windthread

from Mushrooms of California…my fold out laminated booklet,  waterproof (?)    J. Duane Sept

The resting chair at Jack's feed shed.  At least 10,  a cluster.   I've never seen before.     "Before you begin.   This guide is intended to help the beginner identify mushrooms.  Mushroom identification requires a detailed study of a specimen.  This includes many more characteristics than could be included in this brochure.  Matching a picture to a specimen alone is not adequate for correct identification – and  AN INCORRECT  IDENTIFICATION COULD BE FATAL!   You should NEVER  eat any wild mushroom until its identification is confirmed by a qualified mushroom expert."    and then….there's an Edibility Key ….Edible and choice,  edible,    not edible   and  poisonous.    i'm almost positive they are Western Shaggy Parasol.   that fall in the category of edible but not choice (flavorless)…  and ends with  "WARNING:  Proper identification paramount due to its deadly look alike,  the green spored Shaggy Parasol.    Many in this brochure end this way.

so,  OK.    I was so excited.   But now what?    Even tho i think it's NOT the poisonous one,   …..  what if it IS?    eeee.

I'm confident that they don't   pose harm to any of Us.   Goats,  dog,  cat.   …..  unless   as the bales of grass hay are moved into the feed shed,   pieces of broken mushroom get caught ????    How many     spores   will these release?   maybe some growing INSIDE the feed shed in the cracks of the pallet there….impossible to get to?       And then….there came the wonder,    What is their purpose?   If they are poisonous,  what Purpose do they serve?    …..and maybe….only poisonous to humans?,   but also,   i don't know any mammals that eat mushrooms…?????     WHAT is their Place in this  biome?   Does there "have to be"?..a reason for them?  Purpose?     How do  i  understand the meaning of   "reason",   "purpose"….and well…what is the reason for me?  purpose?