OF BRITISH FUNGI. 43 



sub-genus had a representative in Britain. One species 

 has, however, been discovered ; but in none of these 

 sub-genera do we recognize any species that is edible. 



The series called DERMINI, which have rust-coloured 

 or tawny spores, is also divided into sub-genera, the first 

 of which is Pholiota, probably derived from the Greek 

 pholidotos, and signifying " covered with scales," which 

 is a characteristic of many of the species. In this group 

 the stem is furnished with a ring. It has been stated 

 that A . mutabilis, a member of this sub-genus, is escu- 

 lent ; but, having great doubt of the truth of the asser- 

 tion, we shall not admit it as such. Another species 

 (A. squarrosus), which is commonly found growing in 

 dense clumps on trunks of trees, with its cap and stem 

 rough, and bristling with innumerable dark scales, has 

 been found to be wholesome, but we have many others 

 far more worthy of recommendation. 



In this same group occurs a more commendable species 

 (A. pudicus), but unfortunately it cannot be called 

 common. The pileus is fleshy, smooth, and of a 

 dirty white colour. The stem is solid and of the same 

 size throughout its length. The gills are at first 

 whitish and ultimately tawny. This fungus will be 

 found growing on trees, more particularly on elder 

 trunks, and has been recommended as wholesome and 

 agreeable. 



In Hebeloma, the veil, when present at all, is thread- 

 like, and the gills have a sinus or depression at the 

 extremity next the stem. Several species are very 

 common, but none are esculent. 



