
302 MUSHROOMS. 
with the under surfaces red or crimson, should also bere _ 
jected.” l 
Any one familiar with our woods in the autumn must { 
recall the numerous sorts of the coral fungi, so delicate ant — 
branched in variety of shapes, as to remind him of the corals 7 
of the ocean. They bear the generic name of Clavarit, 
from Clavus, a club, the single branches being blunt or — 
club-shaped at the apices. If such on being gathered and — 
carried home are laid upon a piece of slate or black paper, 
a multitude of small white particles, or perhaps of a bluish — 
gray color, will fall from them, and become visible aftera 
few hours. These are the spores. “All the white-spored 
Clavarias are wholesome; but some are so tough and 
leathery, and others are so small, that the number at all 
available for culinary purposes is limited. They should, 
after being collected, be washed in lukewarm water and per 
fectly dried, then tied together in little bundles like aspari- 
gus, and cooked with butter, parsley, onion, pepper, and 
salt; when cooked, they may be improved by the addition 
of a little cream and the yolk of an egg.” 4 
~The English and European species cited are 0: 0.a i 
amesthystina, rugosa, vermiculata, Sastigiata, coralloidet, a 
cristata, of which we have several, and representatives 
the others. The Helvellas, like the Morels, to which alle 
sion has been made, are also classed among the edible pe 
and represented in our country in two more species at leas 
“The best substitute for the expensive Morels may be fi pe 
in two indigenous species of Jelvella, which, like the Mores, 
may be gathered during the season, and dried, and thus r 
served for use: all the year round. They impart an ex0, 
lant flavor to gravies and soups.” Related to these, bu 
different. shape, size, color, and consistence, are the me 
tous Pezize, of which the list of North American exce 
least two hundred species; and in Great Britain one hun ‘ 
-and thirty or more. They are interesting to the my mee 
presenting in their exterior both delicate and gorgeous © - 

