[hay] study of CANADIAN FUNGI 14S 



object, and once recognized and its flavour, like apricots, tested, it will 

 be always remembered. 



The Lactarius deliciosus, although it belongs to a genus noted for 

 acrid and peppery juices, is a safe and palatable mushroom. Its milky, 

 reddish juice, turning to green on exposure, is a mark for the identifi- 

 cation of this species. The " fairy rings " mushroom (Marasmius 

 oreades) is very delicious, and may be dried for future use. The 

 " Shaggy Mane" mushroom {Coprinus comatus) is excellent and usually 

 very abundant. All of the above I can recommend. 



These few species, vrith the common mushroom (Agaricus campes- 

 tris), are plentiful in the Eastern Provinces, and, will probably serve the 

 wants of the mushroom-eater until his tastes demand a greater variety. 

 But in this country where abundance of substantial food is not wanting, 

 and when there are sufficient delicacies to tempt the moderately in- 

 clined, it is not well for any one to be rash in experimenting, especially 

 when immunity from accidental poisoning can only be gained by a 

 more exact knowledge. If any caution is necessary, it will be found in 

 the cases of poisoning that have occurredl^n mistaking some of the forms 

 of the deadly amanita for the common mushroom. 



Perhaps, too, the botanist may find other recreation in the pursuit 

 of this and other forms of plant-study which are greater than the plea- 

 sures of partaking of delicacies. There is the physical gain of taking 

 one into the open air and finding wholesome pastime in the fields and 

 woods. iTlhere is the example of Professor Macoun who, in his 7-itlh 

 year, is just starting for a summer's work in the Eocky Mountains. 

 Still youthful, buoyant and hopeful in disposition, he is an instance 

 of what such pursuits may do in preserving health and activity in spite 

 of years. The illustrious Fries, of Sweden, writes as follows, when over 

 eighty years of age : " ISTow in the evening of my life I rejoice to call 

 to mind the abundant pleasures which my study of the more perfect 

 fungi, sustained for more than half a century, has afforded me. . . . 

 Therefore, to botanists, who can wander at will the country side, I 

 commend the study of these plants as a perennial fountain of delight 

 and admiration for that supreme wisdom which reigns over universal 

 nature." 



ISTor are the intellectual gains unworthy of our ambition. The 

 stimulus that comes from attacking fresh problems in the plant world 

 gives greater zest to the study of botany. 



