"I think the smaller weight will suffice for the present,
until the taste for strange fungi has developed, or the pressure of
population increased. And before stimulating a vastly increased
supply, it will be necessary to extirpate the belief that all
fungi, except the familiar mushroom, are poisonous, and perhaps to
appoint an army of inspectors to see that only the right sort are
brought to market."
"Yes, and that will give pleasant and congenial employment to those
youths of the working-classes who are ambitious of a higher career
than that of their fathers," said Lady Considine, "and the
ratepayers will rejoice, no doubt, that they are participating in
the general elevation of the masses."
"Perhaps Mrs. Gradinger will gather a few of her less deadly fungi,
and cook them and eat them herself, pour encourager les autres,"
said Miss Macdonnell. "Then, if she doesn't die in agonies, we may
all forswear beef and live on toadstools."
"I certainly will," said Mrs. Gradinger; "and before we rise from
table I should like--"
"I fear we must hear your remarks at dinner, Mrs.
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