41 



TAB. CXXII. 



SILEX magnesiatus; var. amianthiformis. 

 Leather-like Amianthus. 



Div. 2. Imitative. 



This bears a strong resemblance to the Oak Leather or 

 Xylostroma Giganteum of English Fungi, tab. 35 8, so as 

 scarcely to be known by outward appearance, unless with 

 the help of a microscope; when we find the one formed 

 of exceeding fine filaments, and the other of hollow 

 filaments. They are both flexible like leather, and to the 

 touch equally soft. In cutting they require much the same 

 force and sharpness of the instrument; they also tear nearly 

 alike, with a shaggy filamentous appearance. One very 

 sure test remains, that the one being heated red hot does 

 not apparently undergo any change, but recovers its former 

 appearance when taken from the fire; while the other burns 

 away like touchwood or a fusee, or like the spunk prepared 

 from Bol. ignarius, E. F. 132, or Fungus Tinder. 



