MUSHROOMS AND TOADSTOOLS. 132 



common on downs or pastures. Readers should be cautioned 

 against eating these small species in a raw state, as such a 

 course has been known to have serious effects. 



D. Chanterelle (Canthnrelhis cibcrius). This belongs to the. 

 same section as the Fly- Agaric, in which the spore- bearing 

 membrane is spread over gills ; but in Cantharellus the gills 

 are reduced to thick ribs that run from the edge of the pilcus 

 partly down the stem. The whole fungus is coloured with 

 orange-yellow, internally as well as the outside. It is often 

 abundant in woods in summer and early autumn. It is much 

 esteemed for its esculent qualities ; but it requires much' 

 cooking, and should first be thrown into hot water for a few 

 minutes, then dried on a cloth, and fried or stewed gently. 



K 2 



