380 FIRST FORMS OF VEGETATION. 
in gardens, in autumn, may be found the Maned 
Agaric (Coprinus comatus). It is easily known by 
its graceful form, rising from the ground like a 
cylinder with a rounded end. The long silky cap 
trembling upon its snowy stem breaks up into 
scales, and at the margin splits into threads like 
the end of a wig. The gills pass through shades 
of pink purple and brown to black ; the last stage 
being quickly reached, presaging the immediate 
dissolution of the whole plant, which deliquesces 
into an inky black fluid. If gathered young it 
affords no despicable dish. Dr. Bell calls it the 
Agaric of civilisation, owing to its being found 
about human dwellings. Among the most inter- 
esting and beautiful of the mushroom-tribe is the 
Amanita Ce@sarea, distinguished by its brilliant 
red cap, perfectly smooth, and its rich yellow gills. 
Unknown in this country, it is the pride of Southern 
markets, on account of its delicious taste when 
cooked. It has been known from the time of 
the Romans, and is the Boletus of the Satirists, 
because owing to its superlative qualities it was 
often made a vehicle for poison. Indeed, its 
specific name is derived from the supposition that 
it was the identical species in which Locusta, at 
the instigation of Agrippina, conveyed poison into 
the stomach of the Roman emperor Claudius, who 
was excessively fond of it. In America it is highly 
prized. under the name of Jiterials. 
