30 EDIBLE AND POISONOUS MUSHROOMS. 



susceptible of becoming " maggoty J when 

 old, and it should always be collected for 

 the table before the cap is fully expanded, 

 and then it is perfectly wholesome. The 

 flavour is mild, but both in odour and taste 

 less aromatic than the Common Mushroom. 

 Although the younger specimens, when the 

 cap is hemispherical, are to be preferred for 

 cooking, the older and more expanded, 

 when not attacked by insects, will make 

 excellent ketchup. There is no fear of 

 confounding the present with any other 

 species if only ordinary care is exercised, 

 and we have never heard of its disagreeing 

 with any one who has partaken of it. 



