pieces. It is also called German tinder. Thomé says that Boletus laricis
and Polyporus fomentarius yield the “amadou” of commerce. Then, again,
the birch Polyporus, P. betulinus, is used for razor strops. We need not
say anything on the uses of fungi as articles of food. This subject has
been exhausted by many able mycologists, and, excepting the mere mention
of some mushrooms that are edible, the authors have abstained from this
part of the subject.

[Footnote 1: Worcester’s Dictionary, citing Brande.]


HABITAT.

It is interesting to observe where different mushrooms love to dwell.
Some are always found on roadsides, as if seeking the notice of
passers-by. These are the Clitocybes and Stropharia, and many of the
cup-fungi, while the Boleti take shelter in clay banks and hide in every
cranny and nook that they can find. Russulas are seen in open woods,
rising out of the earth, also the Lactarius, which seems to like the
shade of trees. The Cortinarius also prefers their shelter. The Coprinus
loves the pastures and fields, near houses and barns, and dwells in
groups upon the lawns. The Hypholoma grows in clusters on the stumps of
trees. Marasmius is found among dead twigs and leaves. The white
Amanitas flourish in woods and open ground. There are some, like
Pleurotus, that grow in trunks of trees, and make their way through
openings in the bark. Every dead tree or branch in the forest is crowded
with all species of Polyporus, while carpets, damp cellars, plaster
walls and sawdust are favorite abodes of many fungi.