FUNGI. 371 
which were many reputed dangerous, and that to 
his great surprise his whole collection was de- 
voured by the soldiers. It is well known, indeed, 
that even the esculent fungi of this country are not 
always safe to eat ; the qualities sometimes varying 
very considerably according to the nature of the 
situations in which they occur. The common edible 
mushroom of this country (Agaricus campestris), 
the pratiola of Italy, has sometimes proved fatal 
on the Continent, and by the inspectors is invariably 
excluded from the Italian markets as most perni- 
cious. Owing to this circumstance it has given rise 
to the Italian’s curse, ‘ May he die of a pratiola.’ 
The ancient Romans, however, were wiser in their 
choice, for Horace lays down the rule that meadow 
mushrooms are the best of the whole tribe. The 
most useful and innocent species become poison- 
ous when growing in damp, dark localities, such 
as old decaying forests, and cellars where there is 
little circulation of pure air. At different stages 
of their growth, also, fungi manifest different quali- 
ties ; a few hours being sufficient in some instances 
to change a nutritious into a poisonous substance. 
Their fitness for the table seems also to depend 
much upon the rapidity of their growth; those 
which grow slowly being of tougher texture and less 
delicate flavour. A warm sun after heavy rain 
brings them out in greatest perfection. All aga- 
