Agaric us

(ūg'ūr-i-kus.) (Bot.) A large gen. of Fungi, including A. campestris, the Edible Mushroom (Fig. 13), and some others, which are delicate articles of food; Agaric us muscarius, and others, that are dangerous poisons. If a mushroom have an offensive smell, a bitter, astringent, or styptic taste, or is even of unpleasant flavor, it is certainly unfit for food. Color,figure, and texture cannot be relied on; but the pale or sulphur yel-Fig. 13. -THE EDIBLE MUSHROOM low, bright or IN ITS VARIOUS STAGES. blood-red, and the greenish, are generally poisonous. The safe kinds have mostly a compact, brittle texture; the flesh is white; and they grow more readily in open places than in damp or shady spots. [s. 13] IMG:p0030_0.jpg:Gravür