98 MICHIGAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE. 



specimen which often determine its generic position. Notes are also 

 taken of odor, taste, colors, etc., of the specimen when fresh. 



"Our collections are arranged in interchangeable pasteboard trays, one 

 inch deep and varying in size from four and one-half by six to nine by 

 twelve inches. These are temporarily placed in wooden trays which will 

 just contain four of the largest pasteboard trays. We have been able to 

 collect during every month of the year and have secured many specimens 

 of such genera as Polyporus, Polystictus, Fomes, Stereum, Corticium, 

 Peniophora, and allied genera, since the first snow came. Some species 

 of gill fungi also persist throughout the winter, ready to take advantage 

 of every warm day. Among the most persistent* are those belonging to 

 the following genera: Lenzites, Schizophylum, Pleurotus, Collybia, and 

 Myeena in the white spored, and Crepidotus in the yellow spored sections. 

 The most tenacious species are those tha.t grow on wood. Not a few 

 species belonging to the Hydne;e and Tremellinere are also available to 

 the winter collector. Among some of the notable specimens which were 

 secured last season may be mentioned a plant of Lycoperdon giganteum 

 weighing, when fresh, seven pounds ten ounces and measuring forty-five 

 inches in circumference, while compared with this are some specimens of 

 Geaster minimus, a star puff ball, weighing only a few grains. The 

 moist, warm weather of 189G also brought out some very large specimens 

 of gill fungi. Among the attractive species we have a large tray of the 

 bright red Polyporus cinnabarinus, brought from Lewiston, Montmorency 

 county, by Dr. Beal when on institute work. This grows on canoe or 

 paper birch. 



"We have between two hundred and fifty and three hundred species of 

 Basidiomycetes, representing ten of the thirteen families of this group 

 and covering nearly seventy genera. The identification of this material 

 is the most serious problem that we have encountered. This is partly 

 due to the meager literature on the subject in the United States. The 

 North American Fungi of Ellis and Everhart have aided us much, and 

 we are also especially indebted to Prof. Chas. H. Peck, of the New York 

 state museum, for the identification of some of this material. The reports 

 of this botanist have been of much assistance to us. 



"That this subject presents an economic as well as a scientific side is 

 becoming more clearly recognized. While mushroom eating has been 

 practiced for many years, yet the persons indulging in this semi-hazardous 

 practice almost invariably confine themselves to the ascomycetous morel 

 or the common mushroom, Agaricus compestris. All others are called 

 'toadstools' and considered poisonous. But the progressive fungus eater 

 will not be satisfied to confine himself to these two forms, but will enlarge 

 his list to at least a score of species suitable to cater to his wants. The 

 gnawed remnants of Polypori found on stumps and logs during the winter 

 seem to attest to the high estimation in which some of these fungi are 

 held by the squirrels. Many pounds of fairy-ring mushrooms, Marasmius 

 oreades, grew on the college campus last season and were eagerly sought 

 for by people from the city of Lansing. No doubt many persons are re- 

 strained from the use of these plants as food through fear of the poisonous 

 qualities of certain species; and, while this fear has been a safeguard 

 against accident, it has also been the means of depriving these persons 

 from a food of palatable and highly nutritious qualities. While care is 



