Mushrooms and Toadstools (Third Edition) — Oyster Mushroom to St. George’s Mushroom
(_Agaricus_ [_Pleurotus_] _ostreatus.
_) 179. I have always found this far from uncommon species growing on old _elm_ trunks, although it is not at all particular as to its habitat, often appearing on laburnum, apple, ash, &c. It usually grows in large masses, one plant above another, forming a very handsome object on old tree-stems.
The gills _and spores are white_, the former running down the stem, and the top dingy—sometimes nearly white; at others, full brown.
An allied species, _A.
euosmus_, with pale lilac spores, and a scent like that of Tarragon (_Artemisia dracunculus_), is “not esculent,” and is said to grow in the spring.
I commonly find the former growing in spring, although it is said usually to grow late in the autumn, or winter.
Perhaps a taste for this species has to be acquired; but though it is without doubt edible, I have never thought well of it.
The flesh possesses a certain amount of firmness, and produces an abundant and savoury juice; but I am inclined to place it as the species of least value for culinary purposes.
It has, however, been highly recommended by some; and a dish of this species stewed before a very hot fire has proved as enjoyable and nourishing “as half a pound of fresh meat.
” Tastes are allowed to differ; and perhaps the opinion of some of my readers may differ from mine if they try this species, which, from its peculiar appearance, there is little chance of mistaking for any other.
=Lilac-stemmed Mushroom.
= Fig. 18. (_Agaricus_ [_Tricholoma_] _personatus.
_) 65. Although this plant at times appears in pastures near London, it is not very common.
It is very nearly allied to and extremely like the next species (fig. 19), from which it is principally distinguished by its growing in the autumn, and having a lilac band round the upper part of the stem.
This lilac stain, however, is not invariably present; and a species that is altogether (stem and top too) lilac, or full violet, should be avoided (_A.
nudus_).
The Purple Cobweb-Mushroom (fig. 12) is easily distinguished by its rust of iron gills.
In _Agaricus personatus_ they are white—sometimes dirty white; the solid ringless stem is rather rough; and the top is smooth, and exceedingly firm and fleshy; the plant grows late in the autumn, on downs, and in rich, short pastures.
Opinions vary a little regarding the value of this species for gastronomic purposes; but I think, if young plants are gathered, in _dry weather_, and carefully broiled or stewed, few fungi will prove more truly delicious.
From my own experience, I have the highest opinion of it; but the plant readily absorbs moisture, and during wet weather is heavy and of little worth.
As these pages are passing through the press, my friend, Mr. Thomas Moore, of the Botanic Garden, Chelsea, informs me that this autumn (1874) he saw large quantities of _A.
personatus_ exposed for sale in the markets of Nottingham, under the name of “blue-bottoms,” the vendors stating the fungus to be “as good as mushrooms.
” =St. George’s Mushroom.
= Fig. 19. (_Agaricus_ [_Tricholoma_] _gambosus.
_) 62. The St. George’s Mushroom is fit for any saint in the calendar.
It comes up in the spring, near St. George’s Day, when few other species are to be found.
It is in every part almost white, or with a slight inclination to ochre; but sometimes the colour is a little fuller.
The stem and top are singularly firm, fleshy, and solid, and the latter, in hot weather is inclined to split.
It grows in rings, on rich lawns and pastures, and has a strong, fragrant, enticing odour.
It is a little like _A.
crustuliniformis_ (fig. 24, Poisonous Sheet), which, however, differs in various ways, principally in discharging _brown spores_ instead of _white_, as in _A.
gambosus_.
The poisonous plant has an odour like the flowers of laurel, and _grows in woods in the autumn_.
Few species are more substantial and delightful for the table.
I (with many others) look upon it with unusual favour, as one of the rarest delicacies of the vegetable kingdom.
Like the last, it is absorbent of water, and should be gathered in dry weather.
I think it is local, and certainly uncommon near London.
It is sometimes erroneously referred to under the name of _A.
prunulus_.
=Edible Morel.
= Fig. 20.
