76 A PLAIN AND EASY ACCOUNT 



much sought after abroad as a dish, and is good when 

 dried. 



Another species of Boletus (It. scaber) is very com- 

 mon in woods, but, though esculent, does not enjoy so 

 good a reputation as the last. The tubes are white or 

 dingy, the stem rather rough, and it is much inferior in 

 respect of size, smell, and flavour to Boletus edulis. 



Boletus castaneus, a small species with a velvety, 

 cinnamon-coloured pileus and stem, short, white, and 

 afterwards yellowish tubes, and white unchanging flesh, 

 is rarely found in woods, and, although eaten on the 

 Continent, is of inferior flavour. 



An elegant Boletus (B. elegans) is found in woods, 

 especially of firs, which is remarkable for the brilliant 

 golden-yellow tint, and its pileus being viscid in moist 

 weather ; the flesh is of a pale yellow, and though said 

 to be eatable, is certainly not worthy of recommenda- 

 tion. 



Two other species (J5. impolitus and B. cestivalis), 

 also found in woods or woodland pastures, have the 

 reputation of being wholesome, but are not of sufficient 

 importance or value to make a description of them 

 necessary. 



It will be advisable to caution all who are inex- 

 perienced in collecting Boleti for alimentary purposes, 

 and who may yet desire to make trial of them, that 

 numerous species of Boletus are common to Great 

 Britain, and several of these are unwholesome, some 

 decidedly poisonous. If, upon cutting or bruising any 

 specimen, it should be found to change colour, it should 



