l
Journal of Proceedings.
A. mucidus was very handsome, with its beautifully white gelatinous
pileus, growing in overlapping clusters on the beeches ; and here the
edible Hydnum repandum was springing from the ground in abundance,
Professor Cornu stating that it was sold in French vegetable markets
at 3d. per pound. Agaricus mappa was frequent with the poisonous
A. semilanceatus, cervinus, spectabilis, the edible campestris (Mushroom),
and the somewhat uncommon Ag. sericellus. Further on were Ag. lacry-
mabundus, pyxidatus, rhodopolius, pascuus, fastibilis, Saponaceus (smelling of
soap), amethystinus, mollis, squamosus; the edible species rubescens and
excoriatus, and many common forms too numerous to mention. Mr.
English met with many interesting fungi. Near High Beach was a
beautiful group of Agaricus radicatus, with its gelatinous cap, pure white
gills, and elongated stem rooting deeply by the side of an old stump,
the other side of which was clothed with Polyporus adiposus nestling
amongst the moss, accompanied by Stereum purpureum, one of the leathery
group of fungi. On another stump was Bulgaria sarcoides and a pretty-
yellow Peziza. These old beech stumps seem very prolific in fungi and
will often repay a search. Near the "King's Oak" the edible Boletus
(B. edulis) was in plenty, some young plants of which Mr. Fitch carried
home, had cooked for breakfast, and reported well of the dish. Several
species of the genus Russula occurred, and with them the brilliant
scarlet R. emetica, very showy but very poisonous. Also the rarer
Russula cyanoxantha, an edible species, as well as the hurtful R. furcata
with R. faetans (stinking and poisonous) and lutea. Young specimens
were seen of the Fly-agaric (Amanita muscarius), groups of the large
Lactarius vellereus, a poisonous species, and Ag. phalloides, with the
hateful smell. Also Lactarius insulsus, quietus, piperatus, serifluus, and
subdulcis. On the trees Polyporus cuticularis, Daedalea quercina, Trametes
gibbosa, and Tremella albida. A few Puff-balls were common, as well as
Paxillus involutus and Clavaria pistillaris and cristata. But to mention
by name all the Nature's rarities found would only weary the reader by
reproducing on a small scale a "check-list" of our British fungi.
Discussing thus the spoils of the day we wandered back to our Inn,
and we were soon enjoying one of those sociable "teas" which are so
familiar to the members of "Our Club," and which proved very accept-
able to many after a long and fatiguing Forest ramble.
After tea the President had much pleasure in stating that the Epping
Forest Committee of the Corporation of London had agreed, in accord-
ance with a motion made by their distinguished colleague, Mr. Andrew-
Johnston, to sanction the thorough examination by the Club of the
ancient earthworks in Epping Forest. The work would be commenced as
soon as possible, but as large funds would be required, the Council asked
for liberal contributions from members and others interested in archaeo-
logical discovery. With respect to the afternoon's results, he thought
they had great reason for congratulation, notwithstanding the weather,