BOLETUS

(Gr. /?a>Aof, a ma .) A genus of fungi, numerous large species of which sprint: from the sides of trees when the rind is decayed, forming firm fleshy ma es, which are generally smooth on the upper side, and pierced with holes on the lower. The spawn of such plants often forms what is called dry-rot, insinuating its fine delicate filamentous ramifications between the tubes of the wood, forcing them asunder, and so destroying the cohesion and solidity of limber. Boletus igniarius and fomentarius are the fungi which, when cut into thin slices, dried, and prepared with saltpetre, form common amadou, or the German tinder of the shops. B. tuberosus is used in Sweden, as a substitute for cork. B. bovinus is said to be a favourite food of oxen, deer, swine, and some other animals; it is even used for human food. [s. 166]