BOLETUS

a genus of fungi of the order Hymenomyoetes (fungi provided with a cap and a fructiferous membrane or hymenium wluch covers the sporules contained in the tubes). The greater number of the species are globulous, from which the Italians call them ovdi. The characters of the genus are, broad, hemispherical cap, the lower surface formed of open tubes, cylindrical in form, and adhering to one another. The tubes can be separated from the cap, and contain little cylindrical capsules, which are the organs of reproduction. They differ from the Polypore i by the absence of the membrane which in do see the tubes. Boletua edulis has the pedicle thick, especially at the base, and marked with red and pale white. The cap is also thick, smooth, and fawn coloured. The tubes are very small, rounded, and pa from white to a greenish yellow. It grows on the ground abundantly in woods during summer. The flesh is firm, and has an agreeable nutty flavoiur. It is a considerable article of commerce in France, particularly in the neighbourhood of Bordeaux. It is also found in England, but more rarely. The other species of Boletus are nimierous.