33S 



Mushrooms. 



stalk is surrounded at the base by a thick fleshy sheath culled 

 the volva or wrapper, which is nothing but the remains of the 

 skin within which the fungus was formed. So simple is the 

 growth of this and such plants, as to have given rise to the 

 belief that they are not propagated by the agency of spores, 

 which are always sure to reproduce the plant from which they 

 originate, but are dependent for their peculiar appearances 

 upon the different circumstances under which thev are devel- 

 oped. 



Agaricus Campestrus — Edible Mushroom (See Plate) 

 is known by its white, fleshy, dry and somewhat scaly 

 appearance. The lamelke are free, inflated, and of a. pink 

 color, changing to dark furrows. The stripes are white and 

 solid, with an annular veil. Tyas remarks, that many species 

 are known to be deadly poison, and places it under the head 

 of Suspicion in floral language. A Siberian tribe make a pre- 

 paration from it which will kill the most robust man in twelve 

 hours. Several around us are almost, as dangerous; as there 

 is a liquid hid within them of a. nature so acrid, that a single 

 drop put on the tongue will produce a blister. The Russians, 

 during their long fasts, live entirely on them, and are thrown 

 into violent convulsions in consequence. Though a dainty 

 dish, they should be used with much caution. Before using 

 them, they should be exposed to the heat of boiling water ; this 

 will ascertain, it is said, their quality, as if not of a good kind 

 their perfume will be evaporated. 



