PREAMBLE. 1 1 



which a small fragment when eaten raw 

 is biting and unpleasant, is not worthy of 

 experiment, and in the majority of in- 

 stances will prove deleterious when cooked. 

 Another precaution may be added, that 

 such fungi as contain a milky juice, which 

 exudes freely on being cut or wounded, 

 should not be eaten without careful de- 

 termination. Once for all, it must be 

 insisted upon, that in order to avoid danger, 

 no fungi should be eaten at random, and 

 only those which, after careful examination, 

 are found to agree with figure and descrip- 

 tion, unless practically well known, should 

 be prepared for the table. No method is 

 so safe as that which consists in mastering 

 the characteristics of a few species, especially 

 when pointed out by one who is practically 

 conversant with them, and increasing the 

 number with experience. There are cer- 

 tainly some seventy or eighty common 

 species to be found in this country which 

 may be eaten with safety, but if only ten 

 or twelve of these are well known, they 



