PREFACE 



Boletes are tube-bearing fungi differing from the polypores 

 chiefly in their fleshy consistency and terrestrial habit, usually 

 occurring on the ground in woods during late summer and au- 

 tumn. The species are difficult to distinguish, even in the 

 fresh state, and when the large amount of water they contain is 

 eliminated the dried specimens bear little resemblance to the 

 originals. The accompanying blank has been found convenient 

 for field notes. 



Many of the best edible fungi in temperate regions belong to 

 this group, and the dangers of being poisoned are relatively 

 small. Species with bitter or otherwise objectionable taste 

 should be avoided, and especially all plants having red or reddish 

 tube-mouths. The sensitive bolete, which promptly turns 

 blue when touched or broken, has also caused mild poisoning in 

 some cases. Many species have not been thoroughly tested, 

 however; hence it is wise to eat sparingly of all such plants until 

 well known. 



W. A. MURRILL 



NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN, 

 October 15, 1914 



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