On Oct 15, 5:08?pm, "James Silverton" >
wrote:
> Michael wrote on Mon, 15 Oct 2007 22:48:53 +0200:
>
> MK> "Dave Smith" > schrieb im
> MK> ...
> ??>> Peter A wrote:
> ??>>>
> ??>>> This may surprise you, JSB, but some people actually have
> ??>>> the intelligence and knowledge to pick and enjoy wild
> ??>>> mushrooms without the slightest risk.
> ??>>
> ??>> I know a few guys who know their mushrooms. I don't. If I
> ??>> am every inclined to go mushroom picking I will get some
> ??>> proper instruction and save myself from anything from a
> ??>> mild buzz to death.
>
> MK> Well said.
> MK> The failure to get proper instruction can kill people.
> MK> And the failure to know about the propagation habits of
> MK> mushrooms can kill the mushrooms.
>
> I worked in a scientific research establishment that had an
> active mycological society. Mostly, an outing of the society
> consisted of a good long walk picking any mushroom that looked
> interesting. On return an "expert" divided the collection into
> three heaps: edible, inedible and poisonous. Everyone carefully
> examined the result and then chucked the whole lot out and went
> to a bar for a few beers! We did learn to recognize one or two
> and I have eaten inkcaps and unripe puffballs, even a rare morel
> or two.

Exactly.