S3 



In rolling the field for the purpose of cricket it seems that as the ground 

 was damp and full of worm casts the soil had occasionally to be scraped from 

 the roller. It was so thick as to kill the grass as it dried hard on the surface- 

 Since then, as this was in 1870, the drought set in and in the moister summer 

 of the present year the Agarics appear to have taken possession of a circle round 

 the killed grass. Even this season there have been times when the fungi became 

 dried up, but as this ring is so near the house the watering pot was used in the 

 evening, and by this means a very constant supply has been obtained from this 

 ring. 



Agaricus arvensis : White Caps, or the Horse Mushroom of the rustics. — 

 This fungus has been abundant this season, occurring in my meadows in 

 rings more or less perfect in shape. Ag. campestrU has also occurred here 

 and there in the meadow, arable land, or garden. 



The Arvensis is usually despised by the poor people, and hence is little 

 known by the richer housewife, as they are seldom brought to market except Ln 

 the black or ketchup state. To my mind, however, if got in good condition — 

 just as its cap begins to expand — it is infinitely superior in flavour to the 

 smaller species, and I quite think it one of the most delicious of the agarics. 

 The smaller species, Campestris, has this year possessed less flavour than usual, 

 but anyhow we never prefer it to the Ag. arventis. 



Lyayperdon gigantcum : Giant puff-ball. — The first I ever saw of this was in 

 a rick-yard, near Hereford. I had the satisfaction to get it cooked by simply 

 frying in egg and bread-crumb, with a most satisfactory result to all who could 

 be got to partake of it. I have found them on my farm as much as 31b. in weight, 

 but curiously enough this year it has refused to grow virith me at aU. Not so, 

 however, the smaller sorts, as they have been abundant, and sometimes in rings. 

 I make out two forms, as follows: — Bovista plumbea: the Small puff-ball. — 

 Found in summer in rings. Very smooth and white externally — and Lyeoperdon 

 eoelatum : the Embossed puff-ball, a larger species, both of which kinds I have 

 eaten, and found very good. I am not sure of the exact identification of all the 

 puff-balls, but when young I should not hesitate to eat any of them. 



These are some of the notes I have made this season, and mostly from my 

 own farm. I have not time to roam'about the woods as I once could, but I 

 feel more and more persuaded that Funguses may and ought to be partaken of 

 more than they have been, and I wish every success to the "Woolhope Club in 

 their investigations in relation to a tribe of plants, many of whose members are 

 not only highly nutritious but are capable off onuing luxuries of the highest order. 



