MUSHROOMS and TOADSTOOLS: A STUDY OF THE ACTIVITIES OF FUNGI. By John Ramsbottom. New Naturalist No. 7.

(1953) 1977 reprint. 8vo (152 x 222mm). Ppxiv,306. Colour photographs of fungi, b/w photographs, bibliography. Green buckram, spine titled in gilt.

Britain's "neglect of fungi as table delicacies has perhaps been responsible for our surprising ignorance of the natural history of such fascinating plants." John Ramsbottom, erstwhile Keeper of Botany at the Natural History Museum and fungi specialist, sets out to rectify our collective ignorance. Chapters include: Names; History; Habitats; Poisonous and edible fungi (two chapters); Mushroom growing; Growth; Spore production and spore characters; Sex; Fairy rings; Rhizomorphs and sclerotia; Ergot and cordyceps; Luminosity; Puff-balls and earth-stars; Stink-horns and other Phalloids; Grasslands, marshes and sand-dunes; Mycorrhiza and other fungal associations; Woodlands, dry rot; Bird's nest fungi and other gasteromycetes; Truffles; Penicillin. A splendid book, essential reading for any mushroom enthusiast.