122 



OPINIONS ON THE MERITS OF HYDNUM REPANDUM AS AN 

 EDIBLE FUNGUS. 



" The general use of tliis fungus throughout France, Italy, and Germany, 

 leaves no room for doubt as to its good qualities." Roqxies. 



" It is regularly sold in Austria, France, and Switzerland." Greville, 



Vittadini places it "among the most delicate of the funguses in Italy." 



"When well stewed, it is an excellent dish, with a slight flavour of 

 oysters. It also makes a very good pwrdc." Dr. Badham. 



"A most excellent fungus, but it requires a little caution in preparation 

 for the table. It should be previously steeped in hot water and well drained 

 in a cloth ; in which case there is certainly not a more excellent fungus than 

 it is." Berkeley. 



"The gastronomic qualities of the Hedgehog mushroom are of a high 

 degree. Its flavour, when stewed, is excellent, and cooked with white sauce it 

 has a decided flavour of oysters." Miss Plues. 



"A wholesome fungus and not to be despised, but not in the first-class as 

 to flavour, requiring the help of condiments. It has the advantage, however, of 

 growing later than most funguses, and may be found up to the middle of Novem- 

 ber." Edwin Lees. 



" A charming addition to the table. Its flesh is very firm and 

 delicious." WoHliington G. Smith. 



" One of the most excellent fungi that grows ; its flavour very strongly 

 resembles oysters." The Bev. W. Houghton. 



MODES OF COOKING HYDNUM REPANDUM. 



The Hedgehog Mushi-oom is dense in structure, and in whatever way it 

 may be cooked, all authorities agree that it must bo done slowly at a low tem- 

 perature until it is tender, and with plenty of stock or white sauce to supply its 

 deficiency in moisture. 



26. STEWED HTDNDM. 



"Cut the mushrooms in pieces and steep for twenty minutes in warm 

 water ; then place in a pan with butter, peppsr, salt, and parsley ; and beef or 

 other gravy, and simmer for an hour." Trans, from M. Boques. 



"Stew in a brown or white sauce." Mrs. Hussey. 



"Cut xip in bits about the size of a bean and stew in white sauce, when it 

 will almost pass off as oyster sauce." The Bev. Wm. Houghton, F.L.S. 



