178 ]V1 ASS ACHL SETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Coprimis atramentarius, the Inky Mushroon, C micaceus, and 

 C. congregatus, were also mentioned. 



Marasmius oreades. The true Fairy Ring champignon. — This 

 is an edible mushroom of such marked characteristics as to be 

 easily recognized. It flourishes in pastures with short grass, by 

 the roadside aud on lawns ; never in the woods. It grows in 

 rings, is of a bright buff color, somewliat tough, and with a solid 

 stem. The gills are wide apart, ten or twelve to the inch, and of 

 cream color. All authorities agree that this Fairy Ring mush- 

 room is of excellent flavor. It may be dried and kept for years ; it 

 is sold in the London markets, being often picked "by the bushel 

 in England. The size is one or two inches in diameter, and 

 when mature, in the centre of the top of the cap is a tiny elevation 

 or mound. The gills curve upward and are quite free from the 

 stem. Some mycologists think this the best of all mushrooms. 

 It is the one referred to by Shakspeare in : 



" The nimble elves 

 That do by moonshine green sour ringlets make 

 Whereof the ewe bites not, whose pastime 'tis 

 To make these midnight mushrooms." 



The rings in which this mushroom grows widen from year to 

 year and have been observed three hundred feet in diameter. 

 This is a summer mushroom, extending sometimes into the early 

 autumn. Very little care will serve to distinguish the true Fair}- 

 Ring mushroom from a relative which is not edible, the Marasmhis 

 urens, whose gills are crowded together, turning brown, and whose 

 stem is more or less covered with down, especially at the base. 

 The M. peronatus, another poisonous champignon, is found only 

 in the woods. It has spines at the base of the stalk. These two 

 species should be avoided. 



The Russulas comprise a large family of edible mushrooms and 

 when once learned are easily recognized. They are abundant in 

 most parts of the country. They belong to the Agarics, having 

 gills, — most species having even gills, that is, the same length, 

 extending from the stem to the edge of the cap. The substance of 

 the cap is quite brittle ; the stem short and stout, solid, and tapering 

 toward the base ; no sign of a veil or volva at any stage. The taste, 

 raw, is sweet and nutty; the color of the cap may be green, 

 purple, pinkish gray, and various shades of red ; the gills are 



