Crossland : Fungus Foray at Mulgrave Woods. 



34i 



heat, have apparently been conducive to their growth. These 

 conditions appear to have been remarkably favourable through- 

 out the country to the growth of the Horse Mushroom, Agaricus 

 arvensis, and the giant puff-ball, Lycoperdon bovisla ; scores 

 upon scores of both were seen in the fields bordering the railway 

 between Malton and Whitby. A correspondent in Bedfordshire 

 had noticed the same feature in that county, and forwarded fine 

 specimens of the Horse Mushroom. Another correspondent, 

 Mr. H. Slater, of Helmsley, sent a photograph of two puff-balls 

 weighing 6^2 lbs. and 7 lbs. respectively, one being" 44 in. in 

 circumference ; later, one scaling- 10^ lbs. was sent him. Mr. 

 Slater remarks : ' Such specimens have been phenomenally 

 numerous in our (Helmsley) district this year, mostly in "fog" 

 fields.' One is recorded in a recent issue of ' Nature,' 57 in. 

 horizontal circumference, weight 14 lbs. ioozs., from Welling- 

 ton, Somersetshire. See also 'The Naturalist,' August 1900, 

 for record of large Horse Mushroom. 



On the Monday evening Mr. Massee gave a most interesting 

 address on ' Mycological Research in the United States/ an 

 abstract of which is appended. 



The weather was all that could be desired for collecting- 

 purposes. The rule was, home at three o'clock, so as to allow 

 time to work out the spoils. Good ground, central billet, fit 

 weather, and close work, all combined to bring about satisfactory 

 results. About 430 specimens were totted up, including many 

 new to the county, and the following four : — 



Crepidotus putrigenus Berk. & Curt., new to Europe. 



Colletdtrichum lycopersici Chester, new to Europe. 



Dasyscypha Richonii Mass., new to Britain. 



GLdocephalum glomerulosum Sacc, new to Britain. 



Mr. Clarke's stereoscopic views of fungi, along with water- 

 colour drawings of micro-species by Messrs. Massee and 

 Crossland, were present for inspection. 



Lord Normanby was very considerate in allowing the myco- 

 logists the run of his charming and extensive woods. Evidently 

 be also took an interest in the object, ordering inquiries to be 

 made respecting fungi that he himself had specially observed. 



The constitution of the committee remains the same as last 

 year, Mr. Massee being recommended for re-election as chairman. 

 Conisborough, South Yorkshire, is recommended as next year's 

 meeting place. 



1900 November i. 



