OF BRITISH FUNGI. 109 



Helvetia crispa has a lobed and deflexed pileus, 

 pallid above and ochraceous beneath (fig. i). The stem 

 is fistulose or hollow ; when dried, the texture is tough 

 and leathery, and in this condition it resembles crumpled 

 up pieces of wash-leather, that have been saturated with 

 water and allowed to dry. It is a common species in 

 woods, and may occasionally be found growing on banks 

 in the autumn. It is almost impossible to confound 

 these with any other species of fungi found in Britain, 

 so that they may be enjoyed without fear. 



Helvella lacunosa is also common, and is found in 

 similar localities to the last. It much resembles H. 

 crispa in everything save the 

 colour of the pileus, which, in 

 this instance, is cinereous-black 

 (fig. Jc). This kind is not met with 

 so large or so plentifully as the 

 other. For all purposes to which 

 the morell is applicable, these 

 species may either of them be 

 substituted. They impart an 

 excellent flavour to gravies and 

 soups, and in establishments 

 where they have been once in- 

 troduced and tested, will, we Fig. k. 

 doubt not, for ever afterwards hold equal sway with 

 the more aristocratic morell. Unlike the Agarics, 

 there is no necessity for the Hehettas to be used as 

 soon as gathered, and for this reason, superadded 

 to an experience of their excellent qualities, one can 

 but feel surprised at their absence from our markets 



