In Cooke and Quélet's Clavis Synoptica Hymenomycetum Europaeorum (1878), 1943 species of Agarics are recorded as European, and of these 939 are given as British. The present work includes descriptions of 2750 European species, of which 1553 are British, a number considerably in excess of that recorded for the species of any other European country.

The species indicated by brackets have not been recorded as British.

G. M.

Kew, June, 1902.

AGARICACEAE, Fries.

Hymenium covering the entire surface of radiating lamellae or gills. Spores one-celled.

Primary divisions of the Agaricaceae depend on the colour of the spores as seen in the mass, when deposited on an opaque substance; and not as seen under the microscope by transmitted light.

  1. I. Leucosporae.
  2. Spores white. In some cases with a tinge of yellow or pink. In some species of Russula the spores are clear ochre, but such species belong obviously to Russula notwithstanding.
  3. II. Chlorosporae.
  4. Spores clear green or bluish-green.
  5. III. Rhodosporae.
  6. Spores salmon-colour or pink.
  7. IV. Ochrosporae.
  8. Spores ochraceous or rust-colour.
  9. V. Melanosporae.
  10. Spores black, blackish-brown, or black with a purple tinge.