( 23 )
degenerated variety, called white-cup, which produces a sort of Mushroom with a small thin white head without any fleshy part, and generally rises up suddenly in the beds. This sort is entirely useless, and often disappoints the gardener. It is distinguishable generally by its great abundance all over the lumps, by its very fine silky cobwebby nature, and its exceeding white hoary-like appearance; it has little or no substance, and emits but a very faint smell of the Mushroom.
About London, where great quantities of Mushrooms are raised for the markets, and consequently vast supplies of spawn are annually required, there are experienced Mushroom-men, who, at the proper season, go about collecting, both in town and country, the true sort, which they buy commonly from about half a crown to five or six shillings per bushel, according to its goodness or plenty.
