152 



to a written ilescription of the fungus itself, and a judicious use of tlic natural 

 senses with regiu-d to it, that carefully coloui'cd ckawings should be given ot 

 its ordinary appearances. To do aU this is the object of these Illustrations, 

 and since only those species of Edible Funguses which possess clear marks of 

 distinction will be brought forward, aU chance of error wiU be removed from 

 those who will exercise ordiuai-y observation and care. 



In considering the utilization of Funguses for people in general, it must be 

 borne in mind that they coidd never be depended on in England as a chief 

 article of diet. The country is too thickly populated, the waste or pasture land 

 on which Funguses mostly grow is limited, and, moreover, they only spring 

 up to any extent in the autumnal season. It must also be remembered that their 

 production is of a very fickle nature, great quantities appearing in some 

 seasons, and very few in otliers — dependent, in fact, on meteorological rela- 

 tions of moisture and temperature. Nevertheless if it was possible to overcome 

 the popular prejuilice in resi^ect to them, they are generally sufficiently abundant 

 dui'ing the autumn months to increase the food of the working classes, to vary 

 it, and to add a great relish to the usual dishes of the humblest cottager. 

 When large families have to be fed, and provisions are dear, it becomes a 

 matter of paramount importance to add, Lf possible, to the economic supply of 

 food. In the case of the Edible Funguses, prejudice and ignorance alone 

 interfere with their extended use, and thus supplies of wholesome food, placed 

 by Nature within the reach of all, are suffered to jjerish, despised and neglected. 



It is within the power of the members of Naturalists' Clubs to do some- 

 thing to remedy this. The poor are apt to judge of the worth of anything 

 simply by its money value. They wiU bring anything to market which they 

 can sell — Cowslips, Watercresses, Turnip-tops, certain "Yarbs," as they call 

 them, and now, even Ferns are coming in. They have been taught from childhood 

 to despise "Frogstools," and they know well enough that if they tried to sell a 

 basket of Puff-balls they would be laughed at. Lot gentlemen learn them- 

 selves what Funguses are edible, teach their poorer neighbovirs to know them, 

 and then hiuj the baskets they collect, and they would soon be forthcoming at 

 market. The peasantry would then learn practically that the objects of their 

 aversion had a money value — and were bought as palatable and wholesome. 

 In a short time they wo\dd copy the taste of theii- superiors. Example is 

 always more telling than precept. They would be led to use what they 

 previously despised, abandon prejudice, and accept the bounty of nature. 



There are certain general rules which should always be observed with 

 reference to Edible Funguses, and they are these : — 



1. — Every species should be gathered young and sound. 



2.— They should always be cooked when quite fresh -n-ith butter or oil, 

 and be well done. 



