Page:The family kitchen gardener - containing plain and accurate descriptions of all the different species and varieties of culinary vegetables (IA familykitchengar56buis).pdf/80

 cap being hollow within, and adhering to the stem by its base, and latticed on the surface with irregular sinuations. The height is about four inches. It is in perfection, and will be found from May to September, in wet banks, in woods, and in moist pastures, and should not be gathered when wet with dew, or soon after rain; if gathered dry, they will keep several months. They are used either fresh or dried, as an ingredient to heighten the flavor of gravies, ragouts &c.

.—We are not aware that this vegetable has been introduced into garden-culture, like the Mushroom, but there can be no doubt of the attempt being attended with success. The spawn should be collected in June, and planted into dung-beds, or ridges of soil differently composed, in order by experiment, to come to the best mode of cultivation. Those who have practised the growing of Mushrooms, will find no difficulty in cultivating the Morel or Mascul plant.

Mushroom has afforded a wide field of speculation for botanists and naturalists, who have disputed of its perfect or imperfect character—the peculiar method of its propagation and growth—and its close assimilation in taste to animal matter. The growth and formation of this humble plant is the most remarkable in the vegetable kingdom.

They are extensively used for making Catsup, esteemed as a pickle, and when stewed with rich gravies, are considered by some very delicious. They are extensively cultivated in Europe, particularly in Britain, where they are grown all the year round. They have also drawn the attention of the more