Tale Four

This is Russula Canadensis, nicknamed the ‘Eyeball Mushroom’, native to Eastern Canada and New England. Its nickname comes from the bulbous growths on the head of the mushroom. Its unique appearance was the inspiration for the Martians in H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds.

Wells was a well-known amateur scientist who first discovered this species of fungus.  There is some dispute over where it was discovered. Wells asserted that it was found at Gananoque while his secretary claimed it was near Watertown, in New York State.