FUXGI. 257 



Agaric ; an edible species, very abundant in some locali- 

 ties (M. oreades). In this group the substance of the 

 folds is corky, and very dry ; and the specimens are much 

 longer lived than in most of the other families. For 

 long the fairy-rings were an unexplained phenomenon ; 

 but now that fungus rings are so constantly seen on 

 the Downs and elsewhere, in the vicinity of the fairy 

 rings, it becomes self-evident that these plants are the 

 agents in their formation. The manner in which they 

 work is less apparent ; but is probably that suggested by 

 Berkeley and others. Throwing out the seed in quanti- 

 ties, so as to form a mass of felt-like spawn, the fruit 

 probably springs at a certain distance from a common 

 centre ; and as the small circle will again cast seed be- 

 yond its own circumference, the ring naturally widens 

 with each successive crop. The decayed substance of the 

 fungi fertilize the ground, so that the fairy ring is con- 

 stantly marked by luxuriant verdure. 

 But, as Miss Godewin says, 



" The fairies long since trooped away, 

 Then fled the ghosts in full array, 

 And now each muse departs ; 

 Expelled from grove and sacred stream. 

 Where erst they dwelt in airy dream, 

 The poor tilings break their hearts." 



Here is a gloomy picture ; and fancies should at any 

 rate be cheerful. We turn with pleasure to Allan 

 Cunningham's mention of the fairy ring. 



" Oh, lead me forth o'er dales and meads, 

 E'en as a child the mother leads ; 



R 



