252 THE VEGETABLE WORLD. 
and mucous membrane of man and animals, producing new and 
dangerous diseases. 
Mushrooms in many countries are a source of nourishment to the 
poor, who look for their return as a providential manna. But 
others conceal a mortal poison. Animals, such as worms, insects, 
and snails, feed upon them. It is not, therefore, without reason 
that beneficent nature has scattered them with so much profusion 
over the globe. It would be out of place to enter here upon a0 
elaborate consideration of Fungales in general. We must there- 
fore limit our remarks to some types selected from the best know? 
in their scientific connections, or which interest us fo 
utility, or from the dangerous maladies to which they give birth. 
e CuttivateD MusHroom (Agaricus Campestris). This pane 
commonly raised for the table (Fig. 319), consists of footsta af 
stipe, ranging from an inch and a half to two inches and @ h Be 
height. When young, they resemble little snow-balls, usually 
Button Mushrooms. Afterwards, when the stalk appeat® the cap 
