FUNGUS HUNTING. 22 1 



the last to linger, in defiance of the coming winter, 

 except perhaps the pasture Hygrophorus, which is not 

 a late species. 



Under the different species we have given, together 

 with the necessary descriptions for their identification, 

 some intimation of their habitats. These will vary 

 but little, although there will be some variation in 

 the period of their advent, consequent upon the 

 peculiarities of the season. Sometimes we have, as 

 of late, a succession of seasons so unfavourable to 

 the growth of fleshy fungi that they are compara- 

 tively rare throughout the year. At other times 

 continuous warm, moist weather ensures a plentiful 

 supply of one species after another for many months. 



Hunting in woods for edible fungi should be 

 undertaken later in the year than in the " open," and 

 then it will save time if a few generalities are kept in 

 remembrance. Where the ground is covered with 

 bracken, or overrun with brambles, or has a dense 

 growth of underwood, labour will be in vain. A very 

 few of the smaller agarics may occasionally be found 

 sparingly amongst bracken and bramble, but as a rule 

 the experienced hunter passes such spots, on the as- 

 sumption that they are absolutely barren. Dense 

 undergrowth is not quite so bad, but only a few 

 specimens are to be seen. The sides of paths, or 

 rides, on the contrary, will usually furnish something 

 of use or interest. Aspect is another point for con- 

 sideration ; a southern or western aspect is far prefer- 



