ITS FUNGI.
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their growth. In duration they vary greatly.
"Many spring up in a night and dissolve next
day, or at least at the first shower of rain. Some
are so delicate that they tremble in the hand when
gathered, and, as in the case of Coprinus radiatus,
melt away if breathed upon. Others, growing on
old trees, are perennial, and almost as hard as
wood." Their simplest forms consist of minute
articulated filaments. Their highest developments
are the brilliant domes and minarets which are
called agarics, and which jewel the mossy banks
in September and October. They are sought by
many naturalists, not only for their intrinsic beauty,
but for their varied structure, and the interesting
problems which they present to the botanist and
the microscopist. The bolder spirits try experi-
ments in their edible qualities, but this cannot be
done with impunity except by those who have
acquired intimate knowledge of the varieties.
The Forest Field Club annually devotes a day
to a " fungus foray," and generally secures some
rare and beautiful specimens. A method has
been invented for their preservation with the
natural colour, by Mr. English, the enthusiastic
naturalist of Epping,1 to whom I am indebted for
the list of Forest fungi which follows, and upon
whose information, furnished to me, these remarks
are founded. Their habitats vary greatly, but all
derive their nourishment from decaying animal or
vegetable matter. It is difficult to localise the
species, as, having found a rare kind in a certain
spot once, is no guarantee that it will reappear
there the following year, and it may even be many
1 See Manual on the Preservation of the Larger Fungi and
Flowers, published by James English, Epping. Price 2s. 6d.