84 A PLAIN AND EASY ACCOUNT 



TEETH-BEARING FUNGI. 



THE third order of fungi is termed Hydnei, from 

 Hydnum (udna, Gr., puffs resembling mushrooms), the 

 typical genus. In this order we encounter numerous 

 spines, teeth, or pap-like projections from the surface, 

 over which the hymenium is spread, and bearing the 

 spores. The order is not a very large one, but is distinct 

 in its features from the preceding. 



In Hydnum the spines are awl-shaped, and distinct 

 or separate at the base. This structure will be better 

 understood by a reference to our plate (PI. 16), in which 

 a portion of the pileus of Hydnum repandum is shown in 

 section magnified. This species is common on the ground 

 in woods and woody places, and has a compact wavy 

 pileus, with spines of unequal length proceeding from 

 the under surface, which is rather paler in colour. 

 There is a variety much redder than our plate, which 

 has been treated as a distinct species under the name of 

 rufescens, but which appears to be the same in every 

 feature except, colour. The flesh of this fungus is firm 

 and white, rather hot to the taste when raw, but mild 

 when cooked. 



On account of its containing less than the average 

 amount of water in its composition, it may be dried 

 successfully, and in this state preserved for winter use. 

 It is employed as food in Austria and Belgium, as well 

 as in France, in all of which localities it is a common 



