124 
OF THE FUNGI. 
Agaric (Plate xxiv.). On taking up one of these plants 
(or rather one of their fructifying organs, for the plant 
itself is concealed under the soil in the form of Mycelium) 
we see a convex expansion called the pileus or cap, sup- 
ported by the stipes or stem, which itself rises out of the 
volva or wrapper, a tough membrane, which at one time 
enclosed the entire organism, but through which the pileus 
and stipes have forced their way, leaving only a fragmentary 
cup behind. The pileus, in fact, is a thick leathery roof, 
concealing and at the same time affording protection to the 
hymenium or reproductive organs ; and, on turning the 
pileus over, we see that the hymenium is divided into 
numerous plates, the lamellae or gills, radiating from the 
centre to the external border. Further investigations under 
the microscope reveal the fact, that these lamellae are recep- 
tacles containing the sporules, the germs of the future 
Agarics. Perhaps it will simplify the matter to some of 
my readers if I add, that the pileus with its accompanying 
hymenium forms the edible portion of the common mush- 
room, the stipes usually going to form that useful sauce, 
‘catsup.’ What are termed ‘button mushrooms’ are the 
young plants still imprisoned within the volva, or which 
have but just burst through its membranous coat. — Ed.] 
In the first place, longitudinal sections must be made, 
traversing the whole organism, from the top of the pileus 
to the base of the stipes. To effect this, the operator takes 
a very sharp knife, or better still a razor, and with a firm 
hand makes a bold cut from above downwards right 
through the plant. This he repeats three or four times, so 
as to obtain successively several laminae, each about two 
lines thick, presenting a kind of diagram of the different 
parts. These should be at once placed under the press. 
The quicker the operation of drying is performed, the finer 
will be the appearance of the preparation, and the better 
will the natural colouring be retained. This may be for- 
warded by frequently changing the paper, and by warming 
it before laying it on the object. 
