An History of Fungusses, growing about Halifax (Vols 1-2) (1788) - Page 20

The Root: note whether it is tapering, bulbous, compressed, or of what other figure. Note the color and consistency of the fibers and what they adhere to. Note whether the root produces one single stem or more than one, and if more, how many. State in what situation it grows and at what season. Note whether it is furnished with a volva, and if there is a volva, state its size, figure, texture, color, and duration. If it perishes and disappears before the other parts, state how and at what age of the plant. Under this head, note also the duration of the plant: whether it springs up and perishes in the space of a few hours, in one or two days, or whether it abides for weeks.

Of the Stem, state whether it is upright or leaning; if leaning, whether in a regular curve or crooked in various directions; whether it is hard and firm when pressed between the fingers, or if it yields freely to a gentle pressure; whether it is solid and of the same substance throughout, or fistular Fistular: hollow like a pipe and hollow within; whether it divides easily into filaments, or is of a brittle, spongy substance, not divisible into filaments. State how thick, how tall, and of what color both within and without.

If there be a Curtain, state at what age of the plant it breaks, and how; of what color and consistency it is; and whether it entirely vanishes or leaves any vestiges.

Of the Gills, as before mentioned, state if they are in one, two, or three series; whether broad or narrow, many or few; whether fine or coarse; whether they adhere to the stem by a narrow claw, by a broad base, or do not touch the stem at all. State their color from first to last. Note whether they yield a milky fluid when wounded or broken; and if such a fluid is present, state its color, taste, and smell.

Of the Pileus, note what figure it assumes from first to last; what its diameter is in a state of perfection or at full growth; whether it is waved, undulated, or crumpled around the margin, or regular and even; whether the