PROPERTIES OF CRYPTOGAMIC PLANTS. 87 



is extensively ciiltiyated, on wliicli point M. Roques has some ex- 

 cellent information. The artificial production of the species, with- 

 out the aid of spawn, has been frequently brought forward as an 

 argument for the equivocal generation of fungi. But when it is 

 considered how many millions of the sporules must be devoured, 

 together with the herbage, by the animals whose dung is a prin- 

 cijDal material in the compost, much of the force of this argument 

 vanishes. Crypt. Eng. vii. p. 107. These plants are frequently 

 meteoric, and it is possible to increase particular species with cer- 

 tainty, by an ascertained mixture of organic and inorganic mat- 

 ter exposed to well-known atmospheric conditions. The process 

 adopted by gardeners for obtaining this species proves this ; a 

 process so certain that no one ever saw any kind of agaricus pro- 

 duced in a mushroom bed. Lind., Nat. Syst. 331 ; Fries' Syst. 

 Mycolog. The Rev. M. J. Berkley uses these words: "Too 

 much caution cannot be used in the eating of davTirgilled agarics." 

 See the distinctions pointed out in the little work entitled, the 

 " Mushroom and Champignon Illustrated," by Mr. Sowerby. 



According to Yanquelin's analysis, it consists of adipocire, 

 albumen, a sugary matter, osmazome, an animal substance, in- 

 soluble in alcohol, fungin, and the acetate of potash. Ann. de 

 Chim. Ixxxv. Y ; Merat & De Lens, Mat. Med. i. 102. 



This plant attracted much attention among the Romans, by 

 whom it was cultivated with particular care. Horace, and other 

 winters, occasionally allude to it. M. Roques advises us to avoid 

 those which have attained their full develo23ment, as they may 

 produce more or less gastric irritation ; he mentions his having 

 treated a case, in 1814, of this kind, in which there were violent 

 colic, spasm, and general weakness, by mint-water, laudanum, 

 and demulcent drinks containing ether, which gave j^erfect re- 

 lief. He recommends opium generally in these cases, sometimes 

 giving milk and mucilage, not continuing the former where there 

 is evidently visceral inflammation. Hist, des Champs. Yen. 209. 



Agaricus fabaceus, Berkley. 



Mr. Ravenel informs me that it is an alliaceous, edible mush- 

 room. 



Aga/ricus atrainentarius, Bull. \ Inky Agaric. Fields, gar- 

 " luridxiSy Bolt. v dens, wet places. Spring 



Fungus multiplex, Yaill. ) and autumn. 



