114 MUSHROOM CULTURE. 



bulb at the root, hollow with a loose Dith, whitish 

 brown, but more or less variegated with small and close- 

 pressed scales. 



Whenever an agaric on a long stalk, enlarged at the 

 base, presents a dry cuticle more or less scaly, a darker 

 coloured umbonated top, a moveable ring, and white gills, 

 it must be Agaricus procerus, the parasol agaric, and 

 it may be gathered and eaten without fear. When the 

 whitish flesh of this agaric is bruised it shows a light 

 reddish colour. 



There are but two other agarics that at all resemble 

 it, and both are edible. One about the same size is 

 Agaricus rachodes. It is not generally considered so 

 good in flavour as A. procerus. Mrs. Hussey, however, 

 says plainly, " If Agaricus procerus is the king of edible 

 funguses, Agaricus rachodes is an excellent viceroy ." 

 The other is the Agaricus excoriatus, a very much smaller 

 fungus, with a more slender habit, a shorter stem, and 

 no true bulb at the base. This elegant little fungus is 

 also very good eating. 



The parasol agaric has a very wide range of growth. 

 It is a common fungus, and is in high request all over the 

 Continent. 



Opinions on the Merits of Agaricus procerus as an 

 Edible Fungus. "A most excellent mushroom, of a 

 delicate flavour, and it must be considered a most useful 

 species." The Rev. M. J. Berkeley. 



