l6o BRITISH EDIBLE FUNGI. 



generally successful. Once seen, it is easily recog- 

 nised, and once eaten, not readily forgotten. 



Passing allusion may be made to a much smaller 

 species, with a slender stem, varying from the thick- 

 ness of a straw to that of a tobacco pipe, and a cap 

 under an inch in diameter {Helvetia elasticd) ; the whole 

 plant is of a dirty white colour, the cap less lobed, and 

 deformed, and the stem smooth, without any grooves 

 or channels. It is difficult to obtain sufficient for a 

 dish at any time, but solitary specimens may often be 

 gathered and dried. In fact, all the three species 

 may be mixed together, as their flavour is almost 

 identical, [and whether, eaten fresh or dried, may be 

 used indiscriminately. It is unnecessary to add that 

 should fortune favour the collector, the same methods 

 of cooking which are employed for morels may be 

 adopted with the helvellas. We have not attempted 

 to invent or suggest any more vulgar name for these 

 " false morels ; " and we fear that they will not soon 

 acquire one for themselves, as they are not obtrusive 

 in their colour or habits, and are not plentiful enough 

 to excite the curiosity of conventional travellers. 



