508 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



when it is no longer moist but powdery, and consists of a mass of minute 

 spores intermixed with thin delicate threads. In this condition it was in 

 olden times employed in rural districts as tinder, as a styptic for staunch- 

 ing wounds, and was burnt to suffocate bees. It need scarcely be said that 

 when used as an esculent it must be in its young and creamy condition, 

 before it acquires a tinge of yellow or green. 



It grows on the borders of fields, in orchards, and occasionally in 

 gardens, sometimes singly, and sometimes two or three together. 



Fid 158. — Helvella crispa. (Gardeners' Chronicle.) 



As to its qualities for the table, all w T ho have tried it have been con- 

 verted in its favour. Cut in thin slices about a quarter or third of an inch 

 thick, it should be smeared with egg, sprinkled with bread-crumbs, and 

 fried in butter, with pepper and salt and sweet herbs, if the latter are 

 preferred, and served hot like fritters or pancakes. It cannot be compared 

 with Mushrooms in any way, it cannot be treated the same, and it has no 

 resemblance in flavour, but is an entirely new sensation. Dr. Curtis says 

 that " it has a delicacy of flavour that makes it superior to any omelette 

 I have ever eaten." Other encomiums have been passed upon it, but, 



