140 Rhodora [Max 
pherical contrasted at the base into a short scaly stalk; scales 
appressed-pubescent, but glabrous at the margin and apex; nut 
oval, 6—7 lines long, striate, glabrous. 
ARNOLD ARBORETUM. 
EXPLANATION OF PLATE 24. — Quercus ilicifolia X velutina from Blue 
Hill: fig. 1, fruiting branch; Q. ilicifolia X velutina from Ocean Grove: fig. 
2, leaf; Q. coccinea X ilicifolia: fig. 3, acorn; fig. 4, leaf. All figs. one half 
natural size. 
TWO MUSHROOM BOOKS. 
‘To amateurs of mushrooms, who have found the literature of the 
subject at times hopeless and dreary, a little volume! recently pub- 
lished in Philadelphia should bring recreation and entertainment. 
Inspired to see, with Emerson, that “a poor fungus or mushroom . ... 
is the symbol of the power of kindness," the authors of the modest 
volume were led by the difficulties that beset the path to knowledge 
to think of the trials and distress of others that might follow in their 
footsteps. How could they help them?  * This little book is the 
answer." “Let us give our own experience," they said, and they 
have told it in language as simple as it is diverting. 
To review the book seriously would be cruel. It is not meant to 
be reviewed, but to be read and enjoyed, in the spirit in which the 
authors carried on their studies. By quotation, however, the true 
value of the book to the weary student can, perhaps, be indicated. 
* We began for pleasure and recreation, but it became irksome and 
fatiguing, and the subject which might have amused us....is put 
aside and abandoned." 
The introduction transports us from “ the bustling, noisy streets of 
a city into the quiet fields and woods, where the bright-hued mush- 
rooms ” invite us to * the discovery of new specimens, the learning of 
their names, the knowledge of their curious organizations" which 
“will all add an interest to our lives.” ‘Among the fallen leaves — 
peers out a bright yellow mushroom." We dig it up. * We have 
brought a basket and trowel and can examine them thoroughly." 
! Among the Mushrooms. A Guide for Beginners. Emma L. Dallas and Caro- 
line A. Burgin, Philadelphia, 1900; Drexel Biddle, Publisher. pp. 175, $2.00. 
adii. 
