REPORT OF THE STATE BOTANIST 1903 5 



of rain and in its prevailing low temperature. It has also been 

 similar, at least in the eastern part of the State, in its adverse 

 influence on mushroom growth. In some respects its adverse 

 character seems to have been intensified. Possibly the excessive 

 drouth in the early part of the season may to some extent be 

 responsible for this by preventing the development of the my- 

 celium of some species. In 1895 and 1896 the abundance of the 

 crop of the common mushroom and of the smooth mushroom was 

 remarkable. They had then apparently reached their greatest 

 abundance. In the few following years they appeared in moderate 

 but diminishing quantity. In 1901 but few were seen in the 

 vicinity of Albany. In 1902 they were still less in number and 

 in 1903 I did not see a single specimen of the common mushroom 

 in the whole region about Albany. This species at least seems 

 to have reached its lowest point of productiveness. The proba- 

 bility is that there will now be a gradual return to greater crops 

 of this mushroom. It is very evident that much moisture, 

 specially if attended by prevailing low temperature, is not favor- 

 able to large crops of mushrooms. Probably the most favorable 

 seasons will be found to be those of moderate rainfall and 

 medium or rather high temperature, the rains being gentle and 

 frequent. 



Specimens of about 75 species and varieties of edible mush- 

 rooms have been placed in trays and arranged in table cases for 

 permanent exhibition. Specimens of species of fungi injurious 

 to wood have also been placed in table cases, and also species of 

 parasitic fungi destructive to cultivated and useful plants. 

 These and samples of wood and bark affected by mycelium of 

 various wood-destroying fungi constitute an economic collection 

 of fungi which should be instructive and of popular interest. 



The study of the Crataegus flora of the eastern part of the 

 State has been continued and considerable time devoted to it. 

 Specimens have been collected in the counties of Albany, Saratoga, 

 Warren, Essex, Washington, Rensselaer and Columbia. A few 

 have also been collected in the counties of Hamilton and Scho- 

 harie, but only a single visit was made to each of these localities, 



