ITS FUNGI. 129 



their growth. In duration they vary greatly. 

 " Many spring up in a night and dissolve next 

 day, or at least at the first shower of rain. Some 

 are so delicate that they tremble in the hand when 

 gathered, and, as in the case of Coprimis radiatus, 

 melt away if breathed upon. Others, growing on 

 old trees, are perennial, and almost as hard as 

 wood." Their simplest forms consist of minute 

 articulated filaments. Their highest developments 

 are the brilliant domes and minarets which are 

 called agarics, and which jewel the mossy banks 

 in September and October. They are sought by 

 many naturalists, not only for their intrinsic beauty, 

 but for their varied structure, and the interesting 

 problems which they present to the botanist and 

 the microscopist. The bolder spirits try experi- 

 ments in their edible qualities, but this cannot be 

 done with impunity except by those who have 

 acquired intimate knowledge of the varieties. 



The Forest Field Club annually devotes a day 

 to a " fungus foray," and generally secures some 

 rare and beautiful specimens. A method has 

 been invented for their preservation with the 

 natural colour, by Mr. English, the enthusiastic 

 naturalist of Epping,i to whom I am indebted for 

 the list of Forest fungi which follows, and upon 

 whose information, furnished to me, these remarks 

 are founded. Their habitats vary greatly, but all 

 derive their nourishment from decaying animal or 

 vegetable matter. It is difficult to localise the 

 species, as, having found a rare kind in a certain 

 spot once, is no guarantee that it will reappear 

 there the following year, and it may even be many 



^ See Manual on the Prese>-vation 0/ the Larger Fungi and 

 Flowers, published by James English, Epping. Price 2s. 6d. 

 K 



