( Proceedings Belfast Naturalists' Field Club. — Appendix 1884-85.) 
€fjt jfuttgt of tfye i^ortfj of Irtlaitb* 
PART i. 
By HENRY WILLIAM LETT, M.A., Trin. Coll., Dublin 
The earliest writers who mention any of the Fungi of the North of Ireland 
appear to be the editors of “ The Antient and Present State of the County of 
Down: Dublin, 1744.” This book is now generally known as Harris’s 
County Down, from a Mr. Walter Harris having had the principal share in its 
compilation. And the next is, Dr. Taylor, of County Cork, who wrote nearly 
half a century ago. v x 
Harris’s Down gives “A catalogue of the more rare Plants found spon- 
taneously growing in the County of Down in May, 1748, by an expert Botanist 
employed for that purpose, and examined in Dublin by some well skilled in 
that branch of knowledge.” These plants number exactly forty, and four are 
Fungi, which are described at p. 183 as follows. 
“ 28. Fungus Arboreus acetabuli modo cavus, coccineus, marginibus pilosis. 
Raii Syn. Fungoides coccineum oris pilosis, acetabuli forma. Tournf. Inst. 
It grows on rotten oaks in Kilwarlin near Hillsborough in June.” There can 
be no doubt this is Peziza coccinea (Jacq). 
“ 29. Fungus Pileatus major superne coloris Castanei, lamellis Candidis, 
caule maculato. Raii Syn. — Chesnut-coloured Mushroom with white Gills 
and spotted Stalk. Dr. Sherard found this in the County of Down, but has 
omitted to mention the particular place where.” 
“ 30. Fungus pulverulentus, Crepitus Lupi dictus major pediculo longiori 
ventricoso. Raii Hist. — Dusty Mushroom the greater , with a long, tumid foot 
stalk, found at Moyra and other parts.” This and the next are evidently 
Puffballs. 
“31. Fungus pulverulentus, Crepitus Lupi dictus, pediculo longiori sc abro. 
Dr. Sherard. Dusty Mushroom with a long rough foot stalk, found at War - 
ingstown." 
