THE FUNGUS FLORV OF MULGRAVE WOODS. 



C. CKOSSLAND, F.L.S. 



Tne eighteenth Annual Fungus Foray in connection with the 

 Yorkshire NaturaHsts' Union was held September i9th-24th, 

 at the picturesque sea-side village of Sandsend, for the investi- 

 gation of Mulgrave Woods and adjoining pastures. All the 

 members of the Mycological Committee attended, with two 

 exceptions. Besides several other members of the Union 

 interested in the subject, there were mycologists present from 

 Cumberland, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Lancashire — twenty- 

 two in all, including two ladies — Miss Decima Graham, Carlisle, 

 and Miss Peniston, Leeds. 



The Marquis of Normandy granted special permission to 

 visit the parks and extensive woodlands on the Mulgrave 

 estates. This kindness was supplemented by the Vicar of 

 Lythe allowing the members the use of two commodius school- 

 rooms at Sandsend, from Monday to Thursday. The use of 

 these as general meeting-room and work-room very much facili- 

 tated the proceedings, and tended largely to bring about the 

 successful results obtained. Excellent accommodation was 

 secured at three boarding-houses, the school-rooms being used 

 as headquarters. 



The Committee made the most of these privileges and 

 opportunities by having all the necessary books and appliances 

 at hand for working out the finds. 



The grand old Mulgrave Woods have long been favourite 

 hunting grounds for Yorkshire mycologists. They are rich in 

 vegetation, with the ground almost constantly moist ; these 

 conditions, accompanied by shade, encourage the growth of a 

 great variety of fungi on decaying woody and herbaceous 

 remains. Here fungi are not dependant on rainfall for the 

 necessary amount of moisture ; hence these woodlands at any- 

 time supply material for a mycological student. One could not 

 help feeling what a vast field there is the year round for a local 

 student, did one exist. 



A preliminary run out was made on the Saturday afternoon, 

 when it soon became evident that an abundant supply of these 

 interesting organisms could be relied upon. Two or three 

 species of Leptonia were plentiful in the pastures ; this caused 

 the most experienced member present to remark that when 



1909 January i. 



