124 EDIBLE AND POISONOUS MUSHROOMS. 



network of delicate veins. When cut or 

 broken the very thick flesh at once changes 

 to deep violet blue, and every part changes 

 in like manner when touched or bruised, so 

 that its external beauty is soon marred. 

 This Boletus finds a place in every book 

 on poisonous fungi, and yet its toxicological 

 properties are now being called in question, 

 but we fear it will always remain open to 

 suspicion until confirmatory evidence is 

 produced. Mr. Mcllvaine says that as an 

 article of food it is one of the best of the 

 Boleti, whilst even the name suggests that 

 it has ever been held to be one of the most 

 dangerous. 



