Genus Polyponis 



German tinder, which, in the form of sticks or fusees, commonly 

 known as punk, is used for hghting cigars and pipes in the 

 wind, or for touching off fireworks. 



The fusees are made by beating the fungus substance until 

 it is flexible, and then dipping it into saltpetre, 



Polyporus conchatus 



Polyporus conchatus is a beautiful species found on the 

 under side of fallen trees, growing in such a manner that from 

 the spore-bearing surface the shells look like rosettes of shim- 

 mering golden-brown velvet. 



Polyporus velutinus 



Polyporus velutinus is common in the form of stiff ruffles 

 with white or creamy spore surface, and grey or tan-coloured 

 plush-like upper surface. 



Polyporus pergamenus 



Polyporus pergamenus has a somewhat bristle-like, tan- 

 coloured spore surface, and a velvety drab upper surface, often 

 tinged with green from a green alga which grows upon it. 



Polyporus perennis 



Polyporus perennis resembles a slender-stemmed goblet. 



Polyporus sulphureus 



Polyporus sulphureus is an edible fleshy form. It grows in 

 clusters, the stemless caps often five or six inches broad and 

 overlapping. The colour of the young cap is yellowish red or 

 pale orange, with the margin wavy, and of a beautiful yellow. 

 It is soft and juicy, and often — when cut — exudes a yellow 

 juice. 



The plants may be found on the dead wood of trees 

 during showery weather from May to October. The mature 

 plants become dry and crumbling, and as they dry they lose 



Con-cha'-tiis V£l-u'-tl-nus Per-ga-me'-nfis Per-en'-nis Sul-phu'-re-us 



III 



