PREFACE. 



THE collection of models described in this Guide was 

 made by James Sowerby in the course of the publica- 

 tion of his English Fungi (1797 — 1809). His purpose in their 

 preparation was to exhibit to the public such a series of edible 

 and poisonous species as would help to prevent the fatal 

 mistakes so often made from eating poisonous fungi. His 

 collection, consisting of more than two hundred models, was 

 arranged in his house, and opened free to the public on two 

 days each month. 



After his death the models were acquired, in 1844, by 

 the Museum from his son, James De Carle Sowerby. 



The greater number were made of fragile unbaked pipe- 

 clay. Many of the models were injured before they came 

 into the possession of the Museum, and in the course of years 

 the colouring had been greatly altered by light and dust. 

 The injuries having been carefully repaired by a skilful forma- 

 tore, Mr. Worthington G. Smith undertook to restore the 

 natural colours and to remount the models. By his deft 

 manipulation the models have become once more faithful 

 representations of the living plants. 



The illustrations of the Hymenomycetes in this Guide 

 are from Stevenson's British Fungi, by the kindness of the 

 publishers, Messrs. Blackwood and Sons, Edinburgh. The 

 illustrations of the other groups were prepared by Mr. Smith 

 for this publication. 



WILLIAM CARRUTHERS. 



