FUNGI. 383 
mushroom, and having this advantage, that it 
abounds in seasons when a mushroom is scarcely 
to be found. Mr. Berkeley remarks that it can be 
cultivated like the mushroom, but by a much 
simpler process, as it is merely necessary to moisten 
the ground under oak-trees with water in which a 
quantity has been allowed to ferment. The only 
precaution requisite is to fence in the portion of 
ground destined for its production, as deer and 
Fic. 40.—BOLETUS EDULIS, SHOWING TUBES INSTEAD OF GILLS ON THE 
UNDER SIDE OF THE CAP. 
pigs are very fond of it. This method is said to 
be infallible, and is practised in France in the Dé- 
partement des Landes. In the Departement of 
Gironde great quantities are strung on threads, 
and dried for the Parisian market. It is preserved 
in the same manner in Russia, and is largely 
consumed during the fasts of the Greek Church, 
being soaked in water till it becomes soft, and then 
