CALIFORNIAN HYPOG^OUS FUNGI. 



BY H. W. HARKNESS. 

 Plates XLII-XLV. 



Introduction. 



For several years the author has contemplated the prep- 

 aration of a monograph upon the Hypogaei of California, 

 and whenever it was possible, search was made in order to 

 secure specimens for the purpose. Ill health has, however, 

 compelled the suspension of work for periods of many 

 months duration, and has also prevented excursions for 

 collecting material at seasons which are unsuited to the 

 invalid. 



I need not remind those who have given attention to this 

 line of investigation that such a collection could only be 

 brought together by long and persistent effort. Unless by 

 accident, the material is obtainable only by removing the 

 surface of the ground, the common garden hoe being the 

 implement best suited for the purpose. 



As there are but seldom any surface indications to mark 

 the spot where the tubers grow, it will readily be seen 

 that their collection depends largely upon chance. Expe- 

 rience, however, teaches the collector to seek such loca- 

 tions as are best suited to the growth and development 

 of the desired material; but, with all his knowledge, it 

 is only by persistent effort that he may succeed. It has 

 been too frequently the case that the writer has expended 

 hours of arduous labor without securing a single specimen. 



The district within the limits of which excursions have 

 been made is bounded upon the north by the California 

 State line, on the south by the Tehachapi range, by the sea- 

 coast on the west, and the valley of the Donner lake upon 

 the east — an area exceeding 400 miles from north to south, 



[241 ] June 26, 1899. 



