OF BRITISH FUNGI. 41 



whilst the oyster is an autumnal species and is decidedly 

 edible. The densely clustered or imbricated mass in 

 which they are generally found, with the stems attached 

 near the side of the pileus, the dirty white gills run- 

 ning far down the stem, all serve to characterize a 

 species with which our plate (PI. 8) can scarce fail to 

 make one familiar. As to its value or quality when 

 prepared for the table, there is certainly no unanimity 

 of opinion. Another species (A. salignus), found some- 

 times solitary and sometimes in clusters on the trunks 

 of trees, is said to be eaten in Austria, but we are not 

 aware that it has been tried in England. 



The first sub-genus in the division with salmon- 

 coloured spores is termed Volvaria. The veil forms a 

 distinct volva, and gives a decided feature to the group. 

 One species is common in hothouses, where its satiny, 

 dark grey cap, as it bursts and emerges from the volva, 

 makes it an attractive object. No species is of eco- 

 nomic importance amongst the half-dozen found in these 

 islands. 



The sub-genus Pluteus has the hymenophorum, or 

 part on which the gills are situated, distinct from the 

 stem, by which it is distinguished from the succeeding 

 group. The veil is absent, which distinguishes it from 

 the preceding group. There is no esculent British species. 



In Entoloma the hymenophorum is continuous with, 

 and the gills have a tendency to separate from, the 

 stem. 



The next sub-genus is Clitopilus (klitos, Gr.,a slope, 

 pilos, a cap), in which the hymenophorum is continuous 



