x PREFACE 



The writer is under great obligation to Prof. Atkinson, of Cornell Univer- 

 sity, for his very great assistance and encouragement in the study of mycology. 

 His patience in examining and determining plants sent him is more fully ap- 

 preciated than can be expressed here. Dr. William Herbst, Trexlertown, Pa., 

 has helped to solve many difficult problems ; so also have Mr. Lloyd, Prof. Morgan, 

 Capt. Mcllvaine and Dr. Charles H. Peck, State Botanist of New York. 



The aim of the book has been to describe the species, as far as possible, in 

 terms that will be readily understood by the general reader; and it is hoped that 

 the larger number of illustrations will make the book helpful to those who are 

 anxious to become acquainted with a part of botany so little studied in our schools 

 and colleges. 



No pains have been spared to get as representative specimens as it was 

 possible to find. A careful study of the illustrations of the plants will, in most 

 cases, very greatly assist the student in determining the classification of the plant 

 when found ; but the illustration should not be wholly relied upon, especially in 

 the study of Boleti. The description should be carefully studied to see if it tallies 

 with the characteristics of the plant in hand. 



In many plants where notes had not been taken or had been lost, the de- 

 scriptions given by the parties naming the plants were used. This is notably 

 so of many of the Boleti. The author felt that Dr. Peck's descriptions would 

 be more accurate and complete, hence they were used, giving him credit. 



Care has been taken to give the translation of names and to show why the 

 plant was so called. It is always a wonder to the uninitiated how the Latin name 

 is remembered, but when students see that the name includes some prominent 

 characteristic of the plant and thus discover its applicability, its recollection 

 becomes comparatively easy. 



The habitat and time of growth of each plant is given, also its edibility. 

 The author was urged by his many friends throughout the state, while in institute 

 work and frequently talking upon this subject, to give them a book that would 

 assist them in becoming familiar with the common mushrooms of their vicinity. 

 The request has been complied with. 



It is hoped that the work will be as helpful as it has been pleasant to perform 



M. E. H. 



Chillicothe, Ohio, January n, 1908. 



