80 OUTLINES OF BRITISH FUNGOLOGY. 



that it was with great difficulty that the labourers who had to 

 dig out a quantity of the spawn which had become a nui- 

 sance, could accomplish their task. 



An esculent species of Agaric is raised at Naples by simply 

 depositing a quantity of coffee-grounds in a warm cellar. No 

 spawn is used, but the Fungus seems very generally to make 

 its appearance after a certain time. Like most species which 

 grow in such habitats, it is probably a mere state of some 

 common form. A Polyporus used for food is raised in Italy 

 from hazel-stumps, by simply charring them partially, and 

 then supplying them with a proper quantity of water. Another 

 species, P. tuberaster, springs up in Italy from conglomerated 

 masses of earth and spawn, known by the name of Pietra 

 Fungaja, or Fungus-stone, when placed in the conservatory ; 

 and I have seen specimens raised in Lee's garden, at Hammer- 

 smith, from imported spawn. Attempts have been made to 

 cultivate a fine variety of Mushroom from spawn imported 

 from the Swan River. It is to be hoped that this may be 

 tried again, and that Agaricus fahacens, an American species, 

 may also have another trial. A few species of Fungi occa- 

 sionally make their appearance in the soil or on wood im- 

 ported with exotic plants. I have seen, for instance, Schizo- 

 phijllum commune in great abundance, accompanied by a 

 pretty Avhite Marasmius. The lovely Marasmius hoematoce- 

 phalus lately made its appearance at Kew, in a pot with a 

 species of Carludovica ; the curious Aseroe came up in the 

 same establishment on Australian mould, and other species 

 might be noticed of which I have specimens in my herbarium, 

 and amongst these Hypoxylon marginatum, an American spe- 

 cies, which was observed in the conservatory at Chatsworth. 

 These, however, are mere accidents, but they tend to show 

 that many species might ornament our stoves from imported 

 spawn, if their introduction Avas desired. 



