discernible in the specimens I examined. However, theirreaction to guaiac (unavailable
to me) may be needed to identify the species beyond doubt.
The only bolete found in any numbers was Boletus badius, a disappointing result as this
is a superb area for this particular group of fungi. A few days later, though, I met a
couple of forayers returning to their car with two carrier bags stuffed full of boleti, most
of them badius, the first time I had met anyone collecting commercially in this area.
They assured me that when thinly sliced and pickled they made atasty addition to salads
and other dishes. They were debating whether to knock on the door of a nearby house
and ask permission to pick a group of Leccinum growing under a birch tree on their lawn
as these boletes apparently possess the most delicate flavour of all. Their mothers were
both Polish, which may explain their culinary knowledge of fungi. Alas, when I espied a
jar of pickled fungi in a delicatessen a few weeks later the subtleties of their flavour
eluded me but not the indigestion that resulted afterwards!
There were times during the meeting when I seemed to lose touch with the group - a bad
habit in a supposed leader - but I hope that those who took part had an enjoyable afternoon.
This autumn's foray in the area will be to Parson's Spring, Highwood - a subtlety different
wood to Stoneymore and one which, if we are blessed with a more traditional showery
autumn, should yield a good number of boleti and other interesting species. However. I
would appreciate it if anyone intending to come could let me know in good time as there
is only limited parking at the site.
Book review: Bumblebees by Ted Benton
This latest volume in the Collins New Naturalist series is one of the best. It is an excellent
very readable account of all the British Bumblebees; the 580 pages cover all aspects of
bee biology, distribution and conservation as well as identification keys to the all the
British species. It is heavily illustrated with 246 figures, the majority of these being
colour photographs of bees doing what bees do, as well as a series of habitat photographs.
The keys are clear and well illustrated with drawings, but identification to species is not
easy and a microscope will often be essential. There is a comprehensive sixteen page
index as well as twenty pages of references. All in all a scholarly but accessible work
and what with the new dragonfly book (see flier with this newsletter) written in partnership
with John Dobson one wonders what Ted does in his spare time.
As is the way nowadays the book is printed in Singapore and well produced it is too, on
quality paper which gives the book the feel of a book of merit. In a word it is substantial,
weighing in at over three pounds. It is published at £45 but it can be obtained for less
than £30 including postage at Amazon online. That is some bargain. About £10 a pound,
only 5 times dearer than quality honey, so don't wait for the paperback - buy it now.
Del Smith
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Essex Field Club Newsletter No. 50, May 2006