BOLE'TITS, a genus of fungi (q.v.), of the division hymenomycetcs, subdivision polyporei. The older botanists included ia it the numerous species now forming the genus polypo rus (see AMADOt, DRY HOT, and Potxronts) and other genera; but even as now restricted, it is a very extensive genus. Most of the species resemble the common rinish•oon and other species of aguricus In form; hut instead of gills, the under-side of the cap (p&us) is occupied by a layer quite distinct from it in substance, and pierced by pores so as to be composed of a multitude of small tubes united together, on the inside of which the spolr-cases or seed-vessels arc produced. Some of the species are edi ble. B. edulis is mach used in France, also in Germany, Hungary, Russia, etc. It is the ceps ordinaire of the French markets. It grows on the ground in thin woods of oak, chestnut, or beech, and sometimes in mountainous districts, in places covered with moss, heath, or grass. In moist warm 8n/tuners, it sometimes appears in prodigious qnantities. It has also been partially cultivated, by a portion of a wood: and watering the ground with water in which the plant has been steeped, d is ins, in fact, sow ing its minute seeds or spores. In Britain, it s comparatively rare. The cap is smooth,
6 or 7 in. across, with a thick margin, varying in color from light-brown to brownish black-. the tubes at first white. then yellow, and filially yellowish-green; the stem thick and solid, beautifully reticulated. tubes are removed along with the skin and stem, and only the flesh. of the cap is eaten, which is firm, while, delicate, of agreeable smell, and is prepared like the common mushroom, dried to flavor sauces, ragouts, etc., or eaten raw with salt and pepper. It is wholesome and nutritious, and this is certainly to be reckoned one of the very best of the edible fungi, and deserves much more atten tion than it has yet received in ember is another edible British species, but much inferir. —B. citrus is the ceps noir of the French markets, and B. aurantiacus is the gyrola rouge or roussde. They are used like B. cdulis.