Introduction 



grant the use of text and illustrations contained in the most complete 

 monograph published upon the Lycoperdaceae (puff-balls, etc.) of 

 America. 



While the scientific classifications and descriptions have been strictly 

 followed, the language has been simplified with no sacrifice of scientific 

 accuracy that this volume may be fully adapted to popular use. 



Professor Peck has given his valuable assistance in the identification 

 of many species, all that were difficult or obscure having been submitted 

 to him, and the writer is deeply indebted to him for many and long- 

 continued courtesies, aiding in study and in the preparation of this work. 



Several new species have been found by the writer, the greater part 

 of excellent food value. He preferred that these should be named, de- 

 scribed and placed in their proper genus and section by Professor Peck, 

 believing it to be best for the discoverers of new species to defer to one 

 whose vast experience enables him to name and classify in accordance 

 with the demands of American species. 



Where a species is vouched for as edible, it has been personally tested 

 by the author and his willing undertasters up to eating full meals of it, 

 or at least beyond all doubt as to its safety. Where others have eaten 

 species which he has not had the opportunity to test, their names and 

 opinions are given. When species heretofore under the ban of suspicion 

 are in this volume, for the first time, announced to be edible (there are 

 many of them), personal tests have not been considered sufficient, as 

 idiosyncrasy might have affected the results. Others, at the writer's re- 

 quest, have eaten of the species until their innocence was fully established. 

 In some cases, where the reputation of the fungi eaten was especially bad, 

 scientists of note have made elaborate and exhaustive physiological tests 

 of their substances, and in every instance confirmed the human testing. 



While species which contain deadly poisons are few, their individuals 

 are produced in great number. Nicety in distinguishing their botanic 

 variance from edible species closely resembling them is necessary. No 

 charm will detect the poison. Eating toadstools before their certain 

 identification as belonging to edible species, is neither bravery nor 

 common sense. The amateur should go slow. 



The question often asked is : By what rule do you distinguish between 

 edible and poisonous mushrooms? The answer usually surprises the 

 questioner there is no general rule. All such rules which have been 

 given are false and unreliable. The quality of each was learned, one at 



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