212 -ACOTYLEDONS FUNGI DIAGRAM 18. 



is Called the volva. It is an important peculiarity to know, be- 

 cause it enables us, in some cases, to distinguish the species of 

 fungi. 



Many fungi are poisonous, and others have a pleasant taste. 

 It is very necessary to remember that no one can distinguish the 

 wholesome and poisonous kinds without assistance ; for they 

 cannot be separated either by their odour, or by the places 

 where they grow. Which are good and which are bad can 

 only be learned by long experience, or by the aid of a person 

 who is thoroughly well acquainted with the species. In any case, 

 it is necessary not to decide at a glance, but carefully to examine 

 the colour of the fungus, to make sure that it is really the kind 

 which we imagine. If, after eating fungi, the least incon- 

 venience is felt, an emetic should be taken at once, and a doctor 

 called in. 



The only fungi commonly eaten in England are one or two 

 species of mushrooms, which can only be confounded with others 

 by gross carelessness. But many other fungi are commonly eaten 

 in France and Italy ; and it may be mentioned that the puff-balls 

 are unmistakeable, and perfectly wholesome when young. 



Mushrooms grow very fast, and it is common to find a quantity 

 in a field where there were none the evening before. They are 

 grown on hotbeds in a cellar, or in a damp, dark place. When 

 the hotbed on which they grow is removed, whitish filaments are 

 seen which are called mushroom spawn or mycelium. Mushrooms 

 only grow from this, and it is put into the beds to sow them. 

 Most fungi are eaten by the larvae of insects, which are very fond 

 of them. When the puff-balls are ripe they become dry and 

 brown, and when pressed, burst, and clouds of dust, entirely formed 

 of spores, fly up. Dried puff-ball is a useful remedy for stopping 

 bleeding. 



Mould is composed of different kinds of very small fungi, wholly 

 formed of slender filaments analogous to those which form mush- 

 room spawn. When they are ripe and filled with spores they 

 assume a greenish tint. 



