PUFF BALLS. I 29 



yard and a half long. A fairly good-sized specimen 

 was recorded in the Gardener's Chronicle (September 

 20, 1884), which was five feet four inches in circum- 

 ference, but that would give only a diameter of 

 about twenty-one inches, with which we must "rest 

 and be thankful." 



The form of the giant puff ball is oval, sometimes 

 nearly globose, depressed a little at the top, and of a 

 pure white colour, without and within, so long as it 

 remains fit for food. The surface is smooth and soft 

 like kid leather, but at length cracking. As it ripens 

 it becomes discoloured and dry. The interior is at 

 first, and for a long time, pure white, juicy but firm, 

 so as to be cut easily like a turnip. Afterwards it 

 turns sulphury yellow, and finally olive, when it is 

 resolved into a mass of delicate threads mixed with 

 a profusion of minute spores, like snuff. It is only 

 in the immature condition, and whilst the interior 

 remains fleshy and perfectly white, that it is edible. 



It grows on the borders of fields, in orchards, 

 sometimes in meadows, and occasionally in gardens, 

 being juicy and good about the end of July or 

 August, reaching the powdery state in September. 

 In agricultural districts it is always sought for in 

 harvest time, if intended to be eaten. Usually it is 

 found singly, or only two or three together, but 

 occasionally they form a segment of a large ring. Un- 

 fortunately the mystery of cultivation has not been 

 solved. 



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