ON THE AMEEICAK ESCULENT EUNGI. 



73 



species belonging to the same group. All are excellent when 

 stewed, and are especially valuable for their appearance in late 

 autumn, even during hard frosts, when other Agarics are mostly 

 out of season. 



Again, there seemed such a similarity of texture and habit 

 between A. cespitosus (lentinus, Berk.) and A. melleus, although 

 the former belongs to Clitocyhe, that the temptation to a trial 

 of it was irresistible. As it is found here in enormous quan- 

 tities, and a single cluster often contains from fifty to a hundred 

 stems, it might well be deemed a valuable species in a time of 

 scarcity. It would not be highly esteemed where other and 

 better sorts can be had, but it is generally preferred to A. melleus. 

 I have found this species very suitable for drying for winter use. 



Among Boleti I ventured, in ignorance if it had ever been 

 eaten, to try B. collinitus on account of its close relationship 

 with B. flavidus. I am not particularly fond of Boletes ; but this 

 species has been pronounced delicious by some to whom I have 

 sent it. 



So, among the Polypores, I have no fear of harm from the use 

 of a new American species (P. poripes, Fr.) on account of its re- 

 lation to P. ovinus, of its texture, and its flavour. The taste of 

 the crude specimen is like that of the best Chestnuts or Filberts. 

 It has been compared even with the Cocoa-nut, and is certainly 

 of very agreeable flavour. It does not, however, make a superior 

 dish for the table, being rather too dry, but it is innocent and 

 probably nutritious. 



Of the Merisma group of Polypores, having already tried P. 

 frondosus, conjluens, and sulfureus, I ventured, after some hesita- 

 tion and with more than usual caution, to test the virtues of a 

 new American species (P. BerJcelei, Fr.), notwithstanding the 

 intense pungency of the raw material, which bites as fiercely as 

 Lactariiis piperatus. When young, and before the pores are 

 visible, the substance is quite crisp and brittle ; and in this state 

 I have eaten it with impunity and with satisfaction, its pungency 

 being all dissipated by stewing. I do not, however, deem it 

 comparable with P. confluens, which is rather a favourite with 

 me, as it is with some others to whom I have introduced it. 

 P. sulfur eus is just tolerable,— safe, but not to be coveted when 

 one can get better. When I say safe, I mean not poisonous. I 

 cannot recommend it as a diet for weak stomachs, which should - 

 be said of some other Fungi of a similar texture. I am here 



VOL. II. L 



