POISONOUS MUSHROOMS. 95 



STYPTIC SIDEFOOT. 



Partus stypticus. 



(Plate XII. Fig. 2.) . 



Old stumps and logs in woods often have 

 a small fungus growing upon them with a 

 short stem on one side, so as to be attached 

 sideways, spreading out like a fan. They 

 are not more than an inch across, and often 

 less, but half-a-dozen will grow together 

 in a cluster, overlapping each other. The 

 surface is quite smooth, of a pale ochre or 

 flesh colour, the thick-set gills on the under 

 surface radiating from the thick stem. The 

 substance is dry, with no particular odour, 

 and would scarcely be noticed unless hunted 

 for. This little species, however, enjoys a 

 bad reputation, for although Smith only 

 utters the caution that it had better be 

 avoided, Dr. Lambotte asserts that it is 

 distinctly dangerous, being a violent purga- 

 tive. Were it not for this warning the 

 plant is almost too insignificant to demand 



