9
slab, and the earthstar, Geastrum strlatum,
whose appearance suggests that it could have
come straight from the 'War of the Worlds' ! A
ramble through the thicket and adjoining
pasture in mid-November also produced a varied
sample for frying pan. Parasol and Shaggy
Parasol (Macrolepiota procera and rhacodes),
Field (Agaricus campestris), Horse (A.
arvensis) and Wood Mushrooms (A. silvicola)
all made -for a -fine break-fast, together with the
lesser known Agaricus langei, which displays
an alarming tendency to turn blood red when
fried! Unfortunately, that Field Mushroom
look-alike, the Yellow Stainer (Agaricus
xanthoderma) is also abundant in the meadow
next to St. Peter's. Some people can
apparently eat this species with equanimity,
whilst in others it can cause serious upsets
including, in extreme cases, coma! This was
proved to me one autumn when the area's entire
stock disappeared overnight. The following
afternoon, members of the nearby Christian
Community Camp were observed reeling around the
thicket in varying stages of distress.
Fortunately, none developed the extremis
symptoms but great was the dashing hither and
thither in search of enlightenment. If only
they had told me what they were going to do I
could have conducted a useful scientific
experiment! Joking apart, some were laid low
for up to three days, so it always pays to know
your mushrooms.
It is to be hoped that the above notes will give
any reader a rough idea of what is to be
expected from the area. We try not to take our
birdwatching too seriously at the