THE ESCULENT FUNGUSES OF ENGLAND. Containing an Account of their Classical History, Uses, Characters, Development, Structure, Nutritious Properties, Modes of Cooking and Preserving, etc. By C. D. Badham, M.D. Second Edition. Edited by F. Currey, F.R.S. Demy 8vo, 152 pp., 12 Coloured Plates, 12s.
A lively classical treatise, written with considerable epigrammatic humour, with the view of showing that we have upwards of 30 Species of Fungi abounding in our woods capable of affording nutritious and savoury food, but which, from ignorance or prejudice, are left to perish ungathered. “I have indeed grieved,” says the Author, “when reflecting on the straitened condition of the lower orders, to see pounds of extempore beefsteaks growing on our oaks, in the shape of Fistulina hepatica; Puff-balls, which some have not inaptly compared to sweetbread; Hydna, as good as oysters; and Agaricus deliciosus, reminding us of tender lamb-kidney.” Superior coloured Figures of the Species are given from the pencil of Mr. Fitch.
ILLUSTRATIONS OF BRITISH MYCOLOGY, comprising Figures and Descriptions of the Funguses of interest and novelty indigenous to Britain. By Mrs. T. J. Hussey. Royal 4to; First Series, 90 Coloured Plates, £7. 12s. 6d.; Second Series, 50 Coloured Plates, £4. 10s.
This beautifully-illustrated work is the production of a lady who, being an accomplished artist, occupied the leisure of many years in accumulating a portfolio of exquisite drawings of the more attractive forms and varieties of British Fungi. The publication was brought to an end with the 140th Plate by her sudden decease. The Figures are mostly of the natural size, carefully coloured by hand.
SHELLS AND MOLLUSKS.
ELEMENTS OF CONCHOLOGY; an Introduction to the Natural History of Shells, and of the Animals which form them. By Lovell Reeve, F.L.S. Royal 8vo, 2 vols., 478 pp., 62 Coloured Plates, £2. 16s.
Intended as a guide to the collector of shells in arranging and naming his specimens, while at the same time inducing him to study them with reference to their once living existence, geographical distribution, and habits. Forty-six of the plates are devoted to the illustration of the genera of shells, and sixteen to shells with the living animal, all beautifully coloured by hand.