36 A PLAIN AND EASY ACCOUNT 



the reputation of supplying a rather delicate dish ; but 

 failing in satisfying ourselves of its merits sufficiently 

 to serve as a basis for its recommendation, we have not 

 given an illustration. It does not appear to be eaten 

 on the Continent ; and although included by persons 

 amongst edible species, Roques considers its alimentary 

 qualities as doubtful. 



A very large mushroom, called appropriately A. gigan- 

 teus, attaining sometimes the diameter of nearly a foot, 

 is occasionally found in woods growing in rings. The 

 pileus is covered with a fine down, and ultimately splits 

 or cracks ; the gills are very crowded, and at first 

 white, becoming yellowish with age. This species is 

 affirmed to be sweet and agreeable cooked in any 

 way ; and certainly some of the individuals occasionally 

 found are large enough to furnish any one with a meal. 

 A very elegant little fungus (A. dealbatus) is occa- 

 sionally found in dense clusters on mushroom-beds, and 

 more often on the ground in fir plantations. It is of a 

 clear ivory whiteness, especially when young, and the 

 upper surface of the pileus, which is depressed and ulti- 

 mately cup-shaped, has a satin like appearance. The 

 gills are crowded, thin, and white, and the stem is 

 fibrous, thin, and equal throughout its length. The 

 margin of the pileus is commonly waved and folded, 

 and the whole appearance of the plant is exceedingly 

 elegant. In our plate (PI. 10a) the lower figure repre- 

 sents a young specimen when the pileus is but little 

 depressed; the upper, a portion of a group fully 

 matured. 



