22.
ESSEX FIELD CLUB MYCOLOGICAL REPORT 1974.
In a year that produced more new records and re-
discoveries than any previous year since our records
were started, it is not surprising that the Autumn
forays were a great success*
The main foray which was held in August took place
just before the long wet spell arrived and so was not
quite as productive as the later Recorders' Meeting.
However a good range of species was recorded, including
such uncommon species as Leccinum (Boletus) duriusculus
Leccinum quercinum; Boletus calopus and an abundance
Of Mutinus caninus. A total of 45 species were recorded
but it was at the Reorders' Meeting in October that
the best finds were made.
A part of the Forest not often searched - St.Thomas'
Quarters - was carefully examined and produced such
prizes as huge Helvella lacunosa in abundance in a ditch
only a few yards from a clump of Helvella crispa. The
latter species has occured in hundreds throughout the
Forest this year in contrast to the usual paucity of
specimens in previous years.
Other finde included a new Inocybe for this area -
I.hirtella which has a distinctive smell of marzipan;
Hebeloma sinuosum - a large tan coloured species and
Hebeloma sacchariolens with a strong sickly odour;
Pholiota myosotis; Leccinum variecolor;Leccinum roseo
fracta; Laccaria bicolor and Cortinarious cinnabarinus.
A total of over 90 species was recorded. Our thanks
are due to the Staff of the Epping Forest Conservation
Centre for the use of their facilities and to Mrs
Boardman for her invaluable help. Mrs Boardman and my
self were certainly hardpressed on both occasions to
examine and name all the specimens which arrived at
a tremendous rate - a tough test of our mycological
abilities!
G.Kibby.