50 BRITISH EDIBLE FUNGL 



with no sheath. The lower part of the stem varie- 

 gated with small closely pressed scales, and the 

 upper part adorned with a large conspicuous collar or 

 frill. This collar is apt to become loosened from its 

 attachment to the stem, and movable. The top of 

 the stem deeply sunk into the cap ; the white gills 

 numerous, stopping short before reaching the stem, 

 so as to leave a naked space or groove around it ; 

 smell and taste pleasant ; such is the general appear- 

 ance of this favourite mushroom, which occurs on the 

 ground, or amongst dead leaves, under trees amongst 

 grass, in the open, or on hedge banks, in late summer 

 or early autumn. Each individual grows by itself, 

 and not in clusters, but several are often found in the 

 neighbourhood of each other. 



There is a companion species, which much re- 

 sembles it {Agarictis rachodes), indeed, so much so 

 that some persons consider them only varieties. It 

 has been remarked that in some localities only 

 rachodes is found, and in others only pi'ocerus. It is 

 only necessary to point out the differences, for in 

 other points they will be found to agree. When 

 young the cap is more globose ; the scales on the 

 mature cap are more persistent ; the stem is free 

 from the snake-like markings at the base, and the 

 bulb at the base has a more distinct margin. There 

 is also a tendency in the flesh to become reddish or 

 brownish when cut or bruised. At one time, and 

 not so many years ago, this species was held to be 



