EDIBLE FUNGI. 73 



Beefsteak." Mr. Worthiiigton G. Smith says it grows plenti- 

 fully on the oaks in Sherwood Forest. Properly cooked it 

 has a delicious flavour. 



White Fir- wood Mushroom (Agaricus dealbatus). 

 — A pretty little fungus, with a smooth, ivory-white, wavy, 

 fleshy pileus, and thin white gills which curve round and 

 join the stem. Usually grows in fir plantations, and pos- 

 sesses a delicious flavour when cooked. 



[Photo : J. H. Crabtree. 



Common' Puff Ball (Bovista plumbea). 



A fungTis easily recognjeed ly its globular ball-like sbape. 

 Common in paetnres in Spring, Summer and Autumn. 



Edible Tube Mushroom (Boletus edulis). — Accord- 

 ing to Badham this is a truly delicious fungus, well known 

 to the ancient Romans, and still very popular in Italy. The 

 pileus is 6in. to 7in. across, light brown or bronze in colour; 

 flesh firm and white; stem thick and solid, white at first, 

 then brown, and reticulated. Grows in oak and pine woods, 

 and may be found in abundance in autumn. Mr. Worthing- 



