By Professor BUCKMAN, F.L.S., F.G.S., &c. 



[IS fungus is described as follows by Mr. Berkeley : 

 "MOBEL, the common name of Morchella esculenta^L>, 

 which, under a variety of forms occurs in various 

 parts of the world. It is occasionally plentiful in this country, 

 but the greater part of what is sold by the oilmen comes from 

 Germany. A large quantity is collected in Kashmir. As it dries 

 very readily and may be kept for some time it is much used by 

 cooks to flavour gravies. It is also dressed in various ways when 

 fresh, and makes an excellent dish if stuffed with finely minced 

 white meat. 



When plentiful it may be advantageously employed instead of 

 mushroom to make ketchup. 



Morels are particularly fond of burnt soil, and the collection of 

 them is so profitable to the peasants in Germany that they 

 were formerly in the habit of setting fire to the woods to 

 encourage their growth, till the practice was made punishable by 

 special law*. 



In a recent short tour in Germany we frequently met with 

 the morel at Table d'Hote, one dish at Mayence was very satis- 



*The Treasury of Botany, p. 755, 



