88 A PLAIN AND EASY ACCOUNT 



have white and others yellowish spores. The former 

 are nearly all wholesome, the latter seldom. It has, 

 however, been distinctly affirmed that none of them are 

 dangerous. Small specimens of some of the edible 

 kinds are represented in our plate in company with a 

 species of Geoglossum (PL 17) ; the latter being added 

 for comparison, belonging as it does to a different 

 order, to which a brief reference will be made, 

 and which does not furnish any kinds that are 

 esculent. 



Clavaria rugosa is not an uncommon inhabitant 

 of woods, but is generally so small, and sparingly 

 distributed, as not to repay collecting for esculent 

 purposes. This species may be found either simply 

 club-shaped, delicately white, and with longitudinal 

 furrows, or with the tip more or less lobed, or with 

 decided branches proceeding from the axis. Occa- 

 sionally it is found of a dirty white, or with a bluish- 

 grey tinge. If laid upon a piece of slate or black 

 paper, the white spores will be thrown down. All ihe 

 white-spored Clavarias are wholesome, but some are so 

 tough and leathery, and others so small, that the num- 

 ber at all available for alimentary purposes is limited. 

 They should, after being collected, be washed in luke- 

 warm water and perfectly dried, then tied together in 

 little bundles like asparagus, and cooked with butter, 

 parsley, onion, pepper, and salt ; when cooked, they may 

 be improved by the addition of a little cream and the 

 yolk of an egg. It has also been recommended that 

 a few spoonfuls of stock be added during the cooking. 



