74 BRITISH EDIBLE FUNGI. 



found this mushroom in October or November. In 

 woods, where the leaves drift into a ditch or hollow, 

 the "dusky caps " will be found, often partly obscured 

 by the leaves. If the stems are cut off close to the 

 gills when gathered a goodly number of the flat caps 

 can be stowed away in a small compass, which is an 

 advantage, since, when found, it is so gregarious in 

 habit that a plentiful supply may be reckoned upon. 



This is known and eaten upon the Continent, but, 

 in some countries, not so well as it deserves, and we 

 have observed in one volume, which is usually trust- 

 worthy, it is stated that this species is suspicious, 

 although eaten in England. Such an observation 

 never could have been made by any person who had 

 a practical knowledge of its qualities. In Italy it is 

 not in general request, and according to all accounts 

 it must be rather rare in that country, although 

 common enough in Northern Europe. Other writers 

 fear that it is rather indigestible, whilst Dr Badham 

 says, " the flesh is perhaps lighter of digestion than 

 that of any other." 



This fungus has a flavour which at once suggests 

 the common mushroom, but milder, which to some 

 tastes would seem preferable. In many cases it is 

 not easy to compare the flavour, since it is so dis- 

 similar to the " mushroom," and such species are 

 often disappointing to inexperienced fungus-eaters 

 since they know of but one flavour, and to this they 

 expect all others to conform ; it is only after they 



