.  Stemless,  containing  cavities  filled  with  spores. 

Institale,  Fr. 

246.  Peridium  spurious,  roundish,  formed  of  inter- 

woven threads.  Spores  spread  over  the  disk. 

Tricitoderma,  Pers. 

247.  Peridium  spurious,  roundish,  formed  of  inter- 

woven jointed  threads.  Spores  collected  in  the 
centre.  Arthroderha,  Carr. 


Cohort  II.— SPORIDIIFERA. 

Having  the  spores  or  reproductive  bodies  contained  in 
asci  or  bags. 

Family  V. 

PHYSOMYCETES,  or  MUCORACEiE. 

Spores  surrounded  by  a veil  or  sporangium. 

Order  XXII  1. — ANTENIAEIEI. 
Threads  black,  felted,  moniliform. 

Genera 

248.  Threads  felted.  Spores  chained  together,  im- 
mersed in  gelatinous  pulp. 

, Antennaria,  Link. 


150 


TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT 


249.  Mycelium  septate,  byssoid.  Sporangia'thin  and 
brittle.  Spores  simple.  Zasmidigm,  Fr. 


Order  XXIV.  — MTJCOEINI. 

Threads  free,  bearing  sporangia. 

Genera. 

250.  Sporangia  collapsing  and  ' dependent.  Fruit 

sometimes  of  two  kinds.  Ascophora,  Tode. 

251.  Threads  free.  Sporangia  at  length  bursting,  not 

dependent.  Mucor,  Mich. 

252.  Threads  erect,  terminated  by  a vesicle  at  first 

crystalline,  at  length  indurated. 

Hydrophora,  Tode. 

253.  Vesicle  delicate,  perforated  by  the  stem,  filled 

with  threads  and  globose  spores. 

Endodrohia,  Berk. 

254.  Stem  dichotomous.  Vesicles  terminal,  splitting 

horizontally.  Spores  simple,  growing  on  the 
columella.  Sporodinia,  Link. 

255.  Threads  with  branches  in  whorls.  Vesicles  ter- 

minal, pierced  by  the  threads. 

Acrostalagmus,  Corda. 

256.  Threads  branched.  Vesicles  of  separate  branches 

conjugating  and  forming  a sporangium. 

• Syzygites,  Elirenh. 

257.  Hypogseous.  Threads  collected  into  a spongy 

mass,  vesicles  globose.  Endogone,  Link. 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


151 


Family  VI. 

ASCOMYCETES,  or  HELVELLACEjE. 

Sporidia  generally  eight  together,  contained  in  a case 
or  ascus. 

Order  XXV.-ELVELLACEI. 

Substance  soft ; hymenium  at  length  exposed. 

Genera. 

258.  Receptacle  clavate  or  pileate.  Hymenium  folded 

and  pitted.  Morchella,  Dill. 

259.  Receptacle  inflated,  rough  with  raised  ribs. 

Gyromitra,  Dr. 

260.  Receptacle  pileate,  barren  below.  Hymenium 

even.  Helvella,  Link. 

261.  Receptacle  clavate  or  conical.  Hymenium  rugu- 

lose  or  nearly  even.  Verpa,  Schwartz. 

262.  Eleshy,  capitate.  Hymenium  surrounding  the 

inflated  head.  Mitrula,  Fr. 

263.  Receptacle  capitate,  compressed,  running  down 

either  side  of  the  stem. 

Spathularia,  Fers. 

264.  Receptacle  pileate,  margin  revolute,  covered  every- 

where with  the  smooth  viscid  hymenium. 

Leotia,  Hill. 

265.  Receptacle  capitate,  margin  adnate.  Asci  and 

spores  ejected,  rendering  the  hymenium  vel- 
vety. Vibrissea,  Fr. 


152 


TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT 


266.  Receptacle  clavate,  confluent  with  the  stem. 

Hymenium  surrounding  the  head. 

Geoglossttm,  Pers 

267.  Crustaceous,  effused  ; then  bullate  or  inflated, 

supported  on  rootlets.  Rhiztna,  Fr. 

268.  Receptacle  cup-shaped,  soon  opening.  Disc 

naked.  Asci  fixed.  Peziza,  Link. 


Series  1. — Aleuria,  fleshy  ; cup  always  open. 


Sub-Gen.  Discina. 

Geopyxis. 


Sub-Gen.  Humana. 
Encaelia. 


Series  2. — Lachnea , waxy  ; cups  hairy. 


Sub-Gen.  Sarcoscypha. 

Dasyscypha. 


Sub-Gen.  Tapesia. 

Fibrina. 


Series  3. — Phialea , waxy,  or  membranaceous; 
cups  smooth. 

Sub-Gen.  Hymenoscypha.  I Sub-Gen.  Patellea. 

Mollisia. 


269.  Receptacle  discoid,  always  open,  convex  or 

concave,  naked.  PIelotium,  Fr. 

270.  Receptacle  indeterminate,  immarginate.  Hyme- 

nium always  exposed.  Psilopezia,  Berk. 

271.  Receptacle  patellseform,  margined,  always  open. 

Hymenium  dusty  with  sporidia.  Asci  fixed. 

Patellaria,  Fr. 

272.  Receptacle  almost  horny,  naked,  with  a narrow 

mouth.  Disc  at  length  dusty  with  sporidia. 

Sphinctrina,  Fr. 

273.  Disc  wraxy,  persistent,  covered  with  a deciduous 

excipulum.  Mouth  contracted. 

Laquearia,  Fr. 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


153 


274.  Eeceptacle  cjathiform,  horny.  Hymenium  at 

length  breaking  up.  Tympanis,  Tocle. 

275.  Eeceptacle  coriaceous,  at  first  closed,  covered 

with  a thick  cuticle.  Cenangium,  Fr. 

* 

276.  Eeceptacle  orbicular,  marginate.  Asci  exploded. 

Ascobolus,  Tode. 

277.  Eeceptacle  orbicular,  glutinous  within.  Hyme- 

nium  smooth.  Bulgaria,  Fr. 

278.  Eeceptacle  waxy,  gelatinous  when  moist,  sphe- 

rical, fertile  all  round.  Agyrium,  Fr. 

279.  Eeceptacle  obsolete.  Hymenium  immersed  in 

the  matrix,  orbicular  or  elliptic. 

Stictis,  Pers. 

2S0.  Parasitic.  Asci  forming  a thin  powdery  stratum 
mixed  with  jointed  threads. 

Ascomyces,  Mont.  Sf  Desm. 


Order  XXVI. — TUBERACEI. 
Subterranean  ; hymenium  wavy  and  packed. 
Genera. 

281.  Integument  warty  or  tuberculate,  no  definite 

base.  Asci  saccate.  Sporidia  reticulate  or 
spiny-  Tuber,  Mich. 

282.  Integument  even.  Base  definite.  Asci  clavate. 

Sporidia  spherical.  Choiromyces,  Vitt. 


154 


TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT 


283.  Integument  thick.  Asci  saccate,  evanescent. 

Sporidia  globose,  amylaceous. 

Amylocaeptjs,  Curr. 

284.  Integument  warty,  with  a terminal  aperture. 

Base  distinct.  Asci  clavate.  Sporidia  sphe- 
rical. Paciiyphlceus,  Tul. 

285.  Integument  cottony.  Base  distinct.  Asci  cylin- 

drical. Sporidia  globose,  at  length  verrucose. 

Stephensia,  Tul. 

286.  Integument  minutely  papillose.  Hymenium 

complicated.  Asci  oblong.  Sporidia  globose, 
tuberculate.  Hydnoteya,  Berk. 

287.  Integument  replaced  by  evanescent  down.  Hy- 

menium complicated.  Asci  elliptic.  Sporidia 
globose.  Hydnobolites,  Tul. 

288.  Integument  wanting.  Ilymenium  exposed.  Asci 

linear.  Sporidia  globose. 

Sphjerosoma,  Kl. 

289.  Integument  warty.  Hymenium  lacunose,  uot 

leading  to  the  surface.  Sporidia  cylindrical 
or  oblong.  Balsahia,  Vitt. 

290.  Integument  warty,  with  a terminal  aperture. 

Hymenium  sinuate.  Asci  cylindrical.  Spo- 
ridia globose.  Gene  a,  Viit. 

291.  Integument  thick,  hard.  Asci  globose  or  obovate. 

Internal  mass  ultimately  dusty. 

Elaphohyces,  Nees. 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


155 


\ 


Order  XXVII.- PHACIDIACEI. 
Hard ; hymenium  ultimately  exposed. 


Genera. 

292.  Peritliecia  bursting  in  the  centre  by  valvular 

teeth.  Phacidiuh,  Fr. 

293.  Peritbecia  globoso-depressed,  at  length  open 

> above.  PIeterosph2eria,  Grev. 

291.  Peritbecia  confluent,  opening  by  flexuose  fissures. 

Ehttisma,  Fr. 

295.  Peritbecia  labiate,  splitting  from  the  centre. 

Triblidium,  Feb. 

296.  Perithecia  labiate.  Mouth  linear,  narrow.  Asci 

elongated.  . PIysterium,  Tode. 

297.  Perithecia  branched.  Mouth  linear,  narrow. 

Asci  subglobose.  Ailographum,  Lib. 

298.  Perithecia  hemispherical,  seated  on  a byssoid 

mycelium,  splitting  irregularly.  Asci  short. 

Asterina,  Lev. 

299.  Perithecia  stipitate,  wedge-shaped.  Mouth 

linear,  narrow.  Asci  elongated. 

Lophium,  Fr. 

300.  Perithecia  orbicular,  splitting  horizontally,  with 

a deciduous  operculum.  Stegia,  Fr. 

301.  Disc  innate,  erumpent,  seated  on  a black  hy- 

pothecium,  persistent.  Trochila,  Fr. 


156 


TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT 


Order  XXV11L— SPHyERIACEI. 
Perithecia  opening  by  a distinct  ostiolum  or  orifice. 


Genera. 

Section  I. — Xylariei. 

302.  Stipitate.  Stroma  corky,  rarely  fleshy.  Perithecia 

immersed.  Sporidia  uniseriate,  simple,  ovate, 
dark-coloured.  XylarIa,  Fr. 

303.  Stem  shrubby  or  simple.  Perithecia  of  the  same 

substance  as  the  stem. 

Thamnomyces,  Fhr. 

304.  Stipitate.  Stroma  between  fleshy  and  corky. 

Fructifying  surface  discoid.  Perithecia  im- 
mersed. Sporidia  ovate,  simple,  coloured. 

Poronia,  Fr. 

305.  Convex  or  plane.  Stroma  corky  or  brittle. 

Perithecia  immersed.  Sporidia  ovate  or  lan- 
ceolate, curved  unsymmetrical,  simple,  dark- 
coloured.  Hypoxylon,  Full. 

306.  Stroma  expanded,  pulverulent,  becoming  indu- 

rated and  carbonized.  Perithecia  immersed. 
Sporidia  uniseriate,  lanceolate,  curved,  simple, 
dark-coloured.  Ustulina,  Tul. 

307.  Stroma  discoid.  Perithecia  immersed,  in  sepa- 

rate cells.  Sporidia  ovate  or  ovato-globose, 
straight,  simple,  dark-coloured,  excluded  in 
tendrils.  Nuhmularia,  Tul. 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


157 


30S.  Stroma  effused,  crustaceous.  Perithecia  im- 
mersed, shortly  papillate,  paraphyses  few.  Spo- 
ridia  small,  cylindrical,  curved,  pale-coloured. 

STICTOSPHiERIA,  Tul. 

309.  Stroma  fused  with  the  matrix.  Perithecia  im- 

mersed, sometimes  in  the  matrix,  papillate, 
paraphyses  few.  Sporidia  clustered,  linear  and 
curved,  or  ovate  and  straight,  simple,  pale. 

Eutypa,  Tul. 

310.  Perithecia  none.  Nucleus  immersed  in  the 

stroma.  Ostiolum  papillate.  Sporidia  simple 
or  septate.  Dothidea,  Fr. 

31 L.  Epiphyllous.  Perithecia  globose,  immersed  in 
a fleshy  stroma.  Sporidia  ovate,  simple. 

Polystigma,  P. 

312.  Stroma  globose,  depressed,  cellular.  Perithecia 
immersed,  adnate.  Sporidia  fusiform,  four  to 
six-celled,  pale.  Melogramma,  Be  Not. 


Section  II — Yalsei. 

313.  Stroma  determinate,  verrucaeform.  Perithecia 

immersed  in  the  stroma.  Sporidia  small, 
spermatoid,  hyaline.  Diatrype,  Fr. 

Sub-Gen.  1.  Asci  many-spored. — Diatrypella. 

,,  2.  Asci  eight-spored. — Diatrype. 

314.  Stroma  determinate,  verrucaeform.  Sporidia  two 

to  four-celled,  hyaline.  Mamiania,  Be  Not. 

315.  Perithecia  circinating,  rostrate,  ending  in  a com- 

mon disc.  Sporidia  hyaline.  Valsa,  Fr. 

Sub-Gen.  1.  Sporidia  spermatoid,  hyaline. — Valsa.  De  Not. 
,,  2.  Sporidia  bilocular. — Valsaria.  De  Not. 

,,  3.  Sporidia  plurilocular. — Pseudo-valsa.  De  Not. 


158 


TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT 


316.  Perithecia  circinating,  rostrate,  ending  in  a I 

common  disc.  Asci  cylindrical,  very  long. 
Sporidia  linear,  vermiculate,  hyaline. 

Tubeeculostoma,  Sollm. 

317.  Compound  or  simple.  Stroma  effused.  Sporidia 

four  to  eight,  ovate  or  oblong,  straight  or 
curved.  Septate,  with  or  without  appendages, 
pallid,  at  first  involved  in  a copious  mucus. 

Aglaospora,  Tul. 

Section  III. — Splusriei. 

318.  Csespitose,  erumpent.  Perithecia  globose,  de- 

pressed, or  minutely  papillate.  Sporidia: 
plurilocular  and  cellular,  or  two  to  four-celled, 
and  hyaline.  Cucurbitaeia,  Gray. 

319.  Csespitose.  Perithecia  between  waxy  and  horny, 

aculeolate,  astomous.  Sporidia  bilocular, 
translucid.  Gtbbera,  Fr. 

320.  Perithecia  coriaceous,  immersed,  with  an  erum- 

pent ostiolum.  Sporidia  large,  epispore  thick, 
hyaline,  three  or  more-celled,  cells  unequal, . 
dark-coloured.  Massaria,  Be  Not. 

321.  Csespitose,  with  a more  or  less  crustaceous  or 

byssoid  stroma.  Sporidia  simple,  elliptic,  ob- 
long or  fusiform,  dark. 

Bosellinia,  Be  Not. 

322.  Often  csespitose.  Perithecia  tough,  rugose  or 

rimose.  Ostiolum  very  minute.  Sporidia 
uniseptate  (or  plurilocular),  cylindrical,  curved, 
obtuse,  hyaline.  Bertia,  Be  Not. 

323.  Perithecia  carbonaceous,  erumpent.  Ostiolum 

large,  compressed.  Sporidia  two  or  many* 
celled,  coloured  or  hyaline. 

Lophiostoma,  Fr. 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


159 


324.  Perithecia  globose,  depressed  or  conical.  Spo- 

ridia  large,  ovate,  many-celled,  with  transverse 
septa,  coloured.  Piaeospora,  HabJi. 

325.  Perithecia  superficial,  scattered,  carbonaceous, 

hence  brittle.  Sporidia  oval,  oblong,  or  oblong- 
fusiform,  two  or  many-celled,  coloured. 

Sphairia,  Fr. 

326.  Perithecia  horny,  acute.  Sporidia  acicular,  sep- 

tate, pale  or  hyaline. 

Phaphidospora,  De  N<£. 

327.  Perithecia  scattered,  coriaceous,  at  first  covered 

or  superficial.  Sporidia  oblong  or  fusiform, 
often  curved,  two  or  more-celled,  hyaline  or 
yellowish.  Leptosph.zeria,  De  Not. 

328.  Perithecia  scattered,  immersed,  membranaceous, 

with  an  erumpent  ostiolum.  Sporidia  cylin- 
drical, curved,  or  straight,  simple,  rarely  uni- 
septate,  hyaline.  Crypto sphjeria,  DeNot. 

329.  Perithecia  rugulose  or  setulose.  Sporidia  ovoid, 

simple,  dark-coloured  (sometimes  caudate  at 
one  extremity).  Sordaria,  De  Not. 

330.  Perithecia  fragile,  hispid  or  setulose  at  the  apex. 

Ostiolum  large.  Paraphyses  none.  Sporidia 
two-celled,  brownish.  Yenturia,  De  Not. 

331.  Perithecia  papyraceous,  villose  or  strigose.  Spo- 

ridia elongated,  septa  obscure,  hyaline  or  pallid. 

LASIOSPH2ERIA,  De  Not. 

332.  Perithecia  membranaceous.  Ostiolum  subulate, 

rostrate.  Sporidia  simple. 

Ceratostoma,  Fr. 

333.  Perithecia  papyraceous,  scattered,  rostrate.  Spo- 

ridia cylindrical  or  oblong,  often  curved,  two 
to  four-celled.  Gnomonia,  De  Not. 


160 


TABULAE  ARRANGEMENT 


334.  Perithecia  membranaceous,  immersed,  scarcely 

papillate.  Sporidia  elliptical  or  oblong,  two  or 
four-celled,  rarely  simple,  hyaline  or  pale. 

Spha:eella,  Fr. 

335.  Parasitic.  Perithecia  globose,  black,  innate, 

slightly  prominent.  Nucleus  firm,  at  first: 
mouthless,  then  with  a roundish  aperture. 

Stigmatea,  Fr. 

336.  Perithecia  globose,  black,  moutbless,  innate,  con- 

cealed by  the  blackened  substance  of  the  leaves, 
ultimately  splitting  across. 

Hypospila,  Fr. 

337.  N ucleus  without  a peritheciuin,  coloured  or  black, 

covered  by  the  transformed  substance  of  the 
matrix,  or  immersed  therein.  Isothea,  Fr. 

338.  Parasitic.  Mycelium  creeping,  black.  Perithecia 

elongated,  often  branched,  composed  of  con- 
fluent threads,  with  the  tips  often  free  at  the? 
apex.  Capnodium,  Mont. 

339.  Perithecia  subcarbonaceous,  elliptic, closed, burst- 

ing by  a longitudinal  fissure.  Nucleus  and  asci 
diffluent.  DiciiiENA,  Fr. 

Section  IV. — Nectriei. 

340.  Stroma  vertical,  fleshy,  clavate  or  capitate. 

Perithecia  immersed.  Sporidea  linear,  multi- 
septate,  breaking  up  into  fragments. 

Toerubia,  Lev. 

341.  Stipitate,  with  a globose  bead,  produced  from  ai 

sclerotium,  fleshy.  Asci  linear.  Sporidia 
filiform,  simple.  Clayiceps,  Tul. 


OF  BRITISH  FUNGI. 


161 


342.  Parasitic  on  grass.  Coloured.  Perithecia  fleshy, 

immersed  in  a mycelioid  stroma.  Sporidia 
linear.  " Epichloe,  Fr. 

343.  Stroma  variable.  Perithecia  fleshy,  pallid  or 

coloured, ovato-globose  and  obtuse.  Ascieight- 
spored.  Sporidia  uniseriate,  didymous,  with 
two  globose  and  equal  cells,  at  length  separa- 
ting. Hypocrea,  Fr. 

344.  Parasitic  on  fungi.  Mycelium  byssoid.  Peri- 

thecia small,  globose,  papillate.  Asci  eight- 
spored  (rarely  two  tor  tour),  without  paraphyses. 
Sporidia  uniseriate,  lanceolate  or  elliptic,  rarely 
obtuse,  uniseptate,  ejected  in  tendrils. 

Hypomyces,  Tul. 

345.  Stroma  definite.  Perithecia  free,  clustered  or 

scattered,  black  or  coloured,  fleshy  or  horny. 
Asci  eight,  or  many-spored.  Sporidia  of  two 
kinds.  Nectria,  Fr. 

346.  Perithecia  erect,  contained  in  a coloured  sac, 

which  is  free  above.  Ostiolum  punctiform. 

Oomyces,  B.  and  Br. 


Order  XXIX.— PEEISPOEIACEI. 

Perithecia  sub-globose,  astomous,  membranaceous, 
often  seated  on  threads,  and  appendiculate.  Nucleus 
never  diffluent. 

Genera. 

347.  Without  appendages.  Asci  clavate.  Spores 

numerous.  Perisporiuh,  Fr. 

348.  Central  peridium  attached  to  radiating  fibres. 

Secondary  peridium  ascigerous.  Asci  cylin- 
drical. Lasiobotrys,  Kze. 

M 


162 


TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT,  ETC. 


3-19.  Appendages  dichotomous.  Sporangium  single. 

PoDOSPHiERA,  Kze. 

350.  Appendages  floccose.  Sporangium  single. 

Sphjerotheca,  Lev. 

351.  Appendages  needle-shaped,  rigid.  Sporangia 

numerous.  Phyllactinia,  Lev. 

352.  Appendages  hooked.  Sporangia  numerous. 

Uncinula,  Lev. 

353.  Appendages  dichotomous.  Sporangia  numerous. 

MlCROSPHiERA,  Lev. 

354.  Appendages  floccose.  Sporangia  numerous. 

Erysiphe,  Iledw. 

355.  Peritbecia  brittle.  Asci  linear.  Sporidia  lemon- 

shaped, dark.  CHiETOMiUM,  Kze. 

356.  Perithecia  thin,  seated  on  branched  threads. 

Asci  linear.  Sporidia  elliptic,  dark. 

Ascotricha,  Berk. 

357.  Perithecia  reticulated,  coloured,  seated  on  muce- 

dinous  threads.  Asci  delicate. 

Eurotium,  Link. 


Order  XXX.— ONYGENEI. 


Peridium  of  closely  woven  threads  ; sporidia  in  a com 
pact  dusty  mass. 


Genus. 


358.  Parasitic  on  animal  substances.  Peridium  sti- 
pitate.  Asci  delicate.  Sporidia  forming  a 
dusty  mass.  Onygena,  Pers. 


INDEX, 


Acrid  Agarics 

PAGE. 

....  61 

jEcidium,  genus  .... 

....  101 

vanunculacearum  101 

Agaricini 

..19,  15 

Agancus  alutaceus. . . . 

....  60 

>> 

arvensis  .... 

49 

>> 

campestris  .. 

....  44 

cantharellus 

. . . . 62 

castaneus 

53 

J? 

cvrmamomeus 

....  54 

comatus  .... 

....  51 

dealbatus  . . 

....  36 

deliciosus. . . 

....  57 

eburneus  .... 

....  56 

emeticus  .... 

....  61 

>> 

esculenius  . . 

....  38 

excoriatus  . . 

....  29 

fascicularis. . 

. . . . 49 

f) 

fusipes 

....  37 

gambosus. . . . 

. . 42,  32 

jy 

genus  

....  24 

yy 

Georgii  .... 

....  49 

yy 

geotrupus  . . 

....  37 

yy 

giganteus  . . 

....  36 

yy 

qracilentus  . . 

....  30 

yy 

heterophyllus 

....  59 

yy 

lepidus  .... 

....  60 

yy 

melleus  . . . . 

....  30 

yy 

mutabilis. . . . 

....  43 

yy 

nebularis. . . . 

. . . . 35 

niveus 

56 

y y 

odorus 

....  35 

yy 

oreades  .... 

....  64 

ostrealus  . . . . 

40 

yy 

peronalus  . . 

Agancus  personatus  .... 

„ pratensis 

„ procerus 

„ prumulus 

,,  psittacinus  .... 

,,  pudicus  

„ rachodes 

„ salignus 

,,  scorodonius. . . . 

„ semi-orbicularis 

,,  to  determine  . . 

„ tuberosus 

,,  ulmarius 

,,  urens  

„ velutipes 

„ vesca  

,,  violaceus 

,,  virescens 

,,  virgineus 

,,  volemum 


Amadou 

Amanita,  genus 

„ muscaria  . . . . 

,,  nivalis  

,,  rubescens  .... 

,,  strohiliformis. . 

,,  vaginata  . . . . 

Armillaria,  sub-genus  . . 
Arrangement,  tabular  . . 
Auricularini,  order  . . . . 


PAGE. 

..  33 

..  55 

..  28 
43,  33 
..  57 

..  43 

..  29 

..  41 

..  70 

..  44 

..  15 

..  38 

..  40 

..  65 

..  38 

..  59 

..  53 

..  60 
..  54 

..  57 

..  80 
..  19 

..  20 
..  22 
..  23 

..  22 
..  23 

..  30 

..  124 
..  86 


Barbe  de  Vache 85 

Bath  truffles 92 

Beef-gravy  substitute  ....  83 

Bird’s-nest  fungi  99 


1 64 


INDEX. 


Black  and  white  truffles  . . 

Bolbitius,  genus 

Boletus  cestivalis 

,,  bovinus 

„ castaneus  

,,  eclulis 

,,  elegans  

„ impolitus  

,,  satanas 

,,  scaber 

Bovisia  nigrescens 

,,  plumbea 

Bread-mould,  the 

Cantharkllus  cibarius  . . 
Champignon,  Fairy-ring  . . 

Chantarelle,  the  

Cinnamon  mushroom  .... 

Olathrus  cancellatus 

Olavaria  ametliystina  .... 

,,  botrytis  

,,  coralloides 

,,  cristata  

„ fastigiata  

,,  nigosa 

Claviceps  purpurea  

Clitopilus,  sub-genus 

Clouded  Agaric 

Club-bearing  fungi  

Clytocybe,  sub -genus 

Collybia,  sub-genus  

Colour,  variations  in 

Common  Stinkhorn  

Coniomycetes,  family 

Cooking  of  Boleti 

,,  Champignon  . . 

,,  Chantarelles  .. 

,,  Clavarise 

,,  Common  mush- 
room   

,,  Fistulina  .... 

,,  Hydnum  .... 

„ Milky  Agarics . 

,,  Morells 

,,  Puff-ball 


PAGE. 

Cooking  of  Saint  George’s 


mushroom..  33 

,,  truffles  115 

Coprinus  atramentarius  . . 52 

,,  comatus  51 

Cortinarius  castaneus  ....  53 

,,  cinnamomeus  . . 54 

,,  violaceus 53 

Crepidolus,  sub-genus  ....  44 

Cultivation  of  Mushrooms  . 48 

Dasdalea  quercina 81 

,,  unicolor  81 

Discrimination  of  fungi  . . 118 

Ditola  Rossa 89 

Dried  fungi 74,  65 

Dry-rot  81,  80 

Dust-like  fungi 100 

Eccilia,  sub-genus  42 

Elaphomyces  granulatus  ..  117 

Elvellacei,  order 104 

Emetic  agaric  61 

Ergot  of  rye 117 

Entoloma,  sub-genus 41 

Fairy-rings 66 

Fistulina  hepatica 82 

Flammula,  sub-genus  ....  44 

Fly  Agaric 20 

Forms,  variety  of 9 

Fragrant  Agaric  35 

Galera,  sub-genus 44 

Gallinole,  the  89 

Gasteromycetes  91 

Geaster,  genus  95 

Gelatinous  fnngi  90 

Gemeine  Morchel 110 

Geoglossum  difforme 110 

,,  hirsutum 110 

,,  olivaceum  ....  110 

German  tinder 80 

Giant  puff-ball  96 

Gill-bearing  fungi 12 

Gills,  structure  of 16 


PAGE. 

115 

53 

76 

75 

76 

72 

76 

76 

77 

76 

95 

95 

103 

62 

64 

62 

54 

93 

89 

89 

89 

90 

89 

88 

117 

41 

35 

87 

34 

38 

9 

94 

100 

73 

65 

63 

88 

48 

85 

85 

58 

107 

96 


INDEX. 


165 


PAGE. 


Habitats  of  Fungi 2 

Hachis  aux  champignons. . 47 

Hallimash 31 

Hart’s  truffles  117 

Hebeloma,  sub-genus 43 

Helotium  ceruginosum  ....  112 

Helvetia  crispa  108 

,,  lacunosa  109 

Hirneola  auricula- Judo:  . . 90 

Hydnum  caput  Medusa. ...  86 

„ coi‘alloides  86 

,,  imbricatum 85 

,,  repandum  84 

,,  rufescens 84 

Hygrophorus  eburneus  ....  56 

„ niveus 66 

„ pratensis  ....  55 

,,  psittacinus  . . 56 

,,  virgineus  . . . . 54 

Hymenomycetes 19 

Hypholoma,  sub-genus  ....  49 

Hyphomycetes,  family  ....  102 
Hypogcei,  order 92 

Ink  from  mushrooms  ....  51 

Intoxicating  fungi 20 

Ketchup,  22, 34,  52,  66,  83,  106 
Klotsch’s  method  of  preserv- 
ing   122 

Lactaeius  deliciosus.  ...  57 

„ volemum  ....  57 

Larch  polyporus  24 

i.«.L:‘ced  Stinkhorn 93 

Lauchschwamme 70 

Leathery  fungi 86 

Lepiota.  sub-genus 28 

Leptonia,  sub-genus 42 

Lingua  di  Castagna 82 

Luminosity  8 

Ly  coper  don  cielatum 98 

,,  gigmleum 96 

„ nuts  117 


pyriforme 98,  95 


PAGE. 


Marasmius  oread es  .... 

,,  peronatus  .... 

,,  scorodonius  . . 

,,  urens 

Marron,  of  the  French. . . . 
M elanogaster  variegatus  .. 

Merulius  lacrymans 

Mildew 

Milky  Agarics 

Morchella  esculenta  

,,  patula 

,,  semilibera 

Morell  ketchup 

„ the 

Morells  h.  la  Italienne  .... 

,,  ragout  of 

Moulds 

Mucoraceous  fungi  

Mushrooms,  derivation  of  . 

,,  English 

,,  to  cook 

„ ala  Provengale 

Mycma,  sub-genus  

Myxogastres,  order  


64 

65 
7o 
65 
53 
92 
81 

100 

57 

105 

106 
106 
106 
105 
107 
107 
102 
103 

33 

44 

44 

45 
39 
99 


Nagelschwamme 38 

Naucona,  sub-genus 44 

Nidulariacei,  order  99 

Nolanea,  sub-genus 42 

Nyctalis,  genus 64 

Oak  Truffles 114 

Odours  10 

Omphalia,  sub-genus  ....  39 

Oyster  mushroom 40 

Panjeolus,  sub-genus  ....  50 

Parasol  mushroom 23 

Parrakeet  mushroom  . . 56 

Pear-shaped  puff-ball  ....  98 

Penicillium,  genus  102 

Peridiate  fungi 91 

Peziza  ceruginosa  112 

,,  awantia 104 

,,  coccinea  104 

„ elegans 104 


166 


INDEX. 


Peziza,  genus 

Phalloidei,  order 

Phallus  impudicus 

Pholiota,  sub-genus 

Physomycetes,  family 

Pied  de  coq  

Pilewort  fungus  

Pleurotus,  sub-genus 

Pluteus,  sub-genus 

Poisonous  boleti  

fungi 

Polish  mushroom 

Polyporus  betulinus  

fomentarius  . . . . 

„ giganteus 

, , hybridus  

,,  intybaceus 

,,  of  the  larch  . . . . 

,,  squamosus 

,.  sulfureus 

Pore-bearing  fungi  . . .... 

Pratiola  of  Italians  

Preservation  of  fungi  . . . . 

Psalliota,  sub-genus 

Psathyrella,  sub-genus 

Pseudo-agarics 

Psilocybe,  sub-genus 

Puccinicei  

Puff-ball  fungi  

„ to  cook  

Purde  of  mushrooms 

Rapidity  of  Growth  . . . . 

Razor-straps 

Red  truffle 

Russula  alutacea  

„ emetica 

„ heterophylla 

„ lepida  

„ vesca 

„ virescens  

Rust  


PAGE. 


Rye,  ergotized 117 

SCALY-CAPFED  HlDNUM  . . 85 

Splicer  iar.ei,  order 117 

Sporidiiferous  fungi 104 

Sporifera  and  Sporidiifera  . 17 

Springers  49 

Stereum  hirsutum 87 

St.  George’s  mushroom  . . 32 

Stinkhorn  fungi 93 

Structure  13 

Stumpf  Morchel  110 

Subterranean  fungi 92 

Tabular  Arrangement  of 

British  Fungi  124 

Teeth-bearing  fungi 84 

Thready  fungi 102 

Toad’s-cap,  or  toadskep  . . 31 

Tremellini,  order  90 

Trichogastres,  order 94 

Tricholoma,  sub-genus  ....  31 

Truffle,  the  112 

Truffle-culture  114 

Truffle-hunting 113 — 115 

Truffles  d la  Ilalienne  ....  116 
„ a la  Piemontaise . . 116 

,,  of  Bath 92 

,,  red  92 

Tuber  cestivum  113 

,,  cibarium, 113 

Vkrdette 60 

Vinegar-plant,  the  103 

Volvaria,  sub-genus 41 

Wheat- blights  101 

Withering’s  method  of  pre- 
serving   124 

Yeast-plant,  the 102 

ZlEGENBART  89 


PAGE. 

Ill 

93 

94 

43 

103 

89 

101 

30 

41 

77 

118 

74 

78 

80 

79 

80 

79 

24 

78 

79,  8 

71 

44 

120 

44 

50 

50 

, 50 

101 

, 94 

96 

47 

5 

- 78 

, 99 

. 60 

. 61 

. 59 

60 

59 

60 

, 100 


COX  AND  WYMAN,  PRINTERS,  GREAT  QUEEN  STREET,  LONDON, 


<s? 


|)nblislur  bit  gippoininunt 
io  % 

^ngal  (College  of  Surgeons. 


^nblisljcr  bu  ^pointment 
Icr  ilje 

IJEnn  Snmtg. 


INTERESTING  AND  USEFUL  WORKS 


I 


PUBLISHED  BY 

ROBERT  HARDWICKE, 

192  PICCADILLY,  W. 


4^“  FOR  FACILITY  OF  REFERENCE  THE  WORKS  ARE  ARRANGED 
UNDER  SUBJECTS,  WITH  INDEX  TO  AUTHORS. 


CONTENTS  ; 


PAGE 

Sowerby’s  English  Botany  3—5 

Natural  History,  Popular  Science, 

and  General  Science 6—9 

Publications  of  the  Ray  Society 10—11 

Publications  of  the  Royal  College  of 

Surgeons  11 

Genealogical,  Heraldic,  and  County 
History 18-19 


PAGE 

Miscellaneous  Literature  20—21 

Educational  Works  16—17 

Hardwicke’s  Elementary  Books  ....  16 

Mackenzie’s  Educational  Books 17 

Domestic,  Hygienic,  &c 22—23 

Medical  and  Surgical  24.-28 

Popular  Science  Review  Contribu- 
tors and  Articles,  Vol.  1—6  29—31 


INDEX  TO 


Adams,  L.  A.,  F.S.A 

Alder  and  Hancock 

Allman,  Professor,  F.R.S 

Annandale,  Thomas,  F.R.C.S.  . . . 

Ansted,  Professor,  F.R.S 

Austin,  Dr 

...  29 

....  10 
....  21 

Baird,  Dr.,  F.L.S 

. . . 10, 29 

Baker,  J.  G.,  F.L.S 

....  fi 

Ball,  Edward 

Barker,  Dr.  T.  H,,  F.R.S.  Edin.  . 

Barker,  Dr.  S 

Barrett,  W.  F 

Barwell,  R.,  F.R.C.S 

....  24 

Bastian,  Dr.,  F.R.S 

....  20 

Bate,  Spence,  F.R.S 

....  29 

Bazire,  Dr.  P.  V 

....  28 

Beale,  Dr.  Lionel,  F.R.S 

Beard,  Dr.  G.  M. 

....  28 

Beigel,  Dr.  H„  L.R.C.P 

....  21 

Blackwall,  J.,  F.L.S 

...  10,  29 

Bond,  Dr.  F„  F.C.S 

Boner,  Charles 

Bowerbank,  Dr.,  F.R.S.,  F.L.S.. . 

. . . . 10 

Bowring,  Sir  John,  LL.D 

AUTHORS: 


Brande,  Professor,  D.C.L.,  F.R.S.L.  . . 21 

Breen,  James 29 

Briot,  M.  C 17 

Brown,  I.  B„  F.R.C.S 21 

Brown,  I.  B.,  jun 22 

Browne,  Mrs 17 

Brown,  Robert,  D.C.L.,  F.R.S 10 

Buckman,  Professor,  F.L.S.,  F.G.S.. . 13, 29 

Burmeister,  Professor  10 

Busk,  G.,  F.R.S 10 

Butcher,  Dr„R.G.H 24 

Canton,  E.,  F.R.C.S 25 

Carpenter,  Dr,  F.R.S 10 

Carruihers,  W.,  F.L.S 29 

Carter,  R.  B„  F.R.C.S 25 

Chamisso,  A.  von  19 

Chambers,  G.  F.,  F.R.A.S 29 

Church,  H.  J.,  F.C.S 25 

Church,  Professor  29 

Cobbold,  Dr.  T.  S.,  F.R.S 11, 29 

Condy,  H.  B 25 

Cooke,  M.  C 7,8,29 

Cooley,  A.  J 21,25 

Coote,  Holmes,  F.R.C.S 25 


INDEX  TO  AUTHORS — continued. 


, „ PAGE 

Coultas,  H 29 

Coulson,  W„  F.R.C.S 25 

Crookes,  William,  F.R.S ” 29 

Cross,  Dr ' 22 

Currey,  F„  M.  A..,  F.R.S 10 

Darby,  Iiev.  VV.  A.,  F.R.A.S 14 

Darwin,  C.,  F.R.S 10 

Davies,  Thos 8 

Davis,  Dr.  J.  H.,  F.R.C.P 25 

Dawkins,  W.  B.,  F.R.S 29 

Debus,  H.,  F.R.S 29 

De  Quatrefages,  A IS,  29 

Dink,  Dr.  H. 

Divers,  Dr. 


26 

29 

Dougall,  J.  D 19 


Douglas,  J.  W. 


10 


Dowie,  James  22 

Dr.vsdale,  Dr.  C. 


26 

Duthie,  W 19 

Karl,  Dr.  L 26 

Edwards,  F.,jun 21 

26 


Ellis,  Robert,  M.R.C.S 

Falconer,  Hugh 12 

22 
20 
11 
30 
10 
30 


Fleischmann,  A.,  M.R.C.S 

Flint,  Dr.  A 

Flower,  VV.  H..  F.R.S.  ... 

Forbes,  D.,  F.R.S 

Forbes,  Professor,  F.R.S., 

Foster,  Professor 

Fox,  Dr.  Tilbury 26 


Fraser,  Dr.  P 26 

Frazer,  Dr.  W 26 

Fripp,  Dr.  H.t  F.R.S 30 

Fry,  Herbert 17 

Gamgee,  J 15 

Gtaisher,  James,  F.R.S 

Goodfellow,  Dr.  S.  J.,  F.R.C.P 

Gore,  G.,  F.R.S 

Gosse,  P.  H.,  F.R.S 

Gray,  Dr.  J.  E.,  F.R.S 

Grove,  Dr.  John,  M.R.C.S 

Gulliver,  Professor,  F.R.S 

G thither.  Dr.,  F.R.S 

Habershon,  Dr.  S.  O.,  F.R.C.P.  . . 

Hanks,  H„  L.R.C.P.  Edin 22 

Hartshorne,  E.  S IS 

Henslow,  Rev.  G.,  F.L.S 

Hickman,  W.,  M.B.,  F.R.C.S 

Hicks,  Dr.  B.,  F.R.S 

Hofmeister,  Dr.,  F.R.S 

hogg,  J..  F.L.S 

Hooker,  Dr.,  F.R.S 

Hooker,  Sir  W.  J.,  K.  H.  

Houghton,  Rev.  W.,  F.L.S 


Howden,  P.,  V.S 15 

Hull,  E„  F.G.S 30 

Huime,  R.  T.,  M.R.C.S.,  F.L.S 26 

Humboldt,  A.  von  12 

Hunt,  Robert,  F.R.S 30 

Huxley,  Professor,  F.R.S 10, 30 

Jesse,  G.  R.  21 

Jones,  Rev.  H 19 

Jones,  Professor  T.  R..  F.G.S 30 

Jones,  Dr.  W.  H.,  M.R.C.S 27 

Johnson,  C.  P • • 6 

Johnson,  Dr.  Geo.,  M.R.C.P 27 

Kemp,  Dr.  G It 

Kempton,  H.  T.,  F.L.S.  27 

Kennard,  Rev.  R.  B.,  M.A 19 

Langley,  J.  Baxter,  M.R.C.S.,  F.L.S.  ..  27 

Lankester,  Dr.,  F.R.S 7,  9,  23,  30 

Lankester,  E.  Ray  30 

Lankester,  Mrs 3,  6,  7,  30 

Laurence,  J.  Z.,  M.B.,  F.R.C.S 27 

Lawson,  Dr 13,  23,  SO 

Le  Hardy,  Miss 22 


Leighton,  Rev.  W.  A.,  M.A. 

Lewes,  G.  H 

Liebig,  Baron  

Lord,  J.  K 

Lukis,  Captain  J.  H 

Mackenzie,  Dr.  M.,  M.R.C.P, 

Mackie,  S.  J.,  F.G.S 

Marsh,  Dr.  J.  C.  L.,  M.R.C.P 

Marshall,  G.  W„  LL.M 

Masters,  Dr.  M.,  F.L.S 

Milton,  J.  L 

Monckhoven,  D.  Van,  Ph.D. 

Morgan,  Dr.  C.  E 

Morris,  Dr.  E , F.R.C.S 

Morris,  Professor,  F.R.S 

Morton,  F.,  C.  E 

Murchison,  Dr.  C.,  F.R.S.  . . 

Newton,  J.,  F.R.H.S 

Norton,  A.  T.,  F.R.C.S 

Nunn,  T.  VV.,  F.R.C.S 

Owen,  Professor,  F.R.S 

Parker,  W.  K.,  F.R.S 

Patterson,  Ilobt.,  F.R.S 

Pennell.  Cholmondeley- 

Planchd,  J.  It.,  Rouge-Croix 

Proctor,  It.  A.,  F.R.A.S 

Quckelt,  Professor 

Bansounett,  Baron 

Iieddie,  Jas 

Richardson,  Dr.  B.  W.,  F.R.S 

Russell,  C 

Samuelson,  Jas 

Sanderson,  Dr.  J.  II. , F.R.S. 
Scbaible,  Dr.  C.  H.,  Ph.D.  .. 

Schleiden,  Professor  

Sehwarzenberg,  F.  A 

Solater,  Dr.,  F.R.S 

Scott,  John 

Seemann,  Dr.  B., Ph.D., F.L.S. 

Sheen, J.  R 

Sheppard,  Dr.  E 

Siebeck,  R 

Sims,  Dr.  J.  Marion  

Smith,  John,  A.L.S 

Smitli,  VV.  G , F.A.S.L 

Solly,  S„  F.R.S 

Somerville,  A 

Sorby,  H.  C.,  F.R.S 

Sowerby,  J.  E 

Spear,  J 

Spicer,  Rev.  W.  W.,  M.A.  . . 

Steenstrup,  Professor  

Stellwag,  Dr.  Carl  von  Cariot 

Strickland,  H.  E.,  F.R.S 

Syme,  J.  T.  B.,  F.L.S 

Sy moods,  Rev.  W.  S 

Tate,  A.  N.,  F.C.S 

Tate,  It.,  F.R.G.S 

Taylor,  Dr.  A.  S.,  F.R.S.,  F.I 

Teevan,  VV.  F.,  F.R.C.S 

Timmins,  S 

Tobold,  Dr.  A 

Trousseau,  Professor  A 

Unwin,  W.  C.  

Vincent,  John  

Voeleker,  Professor,  F.C.S... 

Waite,  S.  C 

Walford,  Rev.  E 

Walker,  C.  V.,  F.R.S 

Webb,  Dr.  F.  C.,  F.L.S 

Westfield,  T.  C„  F.S. A.  ...% 
Wil  iamson,  Professor,  F.R.S 
Winslow,  Dr.  Forbes,  D.C.L. 

Wood,  Jno.,  F.R.C.S 

Wynter,  Dr.  A 

Zander,  Dr.  A 


Ox 


PAGE 

10 

31 

31 

9 

21 

27 

12, 

31 

21 

19 

31 

13, 

27 

14 

27 

27, 

31 

11 

16 

12; 

13 

27 

27 

11 

It 

31 

19 

18 

It, 

31 

11 

21 

12 

31 

14 

31 

28 

23 

7 

12 

1111 

10 

S.8,31 

2L 

22 

13 

28. 

6 

7 

28 

15 

31 

..J 

-6 

17: 

8 

101 

25 

11 

8 

12 

11 

7 

21 

28 

15 

28 

28 

31 

13 

31 

15 

18 

31 

27 

IS 

10, 

.31 

23 

2S 

20 

25 

SOWERBY’S  ENGLISH  BOTANY: 

Containing  a Description  and  Life-size  Drawing  of  every  British  Plant.  Edited  and 
brought  up  to  the  present  standard  of  scientific  knowledge  by  T.  Boswell  SriiE, 
E.b.S.,  &c.  With  Popular  Descriptions  of,  the  Uses,  History,  and  Traditions  of  each 
Plant,  by  Mrs.  LaneesTkr,  Author  of  ‘ Wild  Flowers  worth  .Notice,’  ‘The  British 
Ferns,’  Ac.  The  Figures  by  J.  E.  Soweroy,  James  Sowerby,  F.L.S.,  J.  1>R  C. 
Sowerby,  F.L.S.,  and  J.  W.  Salter,  A.L.S.  In  Parts,  at  5s.  each. 

Sowerby’s  English  Botany  : — 

Vol.  1 contains  a description  and  life-size  hand-coloured  figure  of  each  Species  of 
the  following  Plants  — 

Aconites  Columbine  Ladies’  smocks  Poppies 

Alyssums  Coralwort  Larkspurs,  Radishes 

Anemones  Corydalises  Lilies  Rape 

Awlwort  Cresses  Madwort  Rockets 

Banebury  Crowfoots  Marigold  Rues 

Barberry  Cuckooflower  Mayflower  Scurvy  grasses 

Barrenwort  Earthsmoko  Monkshood  Spearworts 

Bearsfoot  Figwort  Mousetails  Stocks 

Brandybottle  Flixweed  Mustards  Toothwort 

Buttercup  Fumitories  Nail  wort  Traveller’s  joy 

Cabbages  Gilliflowers  Nasturtiums  Turnips 

Caltrops  Headwark  Navews  Wallflowers 

Candytuft  Hellebores  Old  man’s  beard  Whitlow  grasses 

Celandines  Horseradish  Pasque  flower  Woad 

Charlocks  Hutchinsia  Peony  Wolfsbane 

Coleseed  Jack-by-the-hedge  Pepperworts 

Colewort  Kingcup  Pheasant’s  eyes 

All  the  Plants  ranked  under  tire  orders  Ranunculace®,  Berberidacese,  Nymphteaeese, 
Papaverace®,  and  Crucifer  to.  7 Parts,  at  53.  each;  complete  in  cloth,  38s. ; half  morocco, 
42s. ; whole  morocco,  48s.  6d. 


Sowerby’s  English  Botany  y0i.  2 contains  the 


Aaron’s  beard 

Cyphel 

Pansies 

Spurreys 

Alder 

Dyer’s  weed 

Pcarlworts 

Stitchworts 

All-seed 

Flaxes 

Pinks 

Storks’  bills 

Balsams 

Fuller’s  herb 

Purslane 

Sun  dews 

Bladder-nut 

Heartsease 

Ragged  Robin 

Sun  rose 

Bruisewor-t 

Herb  Roberts 

Red  rot 

Sycamore 

Buckthorns 

Holly 

Rocket 

Tamarisk 

Campions 

Limes 

Rock  roses 

Tutsan 

Carnation 

Limewort 

Rose  of  heaven 

Violets 

Catchflys 

Lychnis 

St.  John's  worts 

Water  blinks 

Chickweeds 

Mallows 

Sandworts 

Waterworls 

Claytonia 

Maples 

Sea  heath 

Wild  Williams 

Corn  cockle 

Mignonettes 

Soapwort 

Yarr 

Cranes’  bills 

Milkworts 

Sorrels 

Cuckoo  flower 

Mcenchia 

spindle  tree 

All  the  Plants  ranked  under  the  orders  Resedace®,  Cistace®,  Violace®,  Droserace®, 
Polygalacese,  Frankeniacc®,  Caryophyllace®,  Portulacaec®,  Tamaricace®,  Elatinaix  ®, 
Hypericace®,  Malvace®,  Tiliace®,  Linace®,  Geraniace®,  llieine®,  Celastrace®,  Rhamnace®, 
Sapindaee®.  7 Parts,  at  5s.  each;  complete  in  cloth,  88s.;  half  morocco,  42s.;  whole 
morocco,  48s.  6d. 


Sowerby’s  English  Botany vol.  3 contains  the 


Agrimonies 

Apples 

Avens 

Beams 

Birdsfoots 

Blackberry 

Blackthorn 

Brambles 

Briars 

Broom 

Builace 

Burnets 

Cherries 

Cinquefoils 

Cloudberry 

Clovers 

Cotoneaster 


Dewberry 

Meadow-sweet 

Service-trees 

Dropwort 

Medicks 

Shamrock 

Eglantine 

Medlar 

Sibbaldia 

Fenugreek 

Melilots 

Silver-weed 

Furzes 

Mountain-ashes 

Spir®a 

Gean 

Nonsuch 

Strawberries 

Gorse 

Oxytropis 

Sweetbriars 

Green-weeds 

Parsley  piert 

Tares 

Hawthorns 

Pear 

Tongue  under  tongue 

Honey  sialks 

Peas 

Tormentils 

Ladies-finger 

Plum 

Trefoils 

Lady's  mantles 

Queen  of  the  meadow 

Vetches 

Lamb-toe 

ltaspberries 

Vetchlings 

Liquorice 

Rest-harrows 

Waxen- wood 

Lucernt‘3 

Roebuck-berry 

Whins 

Marl-grass 

Hoses 

Whitebearos 

May 

Saintfoin 

White  thorns 

All  the  Plants  ranked  under  the  orders  Leguminifcrro  and  Rosace®.  8 Parts  at  5s.  each  ; 
complete  in  cloth,  43s. ; half  morocco,  47s. ; wliolo  morocco,  58s.  (kt. 


London  : ROBERT  HARDWICKE,  192  Piccadilly,  W. 


3 


SowGrby  s English.  Botany  : Vol.  4 contains  the 


Alexanders 

Earth-nuts 

Isnardia 

Pennywort 

Purslane 

Angelicas 

Elders 

Ivy 

Anise 

Eryngo 

Lamb’s-lettuces 

Rose-root 

Astrantia 

Evening  primroses 

Linnrea 

Samphires 

Bald-money 

Fennels 

Livelong 

Saniclc 

Bay,  rose 

Golden  moss 

London  Prides 

Saxifrages 

Bedstraws 

Gooseberry 

Loose  strife 

Scabiouses 

Bladder-seed 

Goosegrass 

Lovagc 

Squinancywort 

Bryony- 

Goutweed 

Madders 

Stonecrops 

Stoneworts 

Caraways 

Grass  of  Parnassus 

Mare’s  tail 

Carrots 

Grass-poly 

Masterwort 

Sulphur-wort 

Celery 

Guelder  rose 

Meal  tree 

Teasels 

Cheese-rennet 

Hare’s-ears 

Milfoils 

Thorough-wax 

Chervils 

Hartwort 

Mistletoe 

Tillaea 

Cicely 

Hemlocks 

Moschatel 

Valerians 

Coriander 

Herb,  Bennet 

Mugwort 

Venus’  comb 

Cornel 

Herb,  Gerard 

Navelwort 

Wayfaring  tree 
Willow  herbs 

Currants 

Hog’s  fennels 

Nightshades 

Danewort 

Holley,  sea 

Honeysuckle 

House-leek 

Orpines 

Woodbines 

Dogwood 

Dropworts 

Parsleys 

Parsnips 

Woodruffs 

All  the  Plants  ranked  under  the  orders  Lythrace®,  Onagrace®,  Cucurbitace®,  Grossul- 
ariacere,  Crassulace®,  Saxifragace®,  UrabeUifer®,  Araliace®,  Cornace®,  Loranthace®, 
Caprifoliace®,  Rubiace®,  Valerianace®,  Dipsace®.  9 Parts  at  5s.  each ; complete  in  cloth, 
48s. ; half  morocco,  52s. ; whole  morocco,  58s.  6d. 


Sowerby’s  English  Botany  : — vol.  5 contains  the 


Aster 

Blue-bottle 

Burdocks 

Bur-Marygolds 

Butter-bur 

Cat’s-ears 

Chamomiles 

Coltsfoots 

Corn-flower 

Cotton-weed 

Cudweeds 

Daisy 

Dandelions 


Elecampane 

Everlastings 

Feverfew 

Fleabanes 

Fleaworts 

Galinsoga 

Goats- beards 

Golden-rods 

Goldylocks 

Groundsels 

Hawk-bits 

Hawks’-beards 

Hawkweeds 


Heliotrope 

Hemp-agrimony 

Inula 

Knapweeds 

Lettuces 

Leopards’-banes 

Marigold 

Mayweeds 

Mugwort 

Nipple- wort 

Ox-eye 

Ox-tongue 

Ragworts 


Saw-worts 

Sneeze-worts 

Southernwood 

Sow-thistle 

Spikenard 

Star-thistles 

Succorys 

Tansy 

Thistles 

Wormwoods 

Yarrows 


All  the  Plants  ranked  under  the  order  Compositre.  8 Parts  at  5s.  each ; complete  in  cloth, 
43s. ; half  morocco,  47s.;  whole  morocco,  53s.  6d. 


Sowerby’s  English  Botany  : — v0i.  6 contains  the 


Andromeda 

Arbutus 

Ashes 

Azalea 

Bartsias 

Bearberrys 

Belladonna 

Bell-flowers 

Betonys 

Bilberrys 

Bindweeds 

Bird’s-nest 

Bitter-sweet 

Bleaberry 

Bog  bean 

Broom-rapes 

Brooklime 

Brown-rapes 

Brownworts 

Buck  beans 

Bull-dogs 

Bullock’s-wort 


Bunny 

Henbane 

Rosemary 

Butter-and-eggs 

Henne-belle 

Sheep’s-bit 

Canterbury  bell 

Higtaper 

Snapdragons 

Speedwells 

Centaurys 

Jacob’s  ladder 

Cicendias 

King’s-taper 

Strangle-weed 

Convolvulus 

Ling 

Strawberry-tree 

Cow  wheats 

Lobelias 

Tea-plant 

Cranberrys 

Louseworts 

Thorn-apple 

Devale 

Menziesias 

Throat-wort 

Dodders 

Moneywort 

Toadflaxes 

Euphraisie 

Monkey-flower 

Toothwort 

Eyebrights 

Mother-of-thousands 

Torch-blade 

Felwort 

Mudwort 

Valerian 

Figworts 

Mulleins 

Venus’s  looking-glass 

Fluellins 

Nightshades 

Vervian 

Foxglove 

Gentians 

Pennyweed 

Violet 

Periwinkles 

Whortleberry 

Hag-taper 

Prim-print 

Witches'  thimbles 

Hare-bell 

Privets 

Winter-greens 

Heaths 

Heather 

Rabbit’s-mouth 

Rampions 

Yellow-rattles 

All  the  Plants  ranked  under  the  orders  Campanulacea;,  Ericace®,  Jasminacese,  Apocyna-i 
cere,  Gcntianacere,  Polemoniacere,  Convolvulacere,  Solanace®,  Scrophulariace®.  Oroban- 
chaceic,  Verbenaccre.  7 Parts  at  5s.  each;  complete  in.cloth,  38s.  ; half  morocco,  42s.; 
whole  morocco,  48s.  6d. 


4 London : ROBERT  HARDWICEE,  192  Piccadilly,  W. 


Sowerby’s  English  Botany: — Voi.  7 contains  the 


Alkauets 

Comfreys 

Knawels 

Amaranth 

Cowslips 

Lavenders 

Archangel 

Creeping  Jenny 

Loosestrifes 

Balms 

Cyclamen 

Lungworts 

Basil 

Dead-nettles 

Mad  wort 

Be  tony 

Forget-me-nots 

Marjoram 

Bladderworts 

Germanders 

Mints 

Borage 

Gipsey  wort 

Moneywort 

Brook-weed 

Gromwells 

Motherwort 

Bugles 

Ground  Ivy 

Nettles 

Buglosses 

Pine 

Oxiips 

Butterworts 

Hemp-nettles 

Oyster-plant 

Calamints 

Horenounds 

Penny-royal 

Chickweed 

Hounds’  Tongues 

Peppermint 

Clarys 

lllecebrum 

Pimpernels 

Plantains 

Primroses 

Rib-grass 

Ruptureworts 

Saltwort 

Skull-caps 

Sea  lavenders 

Self-heal 

Strapwort 

Thrifts 

Thymes 

Water  violet 

Woundwort 


All  the  Plants  ranked  under  the  orders  Labiatse,  Boraginaceai,  Lcntibulariacea:,  Primn- 
lacere,  Plumbaginacese,  Plantaginacese,  Paronychiaeere,  Amurantaceoe.  7 Parts  at  5s. 
each ; complete,  In  cloth,  SSs. ; half  morocco,  42s. ; whole  morocco,  48s.  (id. 


Sowerby’s  English  Botany  ; — vd.  s contains  the 


Alder 

Allgood 

Asarabaca 

Aspen 

Beech 

Beet 

Birches 

Birthworts 

Bistorts 

Box 

Buckthorn 

Buckwheats 

Chesnut 


Crowberry 
Dock  8 

Dog’s  mercurys 

Kims 

Fir 

Goosefoots 

Hazel 

Hemp 

Hop 

Hornbeam 

Hornworts 

Junipers 

Knotgrasses 


Mercury 

Mezereon 

Myrtle 

Nettles 

Oaks 

Oraches 

Osiers 

Pellitory  of  the  wall 

Pepper 

Persicarias 

Pine 

Poplars 


Purslane 

Rhubarb 

Sallows 

Saltworts 

Samphires 

Seablites 

Sea  beet 

Sorrels 

Spurges 

Starworts 

Willows 

Yew 


All  the  Plants  ranked  under  the  orders  Chenopodiaeeaj,  Polygonacete,  Eleganaceie, 
Thymelaceee,  Santalaceae,  Aristolochiacete,  Empetracea:,  Euphorbiacese,  Callitrichace®, 
Ceratophyllaceie,  Urticacete,  Amentifera,  Coniferse.  10  Parts  at  5s.  each:  complete  in 
cloth,  SSs. ; half  morocco,  57s. ; whole  morocco,  (53s.  6d. 


‘Under  the  editorship  of  T.  Boswell  Syme,  F.L.S.,  assisted  by  Mrs.  I.ankester, 
“Sowerby’s  English  Botany,”  when  finished,  will  be  exhaustive  of  the  subject,  and 
worthy  of  the  branch  of  science  it  illustrates In  turning  over  the  char- 

mingly executed  hand-coloured  plates  of  British  plants  which  encumber  these  volumes 
with  riches,  the  reader  cannot  help  being  struck  with  the  beauty  of  many  of  the 
humblest  flowering  weeds  we  tread  on  with  careless  step.  We  cannot  dwell  upon  many 
of  the  individuals  grouped  in  the  splendid  bouquet  of  flowers  presented  in  these  pages, 
and  it  will  be  sufficient  to  state  that  the  work  is  pledged  to  contain  a figure  of  every  wild 
flower  indigenous  to  these  isles.’—  The  Times , Nov.  3,  1865. 

‘ Will  be  the  most  complete  Flora  of  Great  Britain  ever  brought  out.  This  great  work 
will  find  a place  wherever  botanical  science  is  cultivated,  and  the  study  of  our  native 
j plants,  with  all  their  fascinating  associations,  held  dear.’— Athenaeum. 

‘Nothing  can  exceed  the  beauty  and  accuracy  of  the  coloured  figures.  They  are  drawn 
life-size— an  advantage  which  every  young  amateur  will  recognise  who  has  vainly  puzzled 
; over  drawings  in  which  a celandine  is  as  big  as  a poppy— they  are  enriched  with  delicate 
| delineations  of  print,  petal,  anther,  and  any  organ  which  happens  to  be  remarkable  in  its 

form— and  not  a few  plates  are  altogether  new A clear,  bold,  distinctive  type 

enables  the  reader  to  take  in  at  a glance  the  arrangement  and  divisions  of  every  page. 
And  Mrs.  Lankester  has  added  to  the  technical  description  by  the  editor  an  extremely 
interesting  popular  sketch,  which  follows  in  smaller  type.  The  English,  French,  and 
German  popular  names  are  given,  and,  wherever  that  delicate  and  difficult  step  is  at  all 
practicable,  their  derivation  also.  Medical  properties,  superstitions,  and  fancies,  and 
| poetic  tributes  and  illusions  follow.  In  short,  there  is  nothing  more  left  to  be  desired.’ 

Guardian. 

‘Without  question,  this  is  the  standard  work  on  Botany,  and  indispensable  to  every 

botanist. The  plates  are  most  accurate  and  beautiful,  and  the  entire  work  cannot 

be  too  strongly  recommended  to  all  who  are  interested  in  botany.’—  Illustrated  News. 

***  Subscribers  to  thi3  great  National  Undertaking  may 
commence  at  any  time  without  buying  all  the  back  numbers 
at  once.  Prospectuses  and  Specimens  gratis. 


London : ROBERT  HARDWICKE,  192  Piccadilly,  W. 


5 


Sir  Wm.  Hooker’s  Synopsis  of  all  known  Ferns. 

Synopsis  Filicum;  including  Osmundaeeic,  Schizasacese,  Marattiace®,  and  Ophio- 
glossacesE,  accompanied  by  Figures  representing  tlie  essential  characteristics  of  each 
Genus.  By  the  late  Sir  W.  J.  Hooker,  K.H.,  and  John  Gilbert  Baker,  F.L.S., 
Assistant  Curator  of  the  Kew  Gardens.  Price  £1  2s.  6d.  plain,  £1  8s.  coloured 
by  hand. 

This  is  the  cheapest  and  most  complete  book  which  describes  all  the  Ferns  throughout  the 
world.  So  full  and  clear  are  its  details  that  anybody  who  will  take  the  trouble  to  master 
a few  botanical  terms  can  with  certainty  name  any  fern  he  may  meet  with  in  any  part  of 
the  world,  whether  growing  wild  or  under  cultivatiou  in  garden  or  hothouse. 

• Sir  W.  Hooker  began  collecting  a Fern  Herbarium  in  1811.  For  this  study  this 
enthusiastic  and  illustrious  botanist  had  all  his  life  extraordinary  advantages.  The 
positions  he  occupied— first  as  Professor  of  Botany  at  Glasgow,  and  then  as  Director  of 
the  Kew  Gardens— were  made  the  most  of,  not  merely  by  amiability  of  character  which 
made  his  pupils  and  friends  willing  assistants,  but  at  Kew  he  possessed  the  finest 
herbarium  of  ferns,  and,  thanks  to  Mr.  John  Smith,  the  best  collection  of  ferns  in  cultiva- 
tion in  the  world.  The  names  of  travellers  and  botanists  to  whom  he  acknowledges 
obligations  fill  a page  and  a half  of  his  Preface.  When  Sir  W.  Hooker  died,  his  son,  Dr. 
Hooker,  requested  Mr.  J.  G.  Baker  to  carry  it  out,  possessing  as  he  did  full  access  to  the 
specimens,  and  being  supplied  with  Sir  William’s  notes  and  annotations.  The  result  is 
the  publication  of  such  a work  as  the  author  designed— a vade  mecum  for  the  students, 
cultivators,  and  collectors  of  ferns.’— Athenaum. 

Ferns,  British  and  Foreign. 

Their  History,  Organography,  Classification,  Nomenclature,  and  Culture,  with 
Directions  showing  which  are  the  best  adapted  for  the  Hothouse.  Greenhouse,  Open- 
Air  Fernery,  or  Wardian  Case.  With  an  Index  of  Genera,  Species,  and  Synonyms. 
By  John  Smith,  A.L.S.,  late  Curator  of  the  Itoyal  Gardens,  Kew.  With  250  Wood- 
cuts.  Crown  8vo.  cloth,  fully  illustrated,  price  6s. 

Mr.  Smith  is  acknowledged  to  he  one  of  the  first  authorities  on  Ferns,  haring  been 
engaged  nearly  half  a century  in  arranging  them  at  Kew. 

The  Fern  Collector’s  Album. 

~ A Descriptive  Folio  for  the  reception  of  Natural  Specimens ; containing  on  the  right- 
hand  page  a description  of  each  Fern  printed  in  colours,  the  opposite  page  being  left 
blank  for  the  collector  to  affix  the  dried  specimen ; forming,  when  filled,  an  elegant 
and  complete  collection  of  this  interesting  family  of  plants.  Handsomely  bound, 
price  One  Guinea,  size  11?  in.  by  8i  in.  A Large  Edition,  size  174  in.  by  11  in.,  without 
Descriptive  Letterpress,  One  Guinea. 

The  British  Ferns 

(A  plain  and  easy  Account  of).  Together  with  their  Classification,  Arrangement  of 
Genera,  Structure,  and  Functions,  Directions  for  Out-door  and  In-door  Cultivation, 
&c.  By  Mrs.  Lankkster.  Fully  illustrated,  price  4s.  coloured  by  hand;  2s.  6d.  plain. 

‘Not  only  plain  and  easy,  but  elegantly  illustrated.’— Athenceum. 

The  Useful  Plants  of  Great  Britain. 

A Treatise  on  the  Principal  Native  Vegetables  capable  of  Application  as  Food  or 
Medicine,  or  in  the  Arts  and  Manufactures.  By  C.  P.  Johnson.  Illustrated  by 
J.  E.  Sowerby.  300  Illustrations  coloured  by  hand.  Beautifully  bound,  bevelled 
edges,  price  12s. 

The  Grasses  of  Great  Britain, 

Containing  life  sized,  full-coloured  Drawings,  with  magnified  Organs,  of  144  British 
Grasses,  and  Observations  on  their  Natural  History  and  Uses.  Described  by  Charles 
Johnson.  Illustrated  by  J.  E.  Sowerby.  Royal  8vo.  cloth,  price  £1  6s. 

This  is  the  most  comprehensive  Work  on  British  Grasses,  and  is  the  only  book  which 
gives  the  magnified  organ  to  enable  the  reader  to  recognise  the  various  grasses. 

The  London  Catalogue  of  British  Plants, 

Published  under  the  direction  of  the  London  Botanical  Exchange  Club,  adapted  for 
Marking  Desiderata  in  Exchanges  of  Specimens;  for  an  Index  Catalogue  to  British 
Herbaria-  for  Indicating  the  Species  of  Local  Districts ; and  lor  a Guide  to  Collectors, 
by  showing  the  comparative  rarity  or  frequency  of  the  several  species.  Second 
Edition,  8vo.  sewed,  price  6d. 


6 LoDdon  : ROBERT  HARDWICKE,  192  Piccadilly,  W. 


Wild  Flowers  worth  Notice. 

A Selection  from  the  British  Flora  of  some  of  our  Native  Plants  which  are  most 
attractive  for  their  Beauty,  Uses,  or  Associations.  By  Mrs.  Lankrsteb.  Illustrated 
by  J.  15.  Sowerby.  Ftp.  8vo.  cloth,  coloured  by  hand,  price  4s. 

* We  could  while  away  a long  summer  day  talking  of  the  pleasant  things  suggested  by 
this  little  book.  Although  all  intelligent  persons  cannot  become  botanists,  not  to  know 
the  wild  flowers  of  our  country  is  to  be  ignorant  both  of  our  country  and  ourselves.  And 
this  little  book  will,  as  a pocket  companion  during  holiday  rambles— the  descriptions  and 
plates  bein**  both  good— aestroy  this  ignorance  in  reference  to  at  least  a hundred  plants. 
After  mastering  it,  the  student  will  be  not  a little  astounded  at  his  own  learmng,  when  he 
surveys  it  in  the  systematic  chapter  of  contents.* — AthetuBiim . 

The  British  Fungi 

<A  plain  and  easy  Account  of).  With  especial  reference  to  the  Esculent  and  other 
Economic  Species.  By  M.  C.  Cooke.  Now  and  revised  Edition,  with  Coloured  Plates 
of  41)  Species.  Fcp.  price  Os. 

* A very  readable  volume  upon  the  lowest  aud  least  generally  understood  race  of  plants. 
For  popular  purposes  the  book  could  not  have  been  better  done.*  AtheruBum, 

Microscopic  Fungi. 

(Rust,,  Smut,  Mildew,  and  Mould.)  An  Introduction  to  the  Study  of  Microscopic 
Fungi.  By  M.  C.  Cook  it,  Author  of  the  ‘British  Fungi.'  Fcp.  8vo.  nearly  300 
coloured  Figures,  price  6s. 

* There  is  a thoroughness  about  Mr.  Cooke’s  writings  which  always  makes  his  communi- 
cations welcome.  He  is  not  content  to  gather  information  from  cyclopaedias,  classify 
and  adapt,  and  then  give  a new  form  to  the  thoughts  of  others.  On  the  contrary,  he 
strikes  out  a new  course  of  study,  and  after  a laborious  course  of  analysis,  produces  an 
entirely  original  work,  one  on  which  nothing  of  the  kind  had  been  before  attempted.’ 

Wesleyan  Times. 

Mushrooms  and  Toadstools: 

How  to  Distinguish  easily  the  Difference  between  Edible  and  Poisonous  Fungi ; with 
two  large  sheets,  containing  figures  of  29  Edible  and  31  Poisonous  Species,  drawn  the 
natural  size,  and  coloured  from  living  specimens.  By  Worthin'  G.  Smith,  F.  A.S.L., 
&c.  In  sheets,  with  book,  price  6s. ; on  canvass  in  cloth  case,  for  pocket,  10s.  6d. ; on 
canvass,  with  rollers  and  varnished,  for  hanging  up,  10s.  6d. 

Index  Fungorum  Britannic  or  urn. 

A complete  List  of  Fungi  found  in  the  Britisli  Islands  to  the  Present  Date.  Arranged 
so  as  to  be  applicable  either  as  a check-list  or  for  Herbarium  Labels.  By  M.  C.  Cooke. 
Royal  8vo.  price  2s.  6d.  Also  the  same  Work  printed  on  only  one  side. 

Part  I.  HYMENOMYCETES,  Is.  Part  II.  GASTROMYCETES,  CONIOMTCETES, 
and  11YPHOJ1VCETES,  Is.  Part  III.  ASCOIIYCETES,  Is. 

The  British  Reptiles. 

A Plain  and  Easy  Account  of  the  Lizards,  Snakes,  Newts,  Toads,  Frogs,  and  Tor- 
toises indigenous  to  Great  Britain.  By  M.  C.  Cookk,  Author  of  ‘The  British 
Fungi,’  &c.  Fcp.  8vo.  cloth,  fully  illustrated,  4s.  plain ; 6s.  coloured. 

British  Mollusks; 

Or,  Slugs  and  Snails,  Land  and  Fresh-water.  A Plain  and  Easy  Account  of  the  Land 
and  Fresh-water  Mollusks  of  Great  Britain,  containing  Descriptions.  Figures,  and  a 
Familiar  Account  of  the  Habits  of  each  Species.  By  Ralph  Tate,  F.R.G.S.  Fcp. 
8vo.  cloth,  fully  illustrated,  4s.  plain ; 6s.  coloured. 

S chleiden’s  Principles  of  Scientific  Botany ; 

Or,  Botany  as  an  Inductive  Science.  Translated  by  Dr.  Lutxestbb.  Demy  8vo. 
price  10s.  ifd.  Hundreds  of  Woodcuts,  and  6 pagos  of  Figures,  beautifully  engraved 
on  Steel.  Demy  8vo.  price  10s.  6d. 

Every  Botanical  Library  should  possess  this  work,  as  it  contains  the  principles  upon 
w hich  all  structural  botany  is  based. 


London  : ROBERT_HARDWICKE,  192  Piccadilly,  W.  7 


A Manual  of  Structural  Botany. 

By  M.  C.  Cooke.  Author  of  ' Seven  Sisters  of  Sleep,’  &c.  Illustrated  by  more  than 
200  Woodcuts,  price  Is. ; bound,  Is.  6d. 

'Condensed  yet  clear,  comprehensive  but  brief,  it  affords  to  the  learner  a distinct  view.’ 

Olobe. 

' We  are  confidently  able  to  recommend  the  little  volume  to  public  favour,  its  very  low 
price  (Is.)  bringing  it  within  the  range  of  all  purchasers.’— Era. 

A Manual  of  Botanic  Terms. 

By  M.  C.  Cooke.  With  more  than  300  illustrations.  Fcp,  8vo.  cloth,  price  2s.  6d. 

'We  do  not  hesitate  to  say  that  by  a careful  use  of  this  bool;  a sound  knowledge  of  the 
theoretical  portion  of  botany  may  be  obtained  without  tedious  labour.’— Mining  Journal. 


Journal  of  Botany,  British  and  Foreign.  Yols.  1 to  5. 

Edited  by  Bekthovd  Seemann,  Ph.D.,  F.L.S.,  F.B.G.S.  Beautifully  Illustrated  by 
Fitch.  Price  £1  5s.  each. 

The  Journal  consists  of  two  distinct  sections : the  one  devoted  to  General  Botany,  the 
other  to  the  Botany  of  the  British  Isles.  In  both  divisions  Original  Papers  on  subjects 
new  to  Science  are  given,  illustrated  either  in  the  Text  or  by  special  Plates. 

The  Collector’s  Handy-Book  of  Algse,  Diatoms,  Desmids, 
Fungi,  lichens,  Mosses,  &c. 

With  Instructions  for  their  Preparation  and  the  Formation  of  an  Herbarium.  Trans- 
lated and  Edited  by  the  Rev.  W.  W.  Spiceb,  M.A,  With  lit  Illustrations.  Fcp. 
8vo.  cloth,  price  2s.  6d. 

Collection  Catalogue  for  Naturalists. 

A Ruled  Book  for  keeping  a permanent  Record  of  Objects  in  any  branch  of  Natural 
History,  with  Appendix  for  recording  interesting  particulars,  and  lettered  pages  for 
general  Index.  Strongly  bound.  200  pages,  7s.  6d. ; 300  pages,  10s. ; and  2s.  6d.  extra 
for  every  additional  100  pages.  Working  Catalogues,  Is.  6d.  each. 

A really  good  Catalogue,  upon  a simple  and  inexpensive  plan,  has  long  been  a desideratum 
with  naturalists  and  collectors.  Few  will  originate  or  prepare  a Catalogue  for  themselves, 
and  it  is  a frequent  matter  of  regret  that  large  and  otherwise  valuable  collections  are 
rendered  comparatively  useless  for  want  of  such  a history.  Again,  how  many  naturalists 
pa-8  through  life,  enriched  with  knowledge  gleaned  from  Nature’s  inexhaustible  store,  but 
whose  knowledge,  alas  1 dies  with  them,  for  they  leave  behind  them  no  record  with  their 
collections.  This  Catalogue  commends  itself  to  all  naturalists,  whether  they  be  ornitho- 
logists, entomologists,  botanists,  conchologists,  or  mineralogists. 

In  addition  to  the  ruled  and  printed  form  of  Catalogue,  there  is  a ruled  and  paged 
Appendix,  and  an  Index  lettered  and  ruled.  The  Appendix  is  intended  to  receive  such 
notes  and  observations  as  are  too  long  to  be  recorded  in  the  column  for  remarks;  and  the 
Index  at  the  end  of  the  work  is  intended  to  furnish  an  easy  means  of  reference  to  the 
contents  of  the  Catalogue. 

The  Preparation  and  Mounting  of  Microscopic  Objects. 

By  Thomas  Davies.  Fcp.  cloth,  price  2s.  6d. 

This  Manual  comprises  all  the  most  approved  methods  of  mounting,  together  with  the 
result  of  the  Author’s  experience  and  that  of  many  of  his  friends  in  every  department  of 
Microscopic  Manipulation;  and  as  it  is  intended  to  assist  the  beginner  as  well  as  the 
advanced  student,  the  very  rudiments  of  the  art  have  not  been  omitted. 

Chap.  I.— Apparatus.  II.— To  Prepare  and  Mount  Objects  Dry.  III.— Mounting  in 
Canada  Balsam.  IV.— Preservative  Liquids.  V.— Sections,  and  How  to  Cut  them,  with 
Remarks  on  Dissection.  VI.— Injection.  VII.— Miscellaneous. 

« Nothing  is  more  difficult  to  those  who  handle  a microscope  for  the  first  time  than  to 
get  their  objects  in  a fit  state  for  exhibition  and  preparation.  They  will,  therefore,  feel 
greatly  indebted  to  Mr.  Davies  for  a little  book  on  ‘ The  Preparation  and  Mounting  ot 
Microscopic  Objects.’  It  is  clear,  full,  and  practical;  and  it  soon  reveals  to  the  careful 
student  the  valuable  fact  that  a great  deal  may  be  done  with  very  simple  appliances. 
We  recommend  it  to  young  microscopists  as  a book  which  supplies  a felt  deficiency. 

Quardian. 


8 London:  EOBEET  HAEDWICKE,  192  Piccadilly,  W. 


I 


Half-Hours  with  the  Microscope. 

By  Edwin  Lankestbh,  M.D.  F.R.S.  Illustrated  by  250  Drawings  from  Nature 
Tuffen  West. 


by 


Half-an-hour  on  Structure. 
Half-an-hour  in  the  Garden. 
Half-an-liour  in  the  Country. 


CONTENTS.  „ , . , 

Half-an-hour  at  the  Pond-side. 
Half-an-hour  at  the  Sea-side. 

| Half-an-hour  In-doors. 
“Appe\Vdix.-The  Preparation  and  Mounting  of  Objects. 

Third  Edition,  much  enlarged,  with  full  description  ot  the  various  parts  of  the  Instru- 
ment, price  2s.  Bd.  plain;  4s.  coloured. 

‘ The  beautiful  little  volume  before  us  cannot  be  otherwise  than  welcom  e.  It  js,  in  fact, 

a very  complete  manual  for  the  amateur  mieroscopist....... the  Half-  Hours  are  filled 

with  clear  and  agreeable  descriptions,  whilst  eight  plates,  executed  with  the  most 
beautiful  minuteness  and  sharpness,  exhibit  no  less  than  2o0  objects  w ith  the  utmost 
attainable  distinctness.*—  Critic. 


Hardwicke’s  Science-Gossip : 

A Monthly  Medium  of  Interchange  and  Correspondence  for  Students  and  Lovers  of 
Nature.  Monthly,  4d. ; Quarterly,  Is. ; Annual  Volume,  in  cloth,  price  5s. 
Hardwicke’s  Science-Gossip  consists  of:  — 

1.  Short  Articles  of  an  interesting  and  light  character. 

On  Animals,  Birds,  Reptiles,  Ac.,  their  Habits,  Haunts,  Peculiarities,  and  Migra- 
tions -.  and  on  Stuffing  and  Preserving.  . , 

On  the  Finding,  Collecting,  and  Preserving  of  the  Microscopic  Plants  and  Animals. 
On  Fish,  Fish  Culture,  and  Fishing.  . A , . 

On  Plants,  their  Habitats,  Time  of  Flowering,  Soils  where  likely  to  be  found; 

Peculiarities  of  Structure,  Ac.  . 

On  Geology;  Excursions  in  interesting  districts,  and  any  subject  relating  to  the 
Wonders,  Peculiarities,  or  History  of  the  World's  Crust. 

On  the  Habits,  Mode  of  Capture,  and  Pieservatiou  ot  all  sorts  of  Insects. 

On  the  Cultivation  of  Ferns,  Mosses,  &c. 

On  the  Various  Plants  and  Animals  capable  of  being  kept  and  bred  in  Aquaria  and 
Closed  Cases. 

On  the  Uses  and  Application  of  the  Microscope,  and  on  Mounting  Objects.  Discus- 
sions on  any  New  Invention,  or  Improvement  upon  Old  Instruments. 

In  fact,  on  any  subject  which  those  who  have  a sincere  love  of  nature  delight  to 
talk  about,  whenjtliey  meet  for  a friendly  gossip. 

2.  Hints  and  Suggestions,  too  small  for  Articles,  but  such  as  may  prove  useful  either  in 

Hunting,  Preserving,  Observing,  or  Understanding  the  various  objects  ot  Study. 

3.  Notes  and  Queries. 

4.  Notices  to  Correspondents. 

Vol.  4 commenced  January  1368.  Vols.  1 to  3,  containing  a vast  store  of  information 
price  5s.  each,  in  handsome  cloth  covers.  All  the  back  numbers  kept  in  print.  Commu- 
nications and  Suggestions  are  invited. 


At  Home  in  the  Wilderness: 

Being  Adventures  and  Experiences  in  Uncivilised  Regions,  in  which  it  is  shown 
where  and  when  to  encamp ; how  to  equip  and  manage  a train  of  pack  mules ; break, 
gear,  and  saddle  wild  horses;  cross  streams,  build  log  shantie3,  trenail  a raft,  dig  out 
a canoe  or  build  it  with  bark  or  hide,  manage  dog  sleighs,  tramp  on  snow  shoes,  Ac. 
By  J.  Keast  Lord,  late  of  the  British  North  American  Boundary  Commission. 
Crown  8vo.  cloth,  price  6s. 


In  the  Plain  and  on  the  Mountain. 

Guide  for  Pedestrians  and  Mountain  Tourists  in  the  Plain  and  on  the  Mountain.  By 
Charles  Boner,  author  of  ‘ Chamois  Hunting  in  Bavaria,’  ‘Forest  Creatures,’ Ac. 
With  illustrations  of  dress  requisites,  Ac.  Fcp.  8vo.  price  2s. 

' A little  book  which  compresses  into  a very  small  space  a great  deal  of  good  advice.’ 

Pall  Mall  Gazette. 

‘ We  recommend  Mr.  Boner’s  book  to  all  travellers,  either  on  mountain  or  plain.’ 

Athenaeum. 

The  Book  of  Knots. 

Illustrated  by  172  Examples,  showing  the  manner  of  making  every  Knot,  Tie,  and 
Splice.  Price  2s.  6d. 

‘ It  is  an  honourable  characteristic  of  our  literature  that  it  contains  numerous  admir- 
able and  complete  treatises  on  many  special  subjects.  Mr.  Robert  Hardwicke,  publisher 
of  many  pleasant  and  useful  works,  has  sent  forth  a ‘ Book  of  Knots,’  by  Tom  Bowling, 
illustrated  with  one  hundred  and  seventy-two  diagrams,  showing  the  manner  of  making 
every  knot,  tie,  and  splice,  for  the  moderate  price  of  half-a-crown,  or  nearly  six  knots  a 
penny  .’—All  the  Year  Round,  23rd  May  1868, 


Holiday  Excursions  of  a Naturalist; 

Forming  a Guide-book  to  the  Natural  History  of  the  Inland  and  Littoral.  Crown 
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London:  ROBERT  HARDWICKE,  192  Piccadilly,  W.  9 


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The  Greenland  Whale. 

Being  a Translation  of  the  Treatise  published  in  the  Danish  Language,  entitled  OM 
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Catalogue  of  the  Specimens  of  Vertebrate  Natural  History 

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Memoir  on  the  Pearly  Nautilus 

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Descriptive  Catalogue  of  the  Pathological  Specimens. 

By  Messrs.  Stanley  and  Paget.  5 vols.  4to. 

Descriptive  and  Illustrated  Catalogue  of  the  Calculi  and 

other  Animal  Concretions.  By  Mr.  T.  Taylor. 


London : ROBERT  HARDWICKE,  192  Piccadilly,  W.  11 


Memoirs  of  Dr.  Hugh  Falconer. 

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London;  and  for  many  years  Superintendent  of  the  H.E.I.  Company’s  Botanic 
Gardens  at  Suharunpoor  and  Calcutta.  With  Biographical  Sketch  of  the  Author 
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trated, price  £2  2s. 


Old  Bones ; or,  Notes  for  Young  Naturalists. 

By  the  Rev.  W.  S.  Stmonds,  Rector  of  Pendock,  Author  of  ‘ Stones  of  the  Valley,’ 
&c.  With  References  to  the  Typical  Specimens  in  the  British  Museum.  Second 
Edition,  much  improved  and  enlarged,  fully  illustrated,  fcp.  8vo.  price  2s.  Cd. 

’The  plan  pursued  by  Mr.  Symonds  is  a very  simple  one.  He  adopts  the  classification 
of  Professor  Owen,  and  carries  the  young  naturalist  from  family  to  family,  beginning 
with  man  and  ending  with  the  lowest  fishes,  making  hi3  own  remarks  as  lie  goes  on. 
We  recommend  these  notes.  The  volume  is  neatly  got  up,  and  deserves  a sale  amongst 
the  class  for  whom  it  is  intended.’— Athenaeum. 


The  Applications  of  Geology  to  the  Arts  and  Manufactures. 

Six  Lectures  delivered  before  the  Society  of  Arts.  By  Professor  D.  T.  Ansted,  M.A., 
F.R.S.  Fcp.  8vo.  cloth,  illustrated,  price  4s. 


I.  On  the  Formation  of  Natural  Soils  by 
Derivation  from  Rocks,  and  on  the  Improve- 
ment of  Soils  by  the  admixture  of  Minerals. 

II.  Oil  Natural  and  Artificial  Springs,  and 
on  the  various  Sources  of  Water  Supply  for 
Towns  and  Cities,  in  connection  with  the 
Geological  Structure  of  the  Vicinity. 

III.  On  Mineral  Materials  used  for  the 
Purposes  of  Construction : Plastic  and  In- 
coherent Materials  (Clays  and  Sands). 

IV.  On  Mineral  Materials  ( continued ) : 


Building  Stones  and  Slates,  and  their  Rela- 
tive Value  under  given  Circumstances  of 
Exposure,  and  on  Methods  of  Quarrying. 

V.  On  Stratified  Deposits  of  Minerals,  as 
Coal  and  Iron  Ore,  usually  obtained  by 
Mining  Operations,  and  on  Mining  Methods 
for  sucli  Deposits. 

VI.  On  Metalliferous  Veins  for  Lodes  and 
their  Contents,  and  on  the  Extraction  of 
Metalliferous  Minerals  from  Lodes. 


‘The  science  of  geology  largely  engages  the  attention  of  the  public;  but  persons  are 
frequently  deterred  from  the  study  of  it  by  the  dry  and  tedious  style  of  writers  dedicating 
their  talent  to  its  exposition.  Professor  Ansted  has  supplied  a book  which  meets  the 

public  want The  chapters  relating  to  agricultural  geology  have  an  especial  interest  for 

farmers  ; but  the  whole  are  deeply  interesting  and  worthy  of  recommendation.’ 

News  of  t Tie  World. 

1 Professor  Ansted  takes  in  hand  a subject  of  some  difficulty,  but  of  universal  import- 
ance. In  this  he  describes  the  different  kinds  of  mineral  veins,  their  contents,  and  the 
methods  adopted  to  extract  those  contents,  and  thus  fitly  concludes  his  labours  in 
elucidation  of  the  practical  application  of  geological  knowledge  to  economic  purposes, 
especially  in  connection  with  the  arts  .‘—Daily  News. 


The  British  Fossil  Sponges 

(An  Illustrated  Catalogue  of).  With  Description  and  Figures  of  upwards  of  200 
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Victoria  Institute ; 

Or,  Philosophical  Society  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland:  Journal  of  Transactions. 
Parts  I to  4,  3s.  6d.  each ; Part  5,  4s. ; Part  6,  3s.  6d. ; Part  7,  as. 


Vis  Inertia  Victa ; 

Or  Fallacies  affecting  Science : an  Essay  towards  increasing  our  knowledge  of  some 
Physical  Laws  and  a Review  of  certain  Mathematical  Principles  of  Natural  Philo- 
sorihv  By  James  Red  oik.  Together  with  The  Mechanics  of  the  Heavens  and  New 
Theories  of  the  Sun’s  Electro-Magnetic  and  Repulsivo  Influence,  by  the  same  Author, 
hound  together,  demy  8vo.  price  6s. 

Alexander  von  Humboldt; 

Or,  What  may  he  accomplished  in  a Lifetime.  By  F.  A.  Schwarzexueug.  Crown 
8vo.  cloth,  price  6s. 


12  London : ROBERT  HARDWICKE,  192  Piccadilly,  W. 


Metamorphoses  of  Man  and  Animals. 

Describing  the  changes  which  Mammals,  Batrachians,  Insects,  Myriapods,  Crustacea, 
Annelids,  and  Zoophytes  undergo  whilst  in  the  egg ; also  the  series  of  Metamorphoses 
which  these  beings  are  subject  to  in  after-life.  Alternate  Generation,  Parthenogenesis, 
and  General  Reproduction  treated  in  extemo.  With  Notes,  giving  references  to  the 
works  of  Naturalists  who  have  written  upon  the  subject.  By  A.  De  QoatbefaGes. 
Translated  by  Heney  Lawson,  M.  D.  Crown  8vo.  cloth,  price  Gs. 

• \ye  have  already  said  enough  to  show  that  the  essay  which  Dr.  Lawson  has  introduced 
to  us  in  an  English  garb  is  one  which  marks  a new  era  in  the  history  of  Embryology,  and 
which  presents  to  both  general  and  scientific  readers  information  which  has  been  hitherto 
confined  to  the  realms  of  dusty  periodicals  of  all  languages.  “ The  Metamorphoses  ” is  a 
i work  which  tends  to  elevate  the  science  of  Biology,  and  deserves  the  attention  of  all 
| classes  of  cultivated  readers.’— London  Review. 


Its  Archives,  Traditions,  and  Laws,  as  revealed  by  Modern  Discoveries  in  Geology 
and  Palaeontology.  A Sketch  in  Untechnical  Language  of  the  Beginning  and  Growth 
of  Life,  and  the  Physiological  Laws  which  govern  its  progress  and  operations.  By 
J.  L.  Milto.y,  M.R.C.S.  Second  Edition,  crown  8vo.  cloth,  621  pp.  price  6s. 


'A  veiy  agreeably- written  record  of  some  of  the  newest  and  most  remarkable  dis- 
I coveries  in  geology,  language,  and  physiology.  The  language  is  always  untechnical  and 
; picturesque.  It  has  the  merit  of  inspiring  interest  in  subjects  often  treated  in  a manner 
to  repel  the  ordinary  reader.’— Lancet. 

Seven  Essays  on  Universal  Science, 

A Series  of;  embracing  some  Investigations  of  the  Mosaic  Cosmogony,  and  the 
Interpretations  of  the  Scriptures,  with  the  object  of  Proving  their  Scientific  Exact- 
ness. By  Thomas  Claek  Westfield,  F.S.A.  Price  7s.  handsomely  bound  in  cloth  • 
or,  in  separate  Essays,  Is.  each.  ’ 

Science  and  Practice  in  Earn  Cultivation. 

By  Professor  Buckman,  F.L.S.,  P.G.S. 


The  Stream  of  Life  on  our  Globe. 


Contents. 


The  1 irst  Alphabe 
The  Battle  of  Life 


The  Beginning  of  Life 

England  long,  long  ago 

The  First  Dwellers  on  Earth 

The  First  Builders 

The  First  Wanderers 

The  First  Colonists  of  Sacred  History 

The  First  Language 

The  First  Alphabet 


Glances  at  the  Laws  of  Life 
Life  in  the  Blood 
Life  in  the  Nerves 
Life  of  a Giant 
Life  of  Men  of  Genius 
Influence  of  Smoking  on  Life  and  Race 
Life  in  the  Stars  and  Planets ; or. 
Coloured  Stars  and  their  Inhabitants, 
<Sc.  &c. 


CONTENTS. 


1 . How  to  Grow  Good  Root  Crops 

2.  How  to  Grow  Good  Grass  Crops 

51  Hear  tn  Grmtf  Crvul  PI otror  Prn.w 


How  to  Grow  Good  Clover  Crops 


5.  How  to  Grow  Good  Hedges 

6.  How  to  Grow  Good  Timber 

7.  How  to  Grow  Good  Orchards 


4.  How  to  Grow  Good  Corn  Crops 


Fully  Illustrated.  Complete  in  One  Volume,  cloth,  7s.  6d. 


Picturesque  Garden  Plans. 


Country  Cottages. 


A series  of  Designs  for  an  Imnrnved  Glass  nf  rKrollirura  i r _ , 


London  : ROBERT  HARDWICKE,  192  Piccadilly,  W. 


13 


Ti 


Photographic  Optics  : 


1)®scriPtior>  of  Lenses  and  Enlarging  Apparatus.  By  D.  Van  Monck- 
hoven,  I h.D.  Crown  8vo.  cloth,  with  more  than  200  illustrations,  price  7s.  6ii. 


Preliminary  Ideas 
Refraction  of  Light 
Chromatics 
Lenses 


Book  1.— Photographic  Lenses. 

Aberrations 

Spherical  Aberrations 

Description  of  Photographic  Objectives 

Employment  of  Photographic  Objectives 


Book  II.— Apparatus  for  Enlargements. 


On  the  Negative  intended  for  Enlargement 
Description  of  Apparatus  for  Enlargements 
Theory  of  Formation  of  Enlarged  Image  in 
Woodward’s  Apparatus 
Imperfections  of  Woodward’s  Apparatus 
The  Dyalitic  Apparatus 
Description  and  Setting-up  of  Dyalitic 
Apparatus,  and  of  all  Apparatus  for 
Enlargements 

Management  of  Enlarging  Apparatus 
Setting-up  Enlarging  Apparatus  in  Winter 


Setting-up  of  Movable  Dyalitic  Apparatus 
Application  of  Heliostat  to  Enlarging 
Apparatus 

Setting-up  of  Heliostat  with  Enlarging 
Apparatus 

Parallel  Solar-Light  Apparatus  of  Bertsch 
Indirect  Enlargement  by  the  Sun  or  by 
Diffused  Light 

Application  of  Artificial  Light  to  Enlarging 
Apparatus 


Petroleum  and  its  Products. 

An  Account  of  the  History,  Origin,  Composition,  Properties,  Uses,  and  Commercial 
Value  of  Petroleum  ; the  Methods  employed  in  Refining  it.  and  the  Properties,  Uses, 
&c.,  of  its  Products.  By  A.  Norman  Tate,  F.C.S.,  Analytical  Chemist,  Hon.  Sec.  to 
the  Liverpool  Chemistsr  Association.  Post  8vo.  price  2s.  6d. 


The  Tannin  Process. 

By  C.  Russell.  Second  Edition,  with  Appendix,  fcp.  cloth,  price  2s.  6d.  The 
Appendix  separate,  price  Is. 


A Description  of  certain  Dry  Processes  in  Photography. 

Specially  adapted  to  the  use  of  the  Tourist;  with  Supplementary  Notice  of  Plans, 
useful  to  the  Scientific  Traveller  and  Missionary.  By  George  Kemp,  M.D.,  St. 
Peter’s  Coll.  Cambridge,  Fellow  of  the  Cambridge  Philosophical  Society.  Post  8vo. 
prioe2s. 

Half-Hours  with  the  Telescope : 

Being  a Popular  Gnide  to  the  Use  of  the  Telescope  as  a means  of  Amusement  and 
Instruction.  Adapted  to  inexpensive  Instruments.  Bv  It.  A.  Proctoe,  B.A.,  F.lt.A.S. 
Fcp.  8vo.  cloth,  with  Illustrations  on  Stone  and  Wood,  price  2s.  6d. 

Contents. 

Half  an  hour  on  Structure  of  Instrument.  I Half  an  hour  with  Bootes,  Scorpio,  Ophin- 
Hulf  an  hour  with  Orion,  Lepus,  Taurus, &c.  chus,  &c. 

Half  an  hour  with  Lyra,  Hercules,  Corvus,  Half  an  hourwith  Andromeda,  Cygnus,  &c. 
Crater,  &c.  I Half  hours  with  the  Planets. 

Half  hours  with  the  Sun,  Moon,  & c. 

• It  is  crammed  with  starry  plates  on  wood  and  stone,  and  among  the  celestial  pheno- 
mena described  or  figured,  by  far  the  larger  number  maybe  profitably  examined  with 
small  telescopes,  and  none  are  beyond  the  range  of  a good  three-inch  Achromatic.  The 
work  also  treats  of  the  construction  of  telescopes,  the  nature  and  use  of  Star  Maps  and 

other  subjects  connected  with  the  requirements  of  amateurs The  book  is  full  of 

“ useful  and  interesting  information,”  and  will  form  a valuable  companion  to  the  various 
admirable  handbooks  for  which  Mr.  Hardwicke  enjoys  so  good  a reputation.’ 

Illustrated  Times. 


The  Astronomical  Observer: 

A Handbook  for  the  Observatory  and  the  Common  Telescope.  By  W.  A.  Daebt, 
M.A.,  F.R.A.S.,  Rector  of  St.  Luke's,  Manchester.  Embraces  965  Nebula;,  Clusters, 
and  Double  Stars.  Royal  8vo.  cloth,  price  7s.  6d. 

« I think  the  design  of  the  work  lias  been  well  carried  out.  The  Catalogue  will  no  doubt 
be  very  acceptable  to  the  amateur  observer  desirous  of  obtaining  a knowledge  of  practical 
astronomy,  and  it  will  also  be  useful  in  the  library  of  the  regular  observatory. 

From  the  Earl  ofRosse,  A.P.,  F.R.S.,  &c. 


14  London  : ROBERT  HARDWICKE,  192  Piccadilly,  W. 


Industries  of  Birmingham 

And  the  Midland  Hard-Ware  Districts:  their  Resources,  Products,  and  Industrial 
History.  A Series  ot'  Reports  collected  by  the  Local  Industries  Committee  of  the 
British  Association  at  Birmingham  in  18G5.  Thick  Svo.  pp.  xiii.— 721,  price  14s. 

‘Mr.  Timmins  has  gathered  together  a very  full  and  complete  record  of  Midland 

industry It  is  a book  in  which  everybody  will  find  something  to  interest  him,  and 

something  worth  knowing Birmingham  is  far  more  interesting  to  the  stranger  than 

many  other  manufacturing  centres,  because  there  is  nothing  monotonous  about  her 
industry.  She  is  a thorough  Briareus  with  a hundred,  nay  a thousand,  hands,  and  every 
hand  doing  something  different  and  something  ingenious.  Those  who  know  nothing  of 
her  multifarious  cleverness,  exeept  by  hearsay,  should  read  this  book.  We  promise  them 
that  they  will  find  it  quite  as  interesting,  and  far  more  wholesome,  than  many  of  the 
flimsy  works  of  travel  and  still  flimsier  fictions  with  which  we  are  inundated.’ 

The  Times. 

The  Examiner  says:— ‘It  is  a work  to  be  thankful  for,  and  worth  study  at  home  and 
abroad.  A wonderfully  complete  account  of  the  trading  life  of  a great  English  trading 
town,  and  is  in  its  way  the  best  addition  that  has  been  made  to  commercial  literature  for 
many  a day.’ 

The  Society  of  Arts  Journal  says:— ‘As  an  addition  to  the  libraries  of  Mechanics’ 
Institutions  and  Working  Men’s  Clubs,  not  forgetting  free  libraries,  it  will  be  valuable, 
and  will  be  received  on  the  Continent  with  a hearty  welcome.’ 

Report  of  the  Proceedings  at  the  British  Association.  (Bir- 
mingham Meeting),  1865. 

Carefully  Collated  and  Revised  by  the  various  Speakers.  Crown  Svo.  price  5s. 

Report  of  the  Meeting  at  Nottingham,  1866, 

Super-royal  8vo.  price  6s. 

The  Cattle  Plague. 

With  Official  Reports  of  the  International  Veterinary  Congresses,  held  in  Hamburg, 
1863,  and  in  Vienna,  1865.  By  John  Gamgee,  Principal  of  Albert  Veterinary  College. 
Demy  8vo.  860  pp.  price  21s. 


Horse  Warranty. 

A Plain  and  Comprehensive  Guide  to  the  various  Points  to  be  noted,  showing  which 
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1 We  shall  look  in  vain,  for  example,  two  centuries  back,  for  anything  like  an  equivalent 
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Our  once  Fat  Friend 
My  First  Deal  in  Horse-flesh 
Horses  and  Horse  Copers 
Our  Great  Iron-workers 
Macliin 


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Death  in  the  Match-box 
Human  Wasters 
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Subtle  Brains  and  lissom  Fingers : 

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Fraudulent  Trade  Marks 
A Day  with  the  Coroner 
Undersea  Railroad 
Vivisection 

Restoration  of  our  Soil 
Railways  the  Great  Civilisers 
Physical  Education 
Clerk  of  the  Weather 


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Air  Traction 
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Small-pox  in  London 
Excursion  Trains 
Early  Warnings,  &c.  &e. 


20 


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Researches  into  the  History  of  the  British  Dog. 

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whilst  the  actual  danger  oflife  in  travelling  by  rail  is  comparatively  small,  that  to  health 
is,  from  various  causes,  considerable.  But  for  the  discussion  of  these  and  their  remedies, 
we  must  refer  the  reader  to  the  book  itself.’— Dispatch. 

Wines  and  other  Fermented  Liquors. 

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Special  Therapeutics. 

An  Investigation  into  the  Treatment  of  Acute  and  Chronic  Disease  by  the  Application 
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The  Toilet  and  Cosmetic  Arts 

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Hatch  Asylum.  Svo.  sewed,  price  Is. 

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Air 

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The  Patient 
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Setons,  Issues 
Blisters  and  Plasters 
Chamber  of  Death 
&c.  &c.  &c. 


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culcated both  in  regard  to  nursing  and  medical  attendance  have  met  with  such  general 
approval  as  to  require  another  edition  of  her  unpretending  but  really  valuable  volume.’ 

Lancet. 


On  Teething  of  Infants : 

Its  prevalent  Errors,  Neglects,  and  Dangers;  their  influence  on  the  Health,  and  as 
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The  Gastric  Regions,  and  the  Victualling  Department. 

By  An  Odd  Militia  Surgeon.  The  whole  outward  and  inward  man,  from  the  crown 
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* This  is  a most  useful,  and  by  no  means  a dull  or  heavy  book The  Old  Militia 

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varieties  of  food  and  their  effects  upon  the  system.’— Observer. 


The  Foot  and  its  Covering. 

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First  Help  in  Accidents. 

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For  the  use  of  the  Public,  especially  for  Members  of  both  Military  and  Naval  Services, 
Volunteers,  and  Travellers.  By  Charles  H.  Schaible,  M.D.,  Ph.D.,  Koyal  Mili- 
tary Academy,  Woolwich.  Fully  Illustrated, 


Bites 
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Burns 

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Poisoning' 


Scalds 

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And  other  Accidents  where  instant  aid  is  needful.  In  Sup.  royal  32mo.  cloth,  price 


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tains some  accurate  and  nice  woodcuts.  In  200  small  pages  we  find,  condensed,  whatever 
can  be  done  in  case  of  accidents  until  the  arrival  of  a professional  helper  ; in  fact,  the  work 
is  a short  but  complete  manual,  and  will  prove  of  great  service  to  military  men,  volun- 
teers, and  tourists The  instructions  are  plain  and  to  the  point,  and  there  is  a welcome 

absence  of  technical  terms.'— Spectator. 


A Manual  of  Popular  Physiology : 


Being  an  Attempt  to  Explain  the  Science  of  Life  in  Untechnical  Language.  By  Henry 
Lawson,  M.D.,  Co-Lecturer  on  Physiology  and  Histological  Anatomy  in  St.  Mary's 
Hospital  Medical  School.  Fcp.  8vo.  with  Ninety  Illustrations,  price  2s.  6d. 


Man’s  Mechanism 

Life 

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Heat 
The  Skin 


The  Kidneys 
Nervous  System 
Organs  of  Sense 
&c.  &c.  &c. 


‘ Dr.  Lawson  has  succeeded  in  rendering  his  manual  amusing  as  well  as  instructive. 
All  the  great  facts  in  human  physiology  are  presented  to  the  reader  successively ; and 
either  for  private  reading  or  for  classes,  this  manual  will  be  found  well  adapted  for  initiat- 
ing the  uninformed  into  the  mysteries  of  the  structure  and  functions  of  their  own  bodies.’ 

Athsncsum. 


Dr.  Lankester  on  Food. 


A Course  of  Lectures  delivered  at  the  South  Kensington  Museum.  By  E.  Lankester, 
M.D.,  F.R.S.,  F.L.S.  Crown  8vo.  cloth,  pp.  400,  fully  illustrated,  price  3s. 


Water 

Salt— Mineral  Food 
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Alcohol— Wines,  Spirits,  and  Beer 
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so  many  subjects,  there  is  an  overflowing  wealth  of  minute  collateral  information  which  is 
t always  brought  to  the  level  of  the  last  achievements  of  science.’— Lancet. 


Domestic  Medicines,  their  Uses  and  Doses, 

In  the  absence  of  professional  assistance,  with  Tables  of  Weights  and  Measures;  the 
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Dr.  lankester  on  the  Uses  of  Animals 

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Animal  Perfumes 


‘ The  information  is  presented  in  the  most  lucid,  graceful,  and  entertaining  manner.’ 

Economist. 

' Everyone  who  peruses  them  will  be  grateful  to  the  author.’  The  history  of  those 
creatures  whose  products  become  through  man’s  skill  so  useful  to  him  is  given  with 
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Lancet. 

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On  the  Cure  of  Clubfoot,  without  Cutting  Tendons. 

By  Richard  Baewbll,  F.R.C.S.,  Surgeon  and  Lecturer  on  Anatomy,  Charing  Cross 
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On  the  Management  of  Labour  in  Contracted  Pelvis. 

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On  Uncontrollable  Drunkenness, 

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28  London : ROBERT  HARDWICKE,  1S2  Piccadilly,  W. 


THE  POPULAR  SCIENCE  REVIEW : 


A Quarterly  Summary  of  Scientific  Progress  and  Miscellany  of  Entertaining  and 
Insiruclfve1  Articles  on  Scientific  Subjects.  Established  1861.  Edited  by  Hi-.miy 
Lawson,  M.D. 


Articles  by  the  following  Contributors  have  already  appeared 


Adams,  A.Leath,  M.A..M.D.,  F.L.S. 

Migrations  of  European  Birds. 

The  Bone  Caverns  of  Gibraltar,  Malta, 
and  Sicily. 


Ansted,  Professor,  F.R.S.,  F.G.S. 

Artificial  Light. 

Caverns  and  their  Contents. 

On  the  Physical  Geography  of  the  Ionian 
Islands. 

Metamorphism  of  Rocks. 

On  Lake  Basins,  illustrated.  . 

On  the  Solfataras  and  Fumaroles  in  the 
Neighbourhood  of  Naples. 

The  Eruption  of  Santorin,  illustrated. 
The  Hurricane,  the  Typhoon,  and  the 
Tornado. 


Anstie,  Dr. 

What  is  a Stimulant  ? 


Baird,  Dr.,  F.L.S. 

Our  Fresh-water  Entromostracas,  Shell- 
Insects  or  Water  Fleas,  illustrated. 


Barrett,  W.  F. 

Glaciers  and  Ice,  illustrated. 

On  Sensitive  Flames,  illustrated. 


Bastian,  Dr.,  F.R.S. 

Free  Nematoids,  illustrated. 


Buckman,  Professor. 

On  Corn,  illustrated. 

On  Grass,  illustrated. 

The  British  Oak,  with  two  page  illustra- 
tions. 

On  the  Morphology  of  Vinca  Minor  (Small 
Periwinkle),  with  page  plate. 

Carruthers,  Wm. 

The  Botany  of  a Coal  Mine,  illustrated. 

Chambers,  G.  F.,  F.E.A.S, 

Optical  Phenomena  of  the  Atmosphere. 

Thermometry. 

How  to  Study  Meteorology,  illustrated. 

Fitzroy  Weather  Forecasts,  illustrated. 

Church,  Professor. 

_ The  Food  of  Plants. 

Cobbold,  Dr.  Spencer,  F.R.S. 

Vegetables,  Fruit,  and  Water  as  Sources 
of  Intestinal  Worms,  illustrated. 

Cooke,  M.  C. 

Microscopic  Fungi,  Parasitic  on  Living 
Plants,  with  7 pages  of  coloured  illus- 
trations. 

Danviu’s  Observations  on  the  Physiology 
of  the  Process  of  Fertilisation  in  Plants, 
illustrated. 

How  to  Dissect  a Flower,  illustrated. 


Bate,  Spence,  F.R.S. 

An  Attempt  to  approximate  the  Date  of 
the  Flint  Flakes  of  Devon  and  Corn- 
wall, illustrated. 


Coultaa  Harland. 

Winter  Life  of  Plants,  illustrated. 

On  the  Origin  of  our  Kitchen-Garden 
Plants. 


Eeale,  Dr.  Lionel,  F.R.S. 

On  the  Highest  Magnifying  Powers  and 
their  Uses. 

Entozoon-like  Bodies  in  the  Muscles  of 
Animals  destroyed  by  Cattle  Plague, 
illustrated. 

Elackwall,  John,  F.L.S. 

Our  House-Spiders. 

Bond,  Dr. 

Bodily  Work  and  Waste. 

The  Geology  of  Mineral  Springs,  illus- 
trated. 


Crookes,  Wm.,  F.R.S. 

The  Breath  of  Life. 

Photographic  Printing  and  Engraving, 
with  a Photograph  of  a complete  page 
of  The  Times  printed  from  stone. 

Dawkins,  W.  Boyd,  M.A.,  F.R.S. 

The  Former  Range  of  the  Reindeer  in 
Europe. 

Range  of  the  Mammoth. 

Debus,  H.,  F.R.S. 

On  the  Absorption  and  Radiation  of  Heat, 
with  two  page  illustrations. 


Breen,  the  late  James 

The  Great  Comet  of  1851,  illustrated  by 
the  Author. 

The  Sun  and  Solar  Phenomena,  with  a 
coloured  plate. 

Mars,  with  a tinted  and  coloured  plato. 
The  Telescope. 

The  Moon,  illustrated. 


De  Quatrefage,  A. 

The  Phosphorescence  of  the  Sea,  illus- 
trated. 

Divers,  Dr. 

What  is  a Tonic? 

On  Water  Filters,  illustrated. 


London : ROBERT  HARDWICKE,  192  Piccadilly,  W.  29 


Popular  Science  Review— continued. 


Forbes,  David,  F.R.S. 

The  Microscope  in  Geology,  illustrated. 

Chemistry  and  Geology. 

Foster,  Professor. 

On  the  Electrical  Principles  of  tho  Atlan- 
tic Telegraph,  illustrated. 

Fripp,  Dr. 

On  the  Light-Emitting  Apparatus  of  the 
Glowworm,  illustrated. 

Genesis  or  Parthenogenesis. 

Recent  Discoveries  in  Insoct  Embryo- 
geuy,  illustrated. 

Glaisher,  James,  F.R.S. 

Balloon  Ascents,  and  their  Scientific 
Importance,  illustrated. 

Gore,  George,  F.R.S. 

The  Application  of  Science  to  Electro- 
plating, with  a page  plate. 

Gosse,  P.  H.,  F.R.S. 

The  Crown  Animalcules,  with  illustra- 
tions by  the  author. 

The  Flower  Animalcules,  illustrated  by 
the  author. 

Tho  Builder  Animalcules,  with  a page 
plate. 

Contributions  to  the  History  of  the 
Rotifera,  or  Wheel-Aiiimulcules-The 
Flexible  Creepers  (Notommatina),with  j 
page  plate. 

Gray,  Dr.  J.  E.,  F.R.S. 

Venus’s  Flower-Basket  (Euplectella), 
illustrated. 

Gulliver,  Professor,  F.R.S. 

On  the  Nature  and  Diagnostic  Valuo  of  I 
Raphides  and  other  Plant  Crystals. 

Plants  Known  by  their  Pollen-grains  and 
other  Cells. 

Henslow,  the  Rev.  G.,  M.A.,  F.L.S. 

Botanical  Exercises. 

On  the  Phenomena  of  Motion  and  Sensi- 
tiveness in  Climbing  Plants,  with  page 
illustration. 

On  Hybridisation  among  Plants. 

Hicks,  Dr.  Braxton,  F.R.S. 

On  the  Difficulties  of  Identifying  many  , 
of  the  Lower  Kinds  of  Alga;,  with  [ 
coloured  plate. 

On  the  Volvox  Globator,  with  coloured  t 
plate. 

On  the  Mode  of  Growth  of  some  of  the 
Alga;,  illustrated. 

Hogg,  Jabez,  F.L.S. 

The  Common  Truffle,  with  a page  plate. 

The  Vinegar  Eel  (Anquillula  Aceti),  with 
tinted  plate. 

Colour-Blindness,  with  page  plate. 

Hooker,  Dr.,  F.R.S. 

On  tho  Struggle  for  Existence  among 
Plants. 


Houghton,  the  Rev.  W.,  F.L.S. 

Our  Fresh- Water  Polyzoa,  two  page  plates. 

Insects  Injurious  to  the  Turnip  Crons 
illustrated. 

Hydrae ; or,  Fresh-Water  Polypes,  with 
page  plate. 

Caddis- Worms,  and  their  Metamorphoses, 
with  page  plate. 

Hull,  Edward,  F.G.S. 

Raised  Beaches,  and  their  Origin,  with 
page  plate. 

Modern  Views  of  Denudation,  illustrated. 

Hunt,  Robert,  F.R.S. 

Iron  and  Steel. 

Solar  Chemistry,  with  coloured  plate. 

Light  and  Colour,  with  coloured  plate. 

The  Physics  of  a Sunbeam,  with  coloured  1 
plate. 

The  Source  of  Heat  in  the  Sun,  illustrated. 

The  Physical  Phenomena  of  other  Worlds, 
with  coloured  plate. 

Atlantic  Telegraphy,  illustrated. 

‘A  Message  from  the  Stars.’ 

The  Science  of  a Snowflake,  illustrated. 

Huxley,  Professor,  F.R.S. 

Connecting  Link  between  Reptiles  and  . 
Birds,  two  page  plates. 

Jones,  Professor  T.  Rupert,  F.G.S. 

On  the  Oldest  Known  Fossil  (Eozoon 
Canadonse),  illustrated. 

Lankester,  Dr.,  F.R.S. 

On  Cotton,  illustrated  by  Tuffen  West. 

On  Fresh  Air. 

On  Proper  Clothing. 

On  Good  Food. 

On  Pure  Water. 

Lankester,  E.  Ray, 

Tubifex  Rivulorum,  the  Red  Worm  of 
our  Rivers,  with  coloured  plate. 

The  Old  Red  Sandstone  Fishes  of 
England,  with  tinted  illustration. 

On  the  Microscopic  Anatomy  of  an  Insect 
Larva  fCorethra  Plumicornis),  illus- 
trated. 

On  the  Movements  of  the  Diatomaceso, 
with  coloured  plate. 

On  the  Planarite  of  our  Ponds  and 
Streams,  illustrated. 

Lankester,  Mrs. 

The  Daisy,  illustrated. 

The  White  Clover,  with  two  page  plates. 

The  Mistletoe  and  Parasitic  Plants,  with 
page  plate. 

Lawson,  Dr. 

Herrings  and  Herring-Fishing. 

Oysters  and  Oyster-Culture,  with  page 
illustration. 

Recent  Investigations  into  the  Natural 
History  of  the  Red  Coral,  illustrated. 

Is  the  Whitebait  a Distinct  Species? 
illustrated. 

Photography,  and  some  of  its  Applica- 
tions. 

The  Graphotype,  illustrated. 

Ventilation  and  Ventilators,  illustrated. 


30  London  : ROBERT  HARDWIOKE,  192  Piccadilly,  W, 


Popular  Science  Review— continued. 


Lewes,  G.  H. 

The  Keflex  Theory. 

Liebig,  Baron. 

On  the  Action  of  Manures. 

Soup  for  Children. 

Artificial  Mothers’  Milk. 

On  Coffee. 

Mackie,  S.  G.,  F.G.S. 

Fossil  Birds,  with  page  plate. 

The  Metropolitan  Main  Drainage  Works, 
with  a map  of  the  works. 

The  Pneumatic  Despatch,  illustrated. 
Extraordinary  Ships,  illustrated. 

The  Eruption  of  Etna,  with  tinted  plate. 
New  Electro-Magnetic  Machines,  illus- 
trated. 

Masters,  Dr.,  F.L.S. 

Why  the  Leaves  Fall. 

Sensitive  Plants,  with  page  plate. 

Morris,  Professor,  F.G.S, 

The  Gems  and  Precious  Stones  of  Great 
Britain,  with  coloured  plate. 

Patterson,  Bobert,  F.R.S. 

On  Sponges,  with  page  plate. 

Proctor,  Richard  A.,  B.A.,  F.R.A.S. 

How  to  Work  with  the  Telescope,  illus. 
The  Planet  Mars  in  January  1867,  illus. 
Jupiter  without  his  Satellites,  illustrated. 
The  Total  Eclipse  of  August  17th,  1868, 
illustrated. 

Richardson,  Dr.  B.  W.,  F.R.S. 

Greek  Fire : its  Ancient  and  Modern 
History. 

Waves  of  Heat  and  Waves  of  Death. 
Ozone  in  relation  to  Health  and  Disease. 
Sun  Force  and  Earth  Force. 

Physics  of  the  Brain. 


Samuelson,  James. 

The  Lowest  Forms  of  Life.  With  illus- 
trations by  the  author  and  Dr.  J.  B. 
Hicks. 

The  West  Coast  of  Equatorial  Africa, 
with  a coloured  map. 

Primitive  Astronomy,  with  two  coloured 
illustrations  by  the  author. 

Barmouth  and  its  Scientific  Attractions, 
with  a tinted  illustration. 

Seemann,  Dr.,  F.L.S. 

Australia  and  Europe  formerly  One  Con- 
tinent, with  coloured  plates. 

Sorhy,  H.  C.,  F.R.S. 

On  the  Construction  and  Use  of  the  Spec- 
trum Microscope,  with  a page  plate. 

Unwin,  W.  C. 

The'  Britannia  and  Conway  Tubular 
Bridges,  illustrated. 

Voelcker,  Professor,  F.C.S. 

On  Milk  and  its  Adulteration. 

Walker,  Charles  V.,  F.R.S. 

Train-Signalling  in  Theory  and  Practice, 
illustrated. 

Williamson,  Professor,  F.R.S. 

The  Anatomy  and  Physiology  of  the 
Foraminifera,  illustrated. 

The  Amseba:  its  Structure,  Development, 
and  Habits.  Illustrated. 

The  Common  Fresh-water  Sponge,  illus. 


In  addition  to  Articles  which  are  of  abiding'  interest,  the  Popular  Science  Review 
contains  a complete  Record  of  progress  in  every  Department  of  Science,  including 


Astronomy 

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Chemistry 

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Geography  Microscopy 

Geology  Photography 

Mechanics  Physics 

Medical  Science  Zoology 

Metallurgy  Ac.  Ac.  and 


Sciences  applied  to  the  Arts,  Manufactures,  Commerce,  and  Agriculture. 


The  early  numbers  having  been  reprinted,  Vols.  1 to  6 may  be  had,  price  £3  14s.  6d.; 
cloth,  £1 12s.  6d.  Vol.  7 commenced  January  1868. 

Published  Quarterly,  price  2s.  Cd. ; Annual  subscription,  10s. 


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London  : ROBERT  HARDWICKE,  192  Piccadilly,  W.  31 


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