{Proceedings Belfast Naturalists' Field Club.— Appendix 1884-85.) 



Cjje jfmtgt of tfje ^ortlj of Manir- 



PART I. 



By HENRY WILLIAM LETT, M.A., Trin. Coll., Dublin 



The earliest writers who mention any of the Fungi of the North of Ireland 

 appear to be the editors of " The Antient and Present State of the County of 

 Down: Dublin, 1744." This book is now generally known as Harris's 

 County Down, from a Mr. Walter Harris having had the principal share in its 

 compilation. And the next is, Dr. Taylor, of County Cork, who wrote nearly 

 half a century ago. , 



Harris's Down gives " A catalogue of the more rare Plants found spon- 

 taneously growing in the County of Down in May, 1743, by an expert Botanist 

 employed for that purpose, and examined in Dublin by some well skilled in 

 that branch of knowledge." These plants number exactly forty, and four are 

 Fungi, which are described at p. 183 as follows. 



" 28. Fungus Arboreus acetabuli modo cavus, coccineus, marginibus pilosis, 

 Rati Syn, Fungoides coccineum oris pilosis, acetabuli forma. Tournf, Inst. 

 It grows on rotten oaks in Kilwarlin near Hillsborough in June." There can 

 be no doubt this is Peziza coccinea (Jacq). 



" 29. Fungus Pileatus major superne coloris Castanei, lamellis Candidis, 

 caule maculate Raii Syn. — Chesnut-coloured Mushroom with white Gills 

 and spotted Stalk. Dr. Sherard found this in the County of Down, but has 

 omitted to mention the particular place where." 



" 30. Fungus pulverulentus, Crepitus Lupi dictus major pediculo longiori 

 ventricoso. Raii Hist. — Dusty Mushroom the greater, with a long, tumid foot 

 stalk, found at Moyra and other parts." This and the next are evidently 

 Puffballs. 



"31. Fungus pulverulentus, Crepitus Lupi dictus, pediculo longiori scabro. 

 Dr. Shera?-d. Dusty Mushroom with a long rough foot stalk, found at War- 

 ingstown" 



