Mushroom and Toadstools / How to Distinguish Easily the Differences Between Edible and Poisonous Fungi

Chapter 64: Pungent Milk-Mushroom. Fig. 28.

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About This Book

A practical field guide that helps readers separate edible from poisonous fungi through clear descriptions and nature-based illustrations of dozens of species. It supplies indices of common and scientific names, engraved plates of twenty-nine edible and thirty-one poisonous species, and short diagnostic notes on appearance, habitat, and handling. Introductory remarks discuss safe collecting and eating practices, such as choosing fresh specimens, avoiding overconsumption, and caution for beginners. The author emphasizes careful comparison with the plates, offers to identify specimens sent for inspection, and relates occasional personal cautions from earlier mistakes. The volume mixes botanical observation with culinary advice to encourage informed, cautious use of wild fungi.

Pungent Milk-Mushroom. Fig. 28.

(Lactarius acris.)505.

As its name indicates, this is a very acrid and dangerous fungus. It is said to be rare, but I have sometimes known it to be extremely abundant in the woods near London. When cut or broken, the flesh and white milk change to a dull-sienna red; this distinguishes it from all other mushrooms. To observe the change of colour it requires at times a little patience; for I have known half an hour, or even an hour, elapse before the change of colour is manifest.