CHAPTER XIX. 



USES OF MUSHROOMS.* 



The most prominent and at present important use of mushrooms 

 from the standpoint of the utilitarian is as an article of food. We 

 have now learned that their food value as a nutrient substance is 

 not so great as has been fondly supposed, but, as Mr. Clark points 

 out in Chapter XXII, in addition to the value they certainly do pos- 

 sess as food, they have very great value as condiments or food 

 ascessories, and "their value as such is beyond the computation of 

 the chemist or physiologist. They are among the most appetizing 

 of table delicacies, and add greatly to the palatability of many foods 

 when cooked with them." Mushrooms undoubtedly possess a food 

 value beyond that attributed to them by the chemist or physiologist, 

 since it is not possible in laboratory analysis to duplicate the condi- 

 tions which exist in the natural digestion and assimilation of foods. 



Probably the larger number of persons, in America, at present 

 interested in mushrooms, are chiefly concerned with them as an 

 article of food, but a great many of these persons love to tramp to 

 the fields and woods in quest of them just as the sportsman loves to 

 hunt his game with dog and gun. It is quite likely that there will 

 always be a large body of persons who will maintain a lively interest 

 in the collection of game mushrooms for food. There are several 

 reasons for this. The zest of the search, the pleasure of discovery, 

 and the healthfulness of the outdoor recreation lend an appetizing 

 flavor to the fruits of the chase not to be obtained by purchasing a 

 few pounds of cultivated mushrooms on the market. It cultivates 

 powers of observation, and arouses a sympathetic feeling toward 

 nature, and with those outdoor environments of man which lend 

 themselves so happily in bettering and brightening life, as well as in 

 prolonging it. 



Many others are discovering that the observation of form and 

 habits of mushrooms is very interesting occupation for those who 

 have short periods of time at their disposal weekly. It requires but 

 a little observation to convince one that there is an interesting 

 variety of form among these plants, that their growth and expansion 



* There is not room here to discuss the uses of other fungi than the " mush- 

 rooms." 



