Fungi. 15 



colours of thin films as seen in bubbles, made with a composition 

 wliicli fonus a more durable bubble than comniou soap. 

 Also exhibited — 



The Sphceria Robertii from New Zealand, a most curiously formed 

 fungus growing from the dead body of a caterpillar. By Atee. 



Ayre read a paper on 



FUNGI. 



In this paper notice was specially taken of edible fungi. After 

 a few remarks upon the general families of fungi, with their 

 characteristics, a few general directions were given as to the 

 method of distinguishing good from bad species, without any 

 guide. All fungi which have a peelable umbrella and also a 

 stringy stalk may be eaten with impunity. Others should not be 

 eaten unless the odour is very inviting, as in the case of the 

 chanterelle, a bright orange funnel-shaped fungus, emitting a 

 strong scent of ripe apricots. 



The writer could only recommend those which he had himself 

 enjoyed. Among these were specially to be noted the chanterelle, 

 the fairy-ring mushroom, and various kinds of spongiose fungi 

 which come under the general term of Boletus. In gathering these 

 last, care must be taken that if broken, the bruised part does not 

 almost instantly change colour. Of the poisonous properties of 

 this kind of Boletus, Roman history furnished an example. It 

 was mentioned in the course of the paper as a curious fact that the 

 worst thing an Italian can wish his enemy, is to hope he may die 

 of eating mushrooms ; our mushroom being there considered one 

 of the most noxious of all kinds. 



TJiursday, February 7th, 1867. 



The Twenty-first Meeting was held at Mr. Hay ward's House. 



Mr. Hayward, on entering upon the office of President, moved 

 a vote of thanks to Mr. Farrar, his predecessor, who had founded 

 the Society and conducted it with so much vigour. 



The Treasurer then read the Financial Statement. 



Mr. Farrar mentioned that Mrs. Gray had presented a collection 



