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PREFACE.
PREFACE.
“ The proof of the Fungus is in the eating. ” I have constantly eaten every species figured on the “Edible Sheet,” and many others that are not. Few, I imagine, will expect me to have eaten every species on the “Poisonous Sheet,” bearing, as they do, such adjective names as “gloomy,” “fiery,” “satanical,” “inflaming,” &c. However, years ago, without a proper guide and with very little experience, I more than once became personally acquainted with the unpleasant qualities of one or two da
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INTRODUCTORY OBSERVATIONS.
INTRODUCTORY OBSERVATIONS.
Perhaps no other country can vie with Great Britain in the vast number of edible species of fungi that may be gathered during all seasons of the year, from one end of the land to the other. The pastures and woodlands literally teem with them; they are, however (sad to say), little known, sadly neglected, or looked upon with unmerited suspicion. The literature, too, of the subject is so small, and the scientific part of the study so extremely difficult to begin, that few persons dare venture to t
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Red-fleshed Mushroom. Fig. 1.
Red-fleshed Mushroom. Fig. 1.
( Agaricus [ Amanita ] rubescens. ) 7. This species is generally abundant in all woody places, making its first appearance in early summer and continuing till late in the autumn. It is known by its brown warty top, its white gills, and perfect ring encircling the bulbous stem. It frequently attains a large size, and its whole substance, when touched, bruised, or broken, becomes sienna-red . This species is one of the most beautiful as well as valuable of all the British Agarics. If care be taken
52 minute read
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Edible Tube-Mushroom. Fig. 2.
Edible Tube-Mushroom. Fig. 2.
( Boletus edulis. ) 610. Frequently attaining enormous dimensions, and first appearing during the summer or early autumn rains, this fungus is one of our commonest and most delicious species. Like the last, it grows in woods and forests, and may be at once known by the following characters: it is generally very stout, with a smooth, umber, cushion-shaped top, tubes at first white and ultimately pale yellowish-green; stem whitish-brown, marked with a minute white and very elegant reticulated netw
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Variable Mushroom. Fig. 3.
Variable Mushroom. Fig. 3.
( Russula heterophylla. ) 522. This is a very common species in woods, known by its sweet nutty taste; white, rigid, sometimes branched, gills; white flesh; white, solid, fleshy, ringless stem; and firm top, variable in colour, which is at first convex, at last concave. The colour of the thin viscid skin covering the top of the fungus is commonly subdued green, but (as its name indicates) the colour is variable: at one time it approaches greenish-yellow, or lilac, and at another grey or obscure
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Candle Clavaria. Fig. 4.
Candle Clavaria. Fig. 4.
( Clavaria vermiculata. ) 843. This species is frequently very common in pastures and meadows, on lawns and by roadsides, in the wet weather of autumn. It grows in bundles; is brittle; the clubs are pointed and very white . If a few bundles be gathered, cleaned, and stewed or broiled, they will form a novel and tasty adjunct to any dish, and when once tried will be eagerly sought for in future. Coloured Clavarias had better remain where found growing, as their gastronomic qualities are doubtful.
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Meadow Mushroom. Fig. 5.
Meadow Mushroom. Fig. 5.
( Agaricus [ Psalliota ] campestris. ) 316. A large volume might be written about this species, the only one popularly recognized in this country as edible. It is common in rich meadows everywhere, perhaps all over the world, and varies in a remarkable manner, by imperceptible gradations approaching and blending with the horse mushroom, fig. 9 : its varieties are distinguished by five or six different names, but the characters run into each other so much, and are frequently so slight and transie
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Yellow-gilled Mushroom. Fig. 6.
Yellow-gilled Mushroom. Fig. 6.
( Russula alutacea. ) 536. This is one of the principal ornaments of our woods in summer and autumn, and is readily recognized by its thick gills, which are of a subdued but decided buff-yellow colour, and the somewhat viscid red, or pale crimson top. The stem is stout, white or rose-colour, ringless, and solid; the whole plant fleshy, and frequently very large. The gills immediately distinguish it from the emetic mushroom ( fig. 21, Poisonous Sheet ), as in the latter they are pure white, and a
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Furrowed Clavaria. Fig. 7.
Furrowed Clavaria. Fig. 7.
( Clavaria rugosa. ) 827. This species, common in woody places, is usually pure white, pale grey, or shaded with cream-colour; the clubs are irregular, somewhat wrinkled and tough. Treated in the same way as C. vermiculata , it will prove equally acceptable, agreeable, and novel. All the white-spored species are believed to be esculent. I have not tried C. coralloides , an allied species, which is greatly branched, but it is esteemed as an esculent....
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Chantarelle. Fig. 8.
Chantarelle. Fig. 8.
( Cantharellus cibarius. ) 539. The chantarelle cannot be called very common, but it is abundant in many districts; its solid, ringless stem, fleshy body, thick swollen veins in the place of gills, and brilliant yellow colour, at once serve to distinguish it from every other species. “Its smell,” says Berkeley, “is like that of ripe apricots.” Sometimes (as I have frequently seen in Epping Forest and elsewhere) immense numbers grow together; at other times they are very few. Chantarelles often c
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Horse Mushroom. Fig. 9.
Horse Mushroom. Fig. 9.
( Agaricus [ Psalliota ] arvensis. ) 317. This species, the A. exquisitus of Dr. Badham, is very nearly allied to the meadow mushroom, and frequently grows with it, but it is coarser, and has not the same delicious flavour. It is usually much larger, often attaining enormous dimensions; and it turns a brownish-yellow as soon as broken or bruised. The top in good specimens is smooth and snowy white; the gills are not the pure pink of the meadow mushroom, but dirty brownish-white, ultimately becom
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Fir-cone Mushroom. Fig. 10.
Fir-cone Mushroom. Fig. 10.
( Agaricus [ Amanita ] strobiliformis. ) 5. If colour is left out of the question, no finer species of Agaric than this one grows in the country. It attains a very large size in well-grown specimens, but is rare. I have but once found it, and then it was sprinkled pretty plentifully along the borders of a fir plantation in Hampshire, not far from Winchester. The solid compact flesh, fine ring, bulbous stem, and patched top, well mark this species. The persistent patches on the top are not very u
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Orange-milk Mushroom. Fig. 11.
Orange-milk Mushroom. Fig. 11.
( Lactarius deliciosus. ) 502. There are but few species of the Lactarius , or milk-bearing group, that can be recommended for culinary purposes. This species, however, and fig. 26 are exceptions, and there can be no fear of mistaking the orange-milk mushroom for any other species. It is at once known by the orange-coloured milk which it exudes on being bruised, cut, or broken; this milk soon becoming dull green. The plant is solid, almost corky, and the richly-coloured top is commonly, but not
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Purple Cobweb-Mushroom. Fig. 12.
Purple Cobweb-Mushroom. Fig. 12.
( Cortinarius [ Inoloma ] violaceus. ) 420. This is one of the best-marked of all edible fungi, and at the same time one of the very best for esculent purposes. It cannot be called common, although I have often found it close to London. It appears to principally grow in open places in woods. When young, it looks like a bright purple silk ball in the grass, and when gathered the bulbous stem is almost as large as the top itself. There is always a cottony web, like cobweb (which represents the rin
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Maned Mushroom. Fig. 13.
Maned Mushroom. Fig. 13.
( Coprinus comatus. ) 374. This fungus should be gathered for the table when the gills are white or just changing to pink, and before they are black, in which latter state (as the plant is ultimately deliquescent), it is unfit for food. If I had my choice, I think there is no species I should prefer before this one; it is singularly rich, tender, and delicious. Those found growing amongst short grass, on lawns, or by roadsides, are best; there is one form of it which grows in dirty, sticky place
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Scaly Mushroom. Fig. 14.
Scaly Mushroom. Fig. 14.
( Agaricus [ Lepiota ] procerus. ) 13. Agaricus procerus everywhere enjoys a good reputation, and as it is far from uncommon, the lovers of fungi can generally make sure of this species for a treat. When or at what time it was ever sold at Covent Garden Market, I do not know; for although more than one book says it is there displayed for sale, I never saw, or could hear of it. It grows in pastures, and is known by its long bulbous spotted stem, by the ring that will slip up and down, by the very
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Plum Mushroom. Fig. 15.
Plum Mushroom. Fig. 15.
( Agaricus [ Clitopilus ] prunulus. ) 225. The pure pink gills running considerably down the ringless stem, and the fresh and fragrant smell of meal, at once distinguish this species from all others. It grows in and near woods in the autumn, evidently giving a preference to the open places and borders; the solid stem and the very fleshy top are white, or some shade of very pale grey. Dr. Badham and some other authors refer to our plant under the name of A. orcellus , and some botanists consider
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Curled Helvella. Fig. 16.
Curled Helvella. Fig. 16.
( Helvella crispa. ) 1673. This singular-looking plant is nearly allied to the true Morel, and closely resembles it in flavour. It is hardly possible to mistake it for any other species, unless it be the next, which has a black top, and is rarer ( H. lacunosa ), 1674, and also esculent. H. crispa generally grows on shady banks, or on the edges of pastures and lawns, and amongst dead leaves, under the shade of trees. I have only once seen it near London, and that was in the neighbourhood of Caen
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Oyster Mushroom. Fig. 17.
Oyster Mushroom. Fig. 17.
( Agaricus [ Pleurotus ] ostreatus. ) 179. I have always found this far from uncommon species growing on old elm trunks, although it is not at all particular as to its habitat, often appearing on laburnum, apple, ash, &c. It usually grows in large masses, one plant above another, forming a very handsome object on old tree-stems. The gills and spores are white , the former running down the stem, and the top dingy—sometimes nearly white; at others, full brown. An allied species, A. euosmus
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Lilac-stemmed Mushroom. Fig. 18.
Lilac-stemmed Mushroom. Fig. 18.
( Agaricus [ Tricholoma ] personatus. ) 65. Although this plant at times appears in pastures near London, it is not very common. It is very nearly allied to and extremely like the next species ( fig. 19 ), from which it is principally distinguished by its growing in the autumn, and having a lilac band round the upper part of the stem. This lilac stain, however, is not invariably present; and a species that is altogether (stem and top too) lilac, or full violet, should be avoided ( A. nudus ). Th
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St. George’s Mushroom. Fig. 19.
St. George’s Mushroom. Fig. 19.
( Agaricus [ Tricholoma ] gambosus. ) 62. The St. George’s Mushroom is fit for any saint in the calendar. It comes up in the spring, near St. George’s Day, when few other species are to be found. It is in every part almost white, or with a slight inclination to ochre; but sometimes the colour is a little fuller. The stem and top are singularly firm, fleshy, and solid, and the latter, in hot weather is inclined to split. It grows in rings, on rich lawns and pastures, and has a strong, fragrant, e
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Edible Morel. Fig. 20.
Edible Morel. Fig. 20.
( Morchella esculenta. ) 1668. I know a wood in Bedfordshire called “Morel Wood,” where, in the spring, this rare and delicious fungus abounds . It is generally far from common, and occurs, perhaps, in greater abundance in the south of England. It appears, however, to be pretty well known and in general request amongst housewives, north and south, for the truly exquisite flavour it imparts to gravies and made dishes; and being readily dried, it can be kept for immediate use at any season of the
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Liver Fungus. Fig. 21.
Liver Fungus. Fig. 21.
( Fistulina hepatica. ) 716. This singular fungus is not always common . It generally grows on the trunks of old oaks. I have seen it in immense quantities on the ancient oaks of Sherwood Forest, whilst at times oak districts appear to be singularly free from its presence. It externally resembles a very large tongue or a huge piece of liver lolling out from the tree, and when incised a red juice plentifully exudes. It is truly “a vegetable beefsteak,” for the taste resembles meat in a remarkable
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Spine-bearing Mushroom. Fig. 22.
Spine-bearing Mushroom. Fig. 22.
( Hydnum repandum. ) 718. There is little fear of mistaking this for any other species, as the awl-shaped spines on the under surface are a characteristic feature of the small genus, Hydnum . All the species of any size enjoy a good character; Hydnum repandum being the only common plant of the genus. It is sometimes most abundant in the few woody places remaining at the north of London, and may often be found on shady roadsides in the humid weather of autumn. Its taste is slightly pungent when u
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Viscid White Mushroom. Fig. 23.
Viscid White Mushroom. Fig. 23.
( Hygrophorus virgineus. ) 470. This species, exquisite in form and flavour, is one of the prettiest ornaments of our lawns, downs, and short pastures at the fall of the year. In these situations it may be found in every part of the kingdom. It is essentially waxy, and feels and looks precisely as if made of the purest virgin wax. The stem is firm, stuffed, and attenuated, and the gills (singularly distant from each other) run far down the stem; it changes colour a little when getting old, at wh
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Clouded Mushroom. Fig. 24.
Clouded Mushroom. Fig. 24.
( Agaricus [ Clitocybe ] nebularis. ) 78. Common (in certain places), but rare near London. This species appears late in the autumn and generally grows on dead leaves in moist places, principally on the borders of woods. The top is lead-colour or grey, at first clouded grey,—hence its name; the stem is stout, elastic, and striate, with the white gills running considerably down the ringless stem, in the manner shown in the drawing. The gastronomic excellences of the species are well known. When g
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Giant Puff-ball. Fig. 25.
Giant Puff-ball. Fig. 25.
( Lycoperdon giganteum. ) 930. This species of puff-ball is not always a “giant,” and may frequently be found no larger than an apple. It is somewhat local, and I think only attains gigantic proportions in certain situations. I have, for instance, seen specimens growing in rich pastures in Nottinghamshire, so much larger than the specimen figured that the latter would appear a perfect dwarf beside them. It may be found, in some of the meadows near Highgate and Hampstead, quite as big as our figu
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Pear-Milk Mushroom. Fig. 26.
Pear-Milk Mushroom. Fig. 26.
( Lactarius volemum. ) 508. This species is recognized by its very rich coloration, firm flesh, mild taste, white milk (changing to a dull dark umber-colour where the plant is bruised or broken), white gills becoming warm yellow-buff, and the full sienna top; the stem is solid, and the plant grows in woods. The taste of this plant, when fried, has aptly been compared to lamb’s kidney, and resembles in flavour the only other edible Lactarius—viz. L. deliciosus , fig. 11 . It is a rare species in
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White Fir-wood Mushroom. Fig. 27.
White Fir-wood Mushroom. Fig. 27.
( Agaricus [ Clitocybe ] dealbatus. ) 80. This pretty little fungus commonly grows in, and about the neighbourhood of, fir plantations, but will occasionally come up elsewhere. Its top is white, smooth, and exceedingly like ivory . It is shining, waved, fleshy, and inclined to be irregular; the gills are thin, white, and run down the stem. When clean, young, and fresh specimens are broiled with butter, it is a delicacy of the very highest degree,—at once tender, juicy, and delightful. Its charmi
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Fairy-ring Champignon. Fig. 28.
Fairy-ring Champignon. Fig. 28.
( Marasmius oreades. ) 553. If possible, this species is better than the last, and no recommendation can be too strong for it. The exquisitely rich and delicious flavour of this plant when broiled with butter must be tasted to be understood. It is firmer than the meadow mushroom, and, whilst having its peculiar aroma, it possesses it in a concentrated form. Even Mr. Berkeley, who would be the last man in the world to subscribe to a doubtful species, says, “ it is the very best of all our fungi .
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Truffle. Fig. 29.
Truffle. Fig. 29.
( Tuber æstivum. ) 1916. The truffle is a subterranean fungus, invariably found under trees, often just appearing above the surface of the ground, and occasionally exposed for sale in our markets, where it will realize at times as much as 5 s. per pound. The truffle is esteemed by many as the most delicious object of food in the whole vegetable kingdom, and by others it is looked upon with aversion or positive disgust. The odour is very powerful, and is relished by some individuals, and very muc
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Bundled Stump-mushroom. Fig. 1.
Bundled Stump-mushroom. Fig. 1.
( Agaricus [ Hypholoma ] fascicularis. ) 331. This species occurs everywhere at the bases of old stumps, always in groups. The stem is hollow, and the gills are greenish and sub-deliquescent. There is a heavy odour attached to it, and the taste is bitter and repulsive....
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Red Juice-Mushroom. Fig. 2.
Red Juice-Mushroom. Fig. 2.
( Hygrophorus conicus. ) 482. This truly handsome fungus is common in pastures and roadsides. It turns purple-black when bruised, broken, or old, and it has a strong and very forbidding odour. It is of a succulent substance, and is not unfrequently a brilliant yellow or deep orange, in place of crimson or scarlet....
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Trellised Clathrus. Fig. 3.
Trellised Clathrus. Fig. 3.
( Clathrus cancellatus. ) 917. I am indebted to the late Mrs. Gulson, of Eastcliff, near Teignmouth, Devon, for the original plant from which this figure was taken. It is of extreme beauty and rarity, seldom occurring in this country, but common enough in the south of Europe. The fetor exhaled from this species is highly disagreeable, and can be compared with nothing but itself. It is so horribly repulsive and loathsome as to make a mere examination of the plant a matter of the greatest difficul
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Fetid Leather-fungus. Fig. 4.
Fetid Leather-fungus. Fig. 4.
( Thelephora palmata. ) 760. This soft fungus bears a distant resemblance to some species of Clavaria. It is uncommon, grows upon the ground, and possesses a very disagreeable odour....
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Olive-gilled Mushroom. Fig. 5.
Olive-gilled Mushroom. Fig. 5.
( Agaricus [ Hypholoma ] sublateritius. ) 328. This plant is allied to fig. 1 , and, like it, grows upon old stumps in woods, and has, too, a disagreeable smell....
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Astringent Mushroom. Fig. 6.
Astringent Mushroom. Fig. 6.
( Panus stypticus. ) 582. Is very common on old dead trees and stumps in woods, and had better be avoided....
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Matrix-bearing Mushroom. Fig. 7.
Matrix-bearing Mushroom. Fig. 7.
( Agaricus [ Amanita ] Phalloides. ) 2. Common everywhere in woods; this handsome Agaric is known to be highly dangerous. It is allied to fig. 8 , as will be seen by glancing at the figures. All parts are nearly white, excepting the top, which generally takes some pale shade of subdued yellow or green....
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Poisonous Spring Mushroom. Fig. 8.
Poisonous Spring Mushroom. Fig. 8.
( Agaricus [ Amanita ] vernus. ) 1. Belonging to a very suspicious group, this Agaric is supposed to be very poisonous. It grows in woods, in the spring , and is white in all its parts. It is rare, but I have found it close to London....
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Magpie Mushroom. Fig. 9.
Magpie Mushroom. Fig. 9.
( Coprinus picaceus. ) 379. This, too, is equally rare, though in some places, as in the Herefordshire woods, it is by no means infrequent. It is a very handsome but suspicious-looking plant, with the top broken up into large patches of black and white. It grows on roadsides, and has a disagreeable odour....
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Gloomy Tube-Mushroom. Fig. 10.
Gloomy Tube-Mushroom. Fig. 10.
( Boletus luridus. ) 607. This is one of the handsomest ornaments of our woods and woody places. The prevailing tint is umber, relieved on the under surface by bright red, sometimes approaching crimson, or even vermilion; when broken or bruised it rapidly changes colour to blue. It is very common in all places where there are trees, and often comes up early in the year. It is probably more or less poisonous, though I have known it to be eaten without fatal effects. Mr. Penrose once found a speci
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Griping Milk-Mushroom. Fig. 11.
Griping Milk-Mushroom. Fig. 11.
( Lactarius torminosus. ) 488. This dangerous fungus is at once known by the hairy margin of the top, which is rolled inwards. The milk that exudes when the plant is broken is acrid and biting, and does not change colour as does fig. 11, Edible Sheet , and figs. 20 and 28, Poisonous Sheet . Though said to be common, I think it is somewhat rare; it now and then occurs in solitary specimens in the woods and open places near London....
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Ruddy Milk-Mushroom. Fig. 12.
Ruddy Milk-Mushroom. Fig. 12.
( Lactarius rufus. ) 512. This is one of the most deadly of all British fungi, and generally grows in fir woods; the white milk is singularly acrid and corrosive, which is perhaps its best distinguishing mark. It bears some resemblance to fig. 26, Edible Sheet , but the milk of the L. volemum is mild, and changes colour to dark brown when exposed to the action of the air; whilst in L. rufus it remains white, and the milk is highly pungent....
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Fly Mushroom. Fig. 13.
Fly Mushroom. Fig. 13.
( Agaricus [ Amanita ] muscarius. ) 3. Few fungi can exceed this well-known species in beauty. It is somewhat local, and loves birch woods, where it sometimes makes the very ground almost scarlet with its profuse growth. Sometimes the top is deep yellow or orange, but it is usually brilliant scarlet; if the top skin is stripped off, the flesh just beneath is seen to be bright yellow, and the rest of the flesh white. It is allied to fig. 1, Edible Sheet , but the flesh of the latter is not yellow
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Poisonous Forest Mushroom. Fig. 14.
Poisonous Forest Mushroom. Fig. 14.
( Agaricus [ Entoloma ] sinuatus. ) 212. Without doubt, this is a very poisonous plant, for I once cooked a very small piece of a specimen for luncheon, and was very nearly poisoned to death thereby. I did not eat a twentieth part of the specimen gathered—I am sure not so much as a quarter of an ounce—and the taste was by no means disagreeable. But mark the result. (It must be borne in mind, too, that though I fell so dangerously ill, I never till the last moment suspected the fungus . Such a co
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Fiery Milk-Mushroom. Fig. 15.
Fiery Milk-Mushroom. Fig. 15.
( Lactarius piperatus. ) 500. I imagine there are very few species in this country more dangerous than this one. So essentially and powerfully acrid is the milk, that if it be allowed to trickle over tender hands it will sting like the contact of nettles; and if a drop is placed on the lips or tongue, the sensation is like the scalding of boiling water, or the burning of a red-hot iron. It is common in all woods; is particularly firm and solid, but rather brittle. In colour it is sometimes as wh
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Fetid Mushroom. Fig. 16.
Fetid Mushroom. Fig. 16.
( Russula fœtens. ) 530. Less rigid than other Russulæ , brittle, and sticky in all its parts, always slug-eaten, and possessed of a wet insufferable odour that can be likened to nothing in nature, this species cannot in reason be anything but deleterious and pernicious to human life. Slugs certainly highly relish it; for although it is one of our commonest species, yet it is invariably much eaten by slugs: frequently the gills are covered with these creatures, or are even completely eaten away.
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Blood-stained Mushroom. Fig. 17.
Blood-stained Mushroom. Fig. 17.
( Russula sanguinea. ) 518. This acrid species of Russula, sometimes found in woods, is by no means uncommon; its well-marked blood-red top and firm substance at once distinguish it from other species. The gills are white, and run a little down the stem....
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Livid Milk-Mushroom. Fig. 18.
Livid Milk-Mushroom. Fig. 18.
( Lactarius pyrogalus. ) 498. The highly acrid white milk abundantly exuded from this plant, its depressed and zoned top, its peculiar livid coloration and yellowish gills, distinguish it from the other milk-mushrooms. It grows in woods and meadows....
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False Chantarelle. Fig. 19.
False Chantarelle. Fig. 19.
( Cantharellus aurantiacus. ) 540. Is known by its smaller size, its gills being far thinner and more crowded than in the true chantarelle; the stem frequently deep umber at the base, and the gills or veins darker than the top. It is a species to be rejected for culinary purposes....
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Yellow Milk-Mushroom. Fig. 20.
Yellow Milk-Mushroom. Fig. 20.
( Lactarius theiogalus. ) 503. This is a beautiful plant, with an odour that is far from disagreeable. It is sometimes without the zones on the top which are shown in our figure, but it is immediately known by the change of colour which takes place in the milk on breaking the fungus; this is at first pure white, but in less than a minute the milk turns to a brilliant yellow. It is not uncommon, and may generally be found at Hampstead in the woods; and it is supposed to be poisonous....
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Emetic Mushroom. Fig. 21.
Emetic Mushroom. Fig. 21.
( Russula emetica. ) 528. This is a magnificent but certainly rare species, but it has a very bad name, and is supposed to possess highly dangerous qualities. The skin is scarlet, and may be readily peeled off, and then the pink flesh is displayed beneath, which is its great characteristic; the gills are pure white, and do not reach the stem; the top is highly polished, and varies from scarlet and crimson to a faint rose-colour, and may now and then be found shaded with purple. It attains a larg
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Slimy Dung-Mushroom. Fig. 22.
Slimy Dung-Mushroom. Fig. 22.
( Agaricus [ Psalliota ] semiglobatus. ) 327. This extremely common little sticky Agaric grows in pastures, on dung, everywhere; the stem is covered with a glutinous thick slime. It is regarded as poisonous....
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Sulphury Mushroom. Fig. 23.
Sulphury Mushroom. Fig. 23.
( Agaricus [ Tricholoma ] sulfureus. ) 55. In woody places at the south of London this very disagreeable but handsome species now and then puts in an appearance. It has a particularly nasty penetrating smell, which has been compared with “gas-tar.” The stem is firm, as is the whole plant, and sulphur-coloured. It is probably a very dangerous species, but I have seldom met with it....
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Incrusted Mushroom. Fig. 24.
Incrusted Mushroom. Fig. 24.
( Agaricus [ Hebelonia ] crustuliniformis. ) 278. Growing in woods, this deleterious species is extremely common, and without doubt very dangerous. The dirty pale-umber gills, and its habitat and time of growth—viz. the autumn—at once distinguish it from the delicious A. gambosus , fig. 19, Edible Sheet . It has a powerful and highly disagreeable odour, and brown spores, and we believe it is often mistaken by the ignorant for the true mushroom....
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Verdigris Mushroom. Fig. 25.
Verdigris Mushroom. Fig. 25.
( Agaricus [ Psalliota ] æruginosus. ) 322. The verdigris-green colour of the top of this mushroom is not permanent, but consists of green slime that soon gets washed off by the rain, flaked with white scales. The stem is hollow, and the top fleshy. It generally grows about stumps, is a very handsome fungus, and is doubtless poisonous....
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Fiery Tube-Mushroom. Fig. 26.
Fiery Tube-Mushroom. Fig. 26.
( Boletus piperatus. ) 597. Never attains a larger size than the specimen on the sheet; indeed it is one of the smallest of all the Boleti . The taste is highly acrid; it is therefore looked upon with grave suspicion, and it is probably a very dangerous plant. It grows in woods, but is rare....
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Satanical Tube-Mushroom. Fig. 27.
Satanical Tube-Mushroom. Fig. 27.
( Boletus Satanas. ) 606. The specimen figured I gathered in Crab-tree Wood, near Winchester, during an architectural excursion to St. Cross. I have only once seen anything of it elsewhere, though my late friend Mrs. Gulson, of Eastcliff, has sent it on to me several times from the neighbourhood of Teignmouth. Without doubt it is by far the most splendid of all the Boleti . The top is nearly white, very fleshy, and a little viscid; the stem is firm, exquisitely coloured, and beautifully reticula
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Pungent Milk-Mushroom. Fig. 28.
Pungent Milk-Mushroom. Fig. 28.
( Lactarius acris. ) 505. As its name indicates, this is a very acrid and dangerous fungus. It is said to be rare, but I have sometimes known it to be extremely abundant in the woods near London. When cut or broken, the flesh and white milk change to a dull-sienna red; this distinguishes it from all other mushrooms. To observe the change of colour it requires at times a little patience; for I have known half an hour, or even an hour, elapse before the change of colour is manifest....
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Bitter Tube-Mushroom. Fig. 29.
Bitter Tube-Mushroom. Fig. 29.
( Boletus felleus. ) 617. Said to be rare, but generally abundant in Epping Forest. I have found it in abundance in Nottinghamshire, and know it well; it was the first Boletus I ever drew, and I was then nearly eating it for Boletus edulis . The bitter taste of B. felleus , the flesh-coloured tubes , the flesh-colour of the top when broken, the reticulated stem, and the pink spores are the distinguishing marks of this species. It is poisonous....
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False Champignon. Fig. 30.
False Champignon. Fig. 30.
( Marasmius urens. ) 550. The more slender habit, the mealy stem, white downy base, and the narrower, darker, and crowded gills, distinguish this counterfeit from the true champignon ( fig. 28, Edible Sheet ). It sometimes accompanies the latter plant, but with ordinary care can be detected in a moment. It grows in woods , as well as in pastures and by roadsides. I think I was once poisoned by it in Bedfordshire. I well remember, on my way home late one evening, gathering a quantity of champigno
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Fetid Wood-Witch. Fig. 31.
Fetid Wood-Witch. Fig. 31.
( Phallus impudicus. ) 914. This is a great ornament to our woods, but its truly horrible effluvia beggars description; the nasal organs detect its presence at a long distance, and when neared the loathsome odour is indescribably revolting. Flies, however, appear to highly relish it; for these Phalli are invariably covered with flies, who greedily devour the odorous and liquid repast found at the top of the stem. It is most abundant at woody places in the north of London, all through the summer
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