THE FAIRY RING CHAMPIGNON. 77 



esculent, but hardly the same in flavour. No one 

 who has once partaken of it would refuse to do so 

 again. It may be prepared for the table in the same 

 manner as the foregoing species. 



There is a smaller mushroom (Agaricus infundibuli- 

 formis) almost a miniature of geotropus, common in 

 woods everywhere, about two inches broad and high, 

 which is most delicate and delicious served on 

 toast. 



XL— THE FAIRY RING CHAMPIGNON. 



It would be a fallacy to suppose because this is 

 called the " Fairy Ring Champignon " that it is the 

 only fungus which delights in fairy rings, whereas 

 there are several distinct species which possess this 

 proclivity. Still, it is this {Marasmius oreades) and 

 no other, to which the name of Fairy ring mushroom 

 is exclusively applied. It is assumed to be this 

 which is dedicated to — 



" The nimble elves 

 That do by moonshine green sour ringlets make 

 Whereof the ewe bites not ; whose pastime 'tis 

 To make these midnight mushrooms.'' 



Familiar though they are to those whose home is 

 in the country, many of those who dwell in cities 

 have but a vague notion about fairy rings. For their 



