IV 



INTRODUCTION. 



in all cases to distinguish the edible from the poisonous. Two 

 plants may possess identical characters in this respect, i. e., each 

 may have the "death cup," and one is edible while the other is 

 poisonous, as in Amanita avsaria, edible, and /I. phalloides, poison- 

 ous. There are additional characters, however, in these two plants 

 which show that thf two differ, and we recognize them as two 



different species. 



To know several different kinds of edible mushrooms, which 

 occur in greater or less quantity through the different seasons, 

 would ena'ble those interested in these plants to provide a palatable 

 food at the expense only of the time required to collect them. To 

 know several of the poisonous ones also is important, in order cer- 

 tainly to avoid them. 



The purpose of this book is to present the important characters 

 which it is necessary to observe, in an interesting and intelligible 

 way, to present life-size photographic reproductions accompanied 

 with plain and accurate descriptions. By careful observation of the 

 plant, and comparison with the illustrations and text, one will be 

 able to add many species to the list of edible ones, where now per- 

 haps is collected " only the one which is pink underneath." The 

 chapters 17 to 21 should also be carefully read. 



The number of people in America who interest themselves in the 

 collection of mushrooms for the table is small compared to those in 

 some European countries. The number, however, is increasing, 

 and if a little more attention were given to the observation of these 

 plants and the discrimination of the more common kinds, many per- 

 sons could add greatly to the variety of their foods and relishes with 

 comparatively no cost. The quest for these plants in the fields and 

 woods would also afford a most delightful and needed recreation to 

 many, and there is no subject in nature more fascinating to engage 

 one's interest and powers of observation. 



Tht-re are also many important problems for the student in this 

 group of plants. Many of our species and the names of the plants 

 are still in great confusion, owing to the very careless way in which 

 these plants have usually been preserved, and the meagerness of 

 recorded observations on the characters of the fresh plants, or of the 

 different stages of development. The study has also an important 

 relation to agriculture and forestry, for there are numerous species 

 which cause decay of valuable timber, or by causing " heart rot " 

 entail immense losses through the annual decretion occurring in 

 standing timber. 



If tills book contributes to the general interest in these plants as 



