15G 



The form of Parasol Agaric represented grows solitarily, or a few together, 

 and is -widely spread throiigh the county. It is more common than the larger 

 varieties, and its flavour is much superior to them. The form usually repre- 

 sented by aiithors is the one of larger size, and more coarse in growth. The 

 scales are dark in colour, but are usiially more widely separated, showing the 

 pileus between them almost white. The same general characters mark all the 

 varieties, and with common care no mistake can be made. 



Whenever an agaric on a long stalk, enlarged at the base, presents a dry 

 cuticle more or less scaly, a darker coloured umhonated top, and a moveable 

 ring, it must be Agaricus }}rocerus, the Parasol Agaric, and it may be gathered 

 and eaten without fear, When the whitcish flesh of this agaric is bruised it 

 shows a light reddish colour. 



There are but two other agarics that at all resemble it, and both are edible. 

 One aboiit the same size, is the Agaricus rachodes. It is not generally considered 

 80 good in flavour as the procerus. Mrs. Hussey, however, says plainly, "if 

 Agaricus procerus is the king of Edible Funguses, Agaricus rachodes is an 

 excellent viceroy." The other is the Agaricus excoriatus, a very much smaller 

 fungus, with a more slender habit, a shorter stem, and no true bulb at the base. 

 This elegant little fungus is also very good eating. 



The Parasol Agaric has a very wide range of growth. It is a common 

 fungus, and is in high request all over the Continent. 



OPINIONS ON THE MERITS OF AGARICUS PROCERUS AS AN 

 EDIBLE FUNGUS. 

 "Servie sur toutes les tables, elle est bonne k toute sauce" (M. There). 



"II est pen de champignons, aussi legers, aussi delicats, aussi faciles d, 

 digerer. II a peu de chair, mais il est tres savoureux, d'une odeur douce et fijie. 

 Son usage est tres repandu. Plus d'tin menage champetre en fait presque sa 

 nouriture pendant plusieurs semaines " (M. Roques). 



"Elle est d'une saveitr tres agreeable et d'une chair tcndre, tres delicate 

 et tres bonne a manger. Les amateurs la preferent m6me au champignon de 

 couche, comme ayant une chair plus fine et etant beaucoup plus legere sur 

 I'estomac" (M. Paulet). 



"A most excellent mushroom, of a delicate flavour, and it must be con- 

 sidered a most useful species " (The Rev. M. J. Berkeley). 



