165 



hispidut with P. rufescens, P. fumosus, P. varius, P. anno jus, and the ever- 

 present P. squammosus. 



The Polyporus hispidus is very handsome, but withal uncouth-looking, 

 covered with rough, dark hair — handsome in its bold ugliness. It is fleshy, and 

 abounds in juice, and one gentleman present, greatly to the amazement of the 

 others, declared that he had been eating it in mistake for the " Vegetable 

 Beefsteak," and it was not bad, though he did not care to try it again. 



The next Fungus which created most interest was a fine specimen of the 

 edible Sparassii crispa, brought by the Rev. W. Houghton from Chutwynd Firs. 

 It was the size of a cauliflower, of a bright orange colour, and had a very pleasant, 

 fragrant odour. It is very rare, but has been found this year in other localities, as 

 attested by the Rev. M. J. Berkeley and C. A. Broome, Esq. 



Two fine sturdy specimens of Ag. corlicatus were exhibited. They were 

 found growing on a beech tree, and possessed considerable interest, as well for 

 their great beauty as for the great rarity of their occurrence in this country 

 Agaricus porrigens, a beautiful snowy white Plurotus of great rarity and beauty, 

 peculiar to fallen pines, was sent from the Duke of Argyll's plantations at Inve- 

 rary. The rare Cortinariusfulgens was there also. The Lactarii, dcliciosus, rufus, 

 torminosus, vellereus, with its variety ezsuccus and controversus. The Russulae, 

 rubra, fragilis, lepida, and ahdacca. The Boleti luridus, eduUs, and vcrsipcllis. 

 The Agaricini, Ceciliw, proctrus, rubescens, maculatus, rutilans, squarrosus, rimo- 

 sus, nudus, tubcrohus, gallinaceus, butyraceus, lacrym.abu.vlus, infundibufdormis, 

 &c, &c. Fistulina hepatica, Paxillus involutes, Hydnum udum, H. repandum, 

 Gomphidius viscidw, Helotium vergultorium, Marasinius androsaceus, &c. 



A very puzzling lot of sulphur-coloured Agaric3 was brought by Mr. 

 Houghton, which seemed to agree with no known group. They were, however, 

 provisionally referred to the rare Ag. ( Flammula) inopus, of Bolton, or perhaps 

 Ag. hyhridus of Fries. 



A great variety of common Agarics, which it is unnecessry to mention, 

 were conspicuous by their absence. 



There was some little difficulty in procuring sufficient edible funguses for 

 the dinner, but the following dishes were sent round with more or less satisfac- 

 tion : — Fistulina hepatica fried, and finding its own gravy; Ag. dcliciosus stewed ; 

 Ag. procerus and Ag. rubescens broiled. The novelty of such dishes is now 

 over with the Wooihope Club, and it becomes difficult to take the opinion upon 

 them. Procerus was most asked for again, and may be supposed, therefore, to 

 take the place of honour. 



After dinner the President called upon Edwin Lees, Esq., F.L.S., &c, 

 to read his paper "On some Cubiods Alce, only Apparent in Times ov 

 Drought, with Notices of those that occur and Colour Water at Seasons 

 op High Temperature," and Dr. Trimen of the British Museum, made some 

 remarks upon it. 



An autograph letter from Professor Fries, of Upsala, to "Worthiugton G. 

 Smith, was then read by Dr. Bull. It was a critical review of the "Clavis 



