OF BRITISH FUNGI. 19 



The Hymenomycetous fungi are those in which the 

 hymenium is the most prominent feature. In some of 

 these the hymenium is inferior, and in some it is su- 

 perior. We will commence with those in which it is 

 inferior. This family contains six orders, of equal im- 

 portance, and equally natural to similar divisions of 

 flowering plants. It will be remembered henceforth, 

 that we make no allusion to groups, of whatever 

 size or importance, not represented in the " British 

 Flora." 



The first and most prominent order is termed Agari- 

 cini, and contains the Gill-bearing fungi, or those in 

 which the hymenium, or spore-bearing surface, is inferior, 

 and spread over lamellae or gills, which radiate from a 

 common centre, and each of which lamellae may be 

 separated into two plates. 



This order is well represented in Great Britain, for 

 we have not less than five hundred and sixty distinct 

 species already described. The eighteen British genera 

 will be found arranged in the systematic table appended 

 to this volume. 



The first genus of this order is often amalgamated 

 with the second, on the authority of Fries ; but Dr. 

 Greville long ago proposed its separation. In this work 

 we shall retain the old name of Amanita for the twelve 

 species found in Britain, deeming the character of 

 the volva to be of sufficient importance to justify their 

 removal from the large genus with which they are often 

 associated. 



In Amanita the volva is distinct, the gills are mem- 

 c 2 



