THALLOGENiE, 715 



and water for about an hour, then wash them in boiling water 

 previous to their being cooked. It has been proved that many- 

 injurious fungi lose their poisonous properties, when thus treated. 

 It is quite true, that by following strictly the above rules, we 

 shall sometimes throw aside edible species, but this is of little 

 consequence, as by so doing we shall be certain to reject all 

 injurious ones. The species or varieties of fungi commonly con- 

 sumed in this country, are, the Common Mushroom (Agaricus 

 campestis) and its varieties, those which are cultivated should be 

 preferred ; Agaricus arvensis, Agaricus Georgii, Agaricus oreades^ 

 the Champignon, which is used on account of its savoury 

 qualities ; Morchella esculenta, the Morel, and Tuber cibarium, 

 the Truffle, and other species of the same genus. Dr. Badham 

 believes, that much valuable food is thrown away in this country 

 by our rejection of many edible fungi. He enumerates no less 

 than 30 species of edible fungi which are natives of Britain, 

 and which are eaten by himself and friends. In France, 

 Russia, &c. several fungi are also eaten which are regarded by 

 us as poisonous. It is difficult to account for these conflicting 

 statements about the fungi; but we beheve that the diflferences 

 observed in their effects, are due to differences of soil and climate, 

 manner of cooking, and the pecuhar idiosyncrasies of individuals 

 who partake of them. Even the Common Mushroom is some- 

 times poisonous, and in Italy, Hungary, &c. is commonly 

 avoided. We beheve, therefore, that with our present know- 

 ledge, it is far better to abstain altogether from fungi, when there 

 exists the slightest doubt of their qualities. 



In a chemical point of view, the fungi are remarkable for the 

 large prcfportion of water which enters into their composition, 

 by containing much nitrogen, and being rich in phosphates. 



Medicinally, fungi have been regarded as aphrodisiac, nar- 

 cotic, tonic, astringent, emetic, purgative, &c. Ergot of rye (see 

 Secale cereale, p. 699), which is used medicinally, to excite 

 uterine contractions in labour, and for other purposes, is now 

 regarded by Berkley and others, as merely a transitional form, 

 or rather the first stage in the existence of a peculiar fungus. 



Fungi are frequently very destructive to living plants and 

 animals, by growing upon them. Thus, in plants, the diseases 

 known as blight, mildew, rust, smut, vine -mildew, potato-disease, 

 ergot, &c., are either caused by, or accelerated by the agency of 

 fungi. Fungi are associated with several cutaneous and other 

 diseases of the human subject. The disease in the silkworm, 

 known under the name of muscardine, is produced by one or 

 more species of Botrytis. Similar diseases also occur in other 

 animals. Caterpillars are frequently attacked by species of 

 Sphceria or Cordyceps, in China, Australia, New Zealand, &c. 

 and ultimately destroyed. The mucous membrane of birds, &c. 

 is also commonly infested with fungi of various kinds. The 



