Genus Polyporus 



amadon, or German tinder, which, in the form of sticks or fusees, 

 commonly i<nown as punk, is used for lighting cigars and pipes 

 in the wind, or for touching off fireworks. 



The fusees are made by beating the fungus wood until it is 

 flexible, and then dipping it into saltpetre. 



Polyporus conchatus 



Polyporus conchatus is a beautiful species found on the un- 

 der side of fallen trees, and growing in such a manner that from 

 the spore-bearingf surface the shells look like rosettes of shim- 

 mering golden-brown velvet. 



Polyporus velutinus 



Polyporus ■velutinus is common in the form of stiff ruffles 

 with white or creamy spore surface, and grey or tan-coloured 

 plush-like upper surface. 



Polyporus pergamenus 



Polyporus pergamenus has a tan-coloured spore surface, 

 somewhat bristle-like, and a velvety drab upper surface, often 

 tinged with green from a green alga which grows upon it. 



Polyporus perennis 



Polyporus perennis resembles a slender-stemmed goblet. 



Polyporus sulphureus 



Polyporus sulphureus, sulphury polyporus (edible), is a 

 fleshy form. It grows in clusters, the stemless caps often five or 

 six inches broad and overlapping. The colour of the young cap 

 is yellowish red or pale orange, with the margin wavy, and of 

 a beautiful yellow. It is soft and juicy, and often — when cut- 

 exudes a yellow juice. 



The plants may be found on the dead wood of trees during 

 showery weather of the months from May to October. The 

 mature plants become dry and crumbling, and as they dry they 



Cfin-cha'-tiis Vel-u'-U-nus Per-gii-me'-nus PSr-Sn'-nIs Sul-phu'-rfi-us 



III 



