Magpie Mushroom. 



THE BRITISH NATURE BOOK 



and it will show how varied are the sites and localities in which the fungi 



are to be found open meadows, shady spots, decaying stumps, living trees. 

 Some turn pink when bruised (Rubescens) ; others discharge a milky 



juice (Lactarius). The AGARICS, to which the Mushroom belongs, include 



also the " Toadstools and Frogstools," and are the 

 only fungi which possess gills. The POLYPOREI 

 hold their spores in little pores opening underneath 

 the cap. 



But not all the fungi resemble these familiar 

 forms. The Witches' Butter (Exidia), found on 

 dead trees, is a dark patch of jelly, with a rough 

 crape-like surface below, and little projections on 

 the top ; and a large number are microscopic, such 

 as the Bunt, which appears on wheat ; and the 

 Mould or Mildew, which is to be found on so many 

 materials left in the open air even bread and 

 jam. These latter growths belong to the Thread 

 Fungi (Hyphomycetes), the Dust Fungi (Coniomy- 

 cetes), and other kinds, which cannot be studied 



without the microscope. 



The following is a brief description of some of the EDIBLE varieties : 



1. Common Mushroom (Agaricus campestris). Has a cap which is white 

 in colour. 



The Flesh Thick and white, changing to brownish when broken. 

 The Gills Crowded ; rosy at first, becoming dark brown. 

 The Stem Stout, white, with a ring or frill near the cap. 



2. Horse Mushroom (A. arvensis). White, changing to primrose-yellow; 

 4-6 inches in diameter, sometimes more. 



The Flesh White, does not change colour. 



The Gills Brown, remaining dry when old (whereas those of the Mushroom 

 deliquesce). 



The Stem Stout, white, with a broad frill. 



Sometimes found in large fairy rings, in pastures, and under trees. 



3. Tufted Mushroom (.4. elvensis). Grows in tufts or clusters. 



Cap Hemispherical, whitish, covered with large brown scales ; margin 

 warted ; diameter, 4-6 inches. 



Flesh Thick, turning reddish brown when cut. 



Gills Brownish flesh-coloured ; remain dry. 



Stem 4-6 inches ; rather swollen in middle, bearing a large ring ; warted 

 beneath. 



On ground under trees, especially oak. 



4. Bleeding Agaric (.4. hcemorrhoidarius). 



Cap Globose ; brownish when expanded ; scaly ; tinged with red or 

 purple at centre ; 3-5 inches diameter. 



