Griping Milk-Mushroom. [Fig. 11.]
(Lactarius torminosus.)488.
This dangerous fungus is at once known by the hairy margin of the top, which is rolled inwards. The milk that exudes when the plant is broken is acrid and biting, and does not change colour as does [fig. 11, Edible Sheet], and [figs. 20] and [28, Poisonous Sheet].
Though said to be common, I think it is somewhat rare; it now and then occurs in solitary specimens in the woods and open places near London.
Ruddy Milk-Mushroom. [Fig. 12.]
(Lactarius rufus.)512.
This is one of the most deadly of all British fungi, and generally grows in fir woods; the white milk is singularly acrid and corrosive, which is perhaps its best distinguishing mark. It bears some resemblance to [fig. 26, Edible Sheet], but the milk of the L. volemum is mild, and changes colour to dark brown when exposed to the action of the air; whilst in L. rufus it remains white, and the milk is highly pungent.