148 BRITISH EDIBLE FUNGI. 



but it readily absorbs moisture and then it is darker ; 

 the stem is slender, rather long for the size of the cap, 

 say two inches, or more, and of the thickness of a 

 straw. The gills are rather close together, arched, 

 and a little running down the stem, nearly white, 

 paler than the cap. There are two or three species 

 to be found growing in woods which resemble this in 

 size and appearance ; but the nose will always detect 

 the true species without fail. 



Should it ever happen that sufficient specimens can 

 be collected to furnish a dish of fragrant mushrooms 

 no one should omit the opportunity, because although 

 there is a certain amount of toughness and dryness 

 about them when fresh, they become tender enough 

 when cooked with any ordinary amount of care. 

 There is one very strong point in their favour, that the 

 most complete novice may be quite sure of being 

 correct in his determination if he will only trust to his 

 nose. There is nothing in the fungus world with that 

 same odour which would do him harm. There is a 

 tough woody fungus to be found growing on willow 

 trunks which has a fainter share of the same odour, 

 but if the novice can get his teeth into that he may 

 be forgiven for all the harm it will do him. 



No special instructions are requisite for these small 

 agarics, they may be stewed or fried, and put upon 

 sippets of toast. We should prefer the plan already 

 recommended in other cases — to lay them in a plate 

 with pepper, salt, and butter, and cover with an 



