SHAGGY CAPS. 47 



which, in common with another to be presently- 

 referred to, are, almost more than any others, desig- 

 nated " toadstools " by way of contempt. 



There is another fungus, closely related to the 

 above, and resembling it in many particulars, which 

 is equally edible, and nearly equal to it in flavour. 

 The " Inky Mushroom " {Copriniis atramentarhis) re- 

 ceived that name because, when it becomes old, the 

 gills melt away into a thick, black, inky fluid, which 

 may be used as ink. In this respect it resembles the 

 "Shaggy Caps" above described, only that perhaps 

 it deliquesces rather more readily. It grows in dense 

 clusters, mostly about old stumps, or from buried 

 decayed wood, or, not unfrequently, by waysides, in 

 gardens, and on lawns, without any suspicion of 

 dead wood ; but it never grows on dung or manure. 

 The cap is grey or slaty-colour, smooth and shining, 

 often compressed laterally, and grooved. The top is 

 generally rather dawny, sprinkled at first with small 

 scales, and the margin rather lobed or scalloped. 

 The gills are much the same as in the previous 

 species, which it equals in size. Perhaps more than 

 any other this is the victim of spiteful molestation by 

 small boys and uneducated peasantry, for every 

 exposed cluster is sure to be kicked about and de- 

 stroyed almost as soon as it appears above ground. 

 The reason for this may be found in the popular 

 belief that it is a poisonous toadstool, and certainly 

 when in the stage of decay it is not in the least 



