MUSHEOOMS. 



19 



SPINE-BEARING MUSHROOM. 



There is no possibility of mistaking this 

 mushroom ; when once seen it is jilways to bo 

 remembered. Its awl-shaped spines are crowded 

 beneath the pileus ; its size and colour are most 

 marked ; it resembles closely, as has b<?en said, a 

 lightly-baked cracknel biscuit in colour. 



This fungus occurs principally in woods, and 

 especially in those of pine and oak ; sometimes 

 solitary, but more frequentl} 7 in company and in 

 rings. 



"The general use of this fungus thronghout 

 France, Italy, and Germany, leaves no room for 

 doubt as to its good qualities," Roques. 



"When well stewed it is an excellent fungus, 

 but it requires a little caution in preparation for 

 the table. It should be previously steeped in hot 

 water and well drained in a cloth ; in which case 

 there is certainly not a more excellent fungus." 

 Berkeley. 



Cut the mushrooms in pieces and steep for 

 twenty minutes in warm water ; then place in a 

 pan with butter, pepper 9 salt, and parsley ; add 

 beef or other gravy, and simmer for an hour, 



