126 THE GLORY OF THE GARDEN 



some naturalists tell us that the phenomenon of 

 these rings is due to lightning, others to the work 

 of ants, and others, again, to the growth of a small 

 fungus, Agaricus orcades. However, be that as it 

 may, doubtless there will always be found simple- 

 minded folk who prefer to believe that the rings 

 are caused " by the fairies' twinkling feet." 



The Peziza^ a very beautiful fungus growth, 

 which is in the form of a scarlet cup, is the '' Fairies' 

 Bath," in which they make their morning ablution, 

 at the close of the night's festivities, whilst the dew 

 is still heavy on grass and flower and bush. 



The peziza may be found growing on pieces of 

 broken stick, chiefly in dry ditches and hedges; it 

 does not frequent damp or very wooded spots. 



In Wales, nearly all the fungi tribe were known 

 as " Fairy Tables." 



Another fungus specially appropriated by the 

 fairies is '' Fairy Butter," Tremella arhorea ; it is a 

 yellowish, gelatinous substance, found upon rotten 

 wood or fallen timber, and, according to old country- 

 time beliefs, it was said to be made in the night 

 and scattered about by the fairies. 



In such esteem were the fairies or pixies held by 

 the countryfolk of Devon and Cornwall, that in 

 the olden days a share of the fruit crop was always 

 set apart for them, to ensure their friendship and 

 good offices. It was said to be most unlucky to 

 pick up any of the *' windfalls," as these were the 

 property of the pixies, who must on no account be 

 robbed of their due. 



There are some of the fairy comm.unity known as 

 water-nymphs, who frequent the vicinity of pools 

 and the banks of streams and rivers, and they are 



