FREE BOOKS

Author's List




PREV.   NEXT  
|<   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15   16   17   18   19   >>  
ntirely smooth, while near them are others of the same variety where more or less of the specks remain. (2.) A ring; generally large and reflexed or falling downward. (3.) A volva; more or less enclosing the young plant, and remaining at the base of the older specimen, so that when the mushroom is pulled up a socket is left in the ground. These three marks should all exist in the typical plant of this family, and the experienced eye will see signs of their presence, even where they are wanting. But the _volva_ rarely or never decays during the life of the specimen, and to reject everything with this mark is recommended to all amateurs. So far as known, there are no cases of death by the use of mushrooms except from this one family. In all well-defined cases of fatal poisoning, the cause is just as well defined, namely, the use of the mushroom represented by Plates IX. and X. in this sheet. Therefore, when one has become perfectly acquainted with this family, and learned to always reject them, he has very little to fear in the choice of mushrooms for the table. The poisonous varieties of the Amanita family are extremely common. The antidote for this poison is found in the skilful use of the alkaloids from the family of the Solanaceae or Nightshades, especially in subcutaneous injections of Atropine. But to the public generally, in cases of poisoning, no other advice can be given than to call a physician without delay. Plate VI. represents several members of the Russula family. Having once learned to identify it without danger of error, this family is quite safe for use as food; for all the non-esculent Russulas are hot or nauseous to the taste, while the edible ones are very nutty and pleasant. The student should, therefore, taste each specimen when preparing them for cooking. Some authorities consider all Boleti fit for table use, but there are those which are too bitter for food, and one such as the specimen numbered 1, Plate XI., would spoil a whole stew. The tubes of this Boletus (_felleus_) are light rose, although they appear to be white when fresh and young. A good rule for amateurs is to avoid all the lurid Boleti; by this is meant all those that have the slightest shade of red to the tubes, although I have often eaten of such. The mild-colored members of this family, having white, yellow, or greenish tubes, if pleasant to the taste, may be considered safe eating. Plate VIII. represents some of
PREV.   NEXT  
|<   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15   16   17   18   19   >>  



Top keywords:

family

 

specimen

 

Boleti

 

learned

 

pleasant

 

reject

 
mushrooms
 

members

 

defined

 
represents

generally

 

amateurs

 

poisoning

 

mushroom

 
student
 

danger

 
Russula
 

physician

 

advice

 

Having


esculent
 

Russulas

 

nauseous

 

identify

 

edible

 
bitter
 

slightest

 

considered

 

eating

 

colored


yellow

 

greenish

 

preparing

 

cooking

 

authorities

 
numbered
 

Boletus

 
felleus
 

typical

 

experienced


socket

 
ground
 

wanting

 

rarely

 

decays

 

presence

 
pulled
 

variety

 
specks
 
remain