66 MUSHROOMS. 



fungus of a blackish-brown colour, and with a warty skin. It 

 grows chiefly in the Wiltshire, Hampshire, and Kentish 

 downs, and can only be found by dogs or swine specially 

 trained for the purpose. They ascertain by the scent the 

 presence of the fungi beneath, and in this waj' onlj- can the 

 Truffle be discovered. The Truffle has a peculiar and deli- 

 cious flavour, which is highly appreciated by gourmets. It 

 is said that the flavour is most pronounced if the truffles are 

 cooked when quite fresh. Truffles are more abundant in the 

 south of France than here; or, at any rate, they are sought 

 for and found in larger quantities than in England. Dried 

 truffles cost from 15s. to 20s. per pound in London. Attempts 

 have been made to cultivate the truffle, but without success. 



Morel (Morchella esculentea) — An indigenous fungus 

 growing in orchards and woods during late sprang and the 

 early part of summer. We have occasionally refeeived speci- 

 mens of it from readers of "Amateur Gardening;" It grows 

 about Sin. to 4in. high, is of a pale buff colour,' and has its 

 pileus or cap indented or broken up with a series of shallow 

 cells. A most delicious fungus, used in a dried state for 

 seasoning, and also in a fresh condition for stewing or con- 

 verting into catsup, or ketchup. The latter is said to be 

 superior to mushroom ketchup. 



St. George's Mushroom (Agaricus .gambosus).— 

 This is one of the earliest of our native edible mushrooms, 

 making its appearance about St. George's Day (April 23) in 

 rings on hilly pastures. The pileus, or cap, is thick, fleshy, 

 smooth, soft, and convex at first, developing later into irre- 

 gular or undulating lobes. The colour is pale vellow, fading 

 to white at the margins ; the gills are yellowish-white ; and 

 the stem is firm, solid, and white, and bulging at the base. 

 Owing to its early appearance it is hardly possible to make 

 a mistake in gathering, cooking, and eating this fungus. 

 The odour is unusually stronn-. 



Blewits 



(Agaricus personatus). — A fairly common species 



