I got back from the Highlands last week. While up there I went foraging through a birch tree wood at the back of a friends house with the specific purpose of trying to find horses hoof fungus. It is the first opportunity I have had to find some in its native environment. My 10 year old spotted the one I eventually brought home and then we spotted some higher up, but couldn't reach them without damaging the living trees.
Anyway, I cut away the cuticle, boiled for 24 hours (over 4 nights) and then hammered it flat and dried it. I haven't reboiled in hardwood ash or added salt petre, but simply fluffed up the surface a bit and dropped a spark on. To my delight I was successful first time and the ember is far hotter than the cotton charcloth I have have previously produced.
I tell you, I feel like I've achieved something.
I've asked my friend to send me some more fungus when he has removed the larger higher ones, as there is something strangely therapuetic and satisfying in the process.
Anyway, I cut away the cuticle, boiled for 24 hours (over 4 nights) and then hammered it flat and dried it. I haven't reboiled in hardwood ash or added salt petre, but simply fluffed up the surface a bit and dropped a spark on. To my delight I was successful first time and the ember is far hotter than the cotton charcloth I have have previously produced.
I tell you, I feel like I've achieved something.
I've asked my friend to send me some more fungus when he has removed the larger higher ones, as there is something strangely therapuetic and satisfying in the process.