234 FUNGI. 



lateral stem, or scarcely any stem at all. It may be remarked, 

 that some species which spring from the soil delight most in 

 the shelter of particular trees. The Agarics of a beech wood will 

 materially differ largely from those in an oak wood, and both will 

 differ from those which spring up beneath coniferous trees. 



It may be accepted as true of the largest proportion of terres- 

 trial species, that if they do not spring directly from rotten 

 leaves, and vegetable debris in the last stage of decay, the 

 soil will be rich in vegetable humus. A few only occur on 

 sandy spots. The genus Marasmius is much addicted to dead 

 leaves ; Russula, to open places in woods, springing immediately 

 from the soil. Lactarius prefers trees, and when found in 

 exposed situations, occurs mostly under the shadow of trees.* 

 Cantharellus, again, is a woodland genus, many of the species 

 loving to grow amongst grass or moss, and some as parasites on 

 the latter. Coprinus is not a genus much addicted to woods, but 

 is rather peculiar in its attachment to man — if such expression, 

 or one even implying domesticity,- might be employed — farm- 

 yards, gardens, dunghills, the base of old gateposts and railings, 

 in cellars, on plaster walls, and even on old damp carpets. 

 Hygrophorus loves " the open," whether pastures, lawns, heaths, 

 commons, or up the slopes of mountains, nearly to the top of the 

 highest found in Great Britain. Gortinarius seems to have a 

 preference for woods, whilst Bolbitius affects dung, or a rich 

 soil. Lentinus, Partus, Lewzites, and Bchizopliyllwn all grow on 

 wood. Coming to the subgenera of Agaricus, we find Pleurotm, 

 Crepidotus, Pluteus, Collybia, Pltoliota, Flammula, Hypholoma, 

 and some species of Psathyra growing on wood, old stumps, or 

 charcoal ; Amanita, Tricholoma, and Hebeloma most attached to 

 woods ; Cliiocybe and Mycena chiefly amongst leaves ; Nolanea 

 amongst grass ; Omphalia and Galera chiefly in swampy places ; 

 Lepiota, Leptonia, Psalliota, Stropharia, P&ilocyle, and Psathyrella 

 mostly in open places and pastures ; Deoonica and Panmolus 

 mostly on dung ; Entoloma and Clitopilus chiefly terrestrial, and 

 the rest variable. 



* These predilections must be accepted as general, to which there will be 

 exceptions. 



