CHAPTER VI 



FUNGI SLIME FUNGI (MYCETOZOA) 



AFTER becoming acquainted with the structure and life history of 

 the mushroom, the nature student should turn his attention to other 

 plants of the same class, of which there are many thousand different 

 species to be found in our islands. It is still a fact that the great 

 majority of us look upon all fungi with the exception of the mush- 

 room, champignon, and truffle as being poisonous and useless plants, 

 to be destroyed whenever seen, or at best preserved as botanical 

 curiosities. The notion that some toadstools, for instance, are not 

 only harmless, but on the contrary to be considered as great delicacies 

 often far surpassing the mushroom in flavour never enters 

 the head. It is to be regretted that so much superstition still 

 exists with regard to these interesting and useful plants. The 

 nature student, however, will find that a study of fungi will amply 

 repay him. To learn to know the various kinds, and where they 

 are found, to acquaint himself with their structure and mode of 

 growth, will offer an admirable exercise in out- door observation. If, 

 moreover, he can conquer his prejudices, and learn by practical experi- 

 ence that many kinds are edible, he will be the means of introducing 

 to his friends new and palatable forms of food, and proving, in 

 one instance at least, the economic value of nature-study. Perhaps 

 one of the chief attractions in hunting for fungi is the great variety 

 of places where they may be found. Dense thickets, woods, shady 

 lanes, open fields, rubbish heaps all have their peculiar species. Not 

 only this, but in places where it would be useless to look for any 



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