204 
CRYPTOGAMIA. FUNGI. Agariccs. 
A similar mode of growth takes place in some of the crustaceous Lichens, 
particularly in the L. centrifugus. 
As this Agaric may be procured plentifully, and as its fine flavour will 
probably soon introduce it to our tables, particularly in catsups and in 
powder, forms in which its toughness is no objection to its use ; I imagine 
it may be of some consequence to guard against errors in those who 
gather it, or in those who direct it gathered : and as much confusion and 
many mistakes have hitherto existed amongst authors on the subject of 
this very common plant, I shall, in addition to the particular description 
given of it above, subjoin a list of the figures erroneously quoted as 
representing it, pointing out wherein they differ from it. 
Ag . mouceron. Bull. 142, is very unlike our plant, it has a very thick and 
fleshy pileus, its gills are extremely narrow and numerous, and its 
stem is thick and short. Not to mention that the gills are fixed 
to the stem. 
Ag . lucocephalus. Bull. 428. 1 , is a much larger plant, has a fixed gill, 
a much thicker, and a brittle stem, but the toughness of the stem 
in our plant is such as is almost alone sufficient to distinguish it. 
Battar. 22. C. Beside other marks of difference, this has a hollow stem. 
Ag. melleus. Schaeff. 45, has a fixed gill, and a hollow stem. 
Ag. pallidus. Schaeff. 50, is indeed very unlike our plant; it has a thick 
fleshy pileus, a thick stem, and decurrent gills. 
Ag. farinulentus. Schaeff. 205, has a hollow stem, a powdered pileus, and a 
dirty brown gill. 
Ag. collinus. Schaeff. 220, has a hollow stem, otherwise it is not much 
unlike it; but the stem is too thick and the boss upon the pileus is 
very peculiar. 
Ag. niveus. Schaeff. 232. Differs widely, having a pileus concave in the 
centre, a hollow stem, and a very decurrent gill. 
Ag. prcealtus. FI. Dan. 830. 1. This figure has some general resemblance, 
and the decurrent gills may be only apparently so from the turning up 
of the pileus in the advanced age of the plant. The author however 
refers to Battar. p. 46. t. 21. fig. F. and we here find that this is a very 
large species, well agreeing with the trivial name prcealtus , but the 
figure gives no such idea. 
I have referred to Ray Syn. p. 6. n. 27. for our plant, but a very respectable 
authority has lately given this species of Ray to Ag. sordidus. The 
short character given by Mr. Ray is so imperfect as to admit of various 
applications, though his usual sagacity did not desert him when he 
mentioned its leathery texture. But this alone would not have been 
sufficient. Fortunately he subjoins an English name, Scotch Bonnets , 
from which those acquainted with the habit of the Fairy-ring Agaric 
will immediately recognize it. 
*Ag. pulvina'tus. (Bolt.) Gills greyish white, four in a set: pileus 
convex, brown mouse: stem dark grey, tapering upwards : 
wrapper permanent. 
Bolt. 49; {hut none of his synovyins.) 
Gills loose, the two smaller series lopped. 
