150 MUSHROOM CULTURE. 



" Of the ' Metisma } group of Poly pores, having already 

 tried P.frondosus, P.confluens, and P.sulfureus, I ventured, 

 after some hesitation, and with more than usual caution, 

 to test the virtues of a new American species (P. Ber- 

 kelei, Fr.), notwithstanding the intense pungency of the 

 raw material, which bites as fiercely as Lactarms pipe- 

 ratus. When young, and before the pores are visible, 

 the substance is quite crisp and brittle, and in this state 

 I have eaten it with impunity and with satisfaction, its 

 pungency being all dissipated by stewing. I do not, 

 however, deem it comparable* with P. confluens, which is 

 rather a favourite with me, as it is with some others to 

 whom I have introduced it. P. sulfureus is just tole- 

 rable -j safe, but not to be coveted when one can get better^ 

 When I say safe, I mean not poisonous. I cannot re- 

 commend it as a diet for weak stomachs, which should be 

 said of some other fungi of similar texture. I am here 

 reminded of an experience I had three or four years ago 

 with this species, which would have greatly alarmed me 

 had it happened at an earlier date in my experiments, and 

 which would probably have deterred anyone unused to 

 this kind of diet from ever indulging in it again. I had 

 a sumptuous dish of it on my supper-table, of which 

 most of my family, as well as a guest staying with us, par- 

 took very freely. During the night I became exceedingly 

 sick, and was not relieved until relieved of my supper. 

 My first thought on the accession of my illness was of Poly- 



