Instructions to Students 



specimen or specimens which the author of the species saw. What the 

 author says fixes the type of the species. Specimens of the species 

 may, and very frequently do, vary greatly from the type. If the first 

 attempt to fix the genus is not satisfactory, try again, and keep on try- 

 ing until reasonably sure. The amateur will find, however good an 

 opinion may exist in his mind of the stock of patience on hand, that the 

 territory of patience has just been reached. 



An excellent blank form for "Collectors' Notes" is published by the 

 Maki , Boston Mycological Club, at one cent. It is desirable 



Preserving: that there should be uniformity in collectors' notes, and 

 Notes 



that they should be as full as possible. A form of this, or 



a similar kind, should be filled in and kept, and should also be used 

 when specimens are sent to an expert for identification. Such specimens 

 should be fresh, wrapped separately in tissue paper, numbered, and a 

 few should be packed in a box that will not crush in the mail. The 

 address of the sender should be upon the outside. The collector's 

 notes should be sent in a letter, with a postage stamp for reply enclosed. 

 If the specimens have to go a great distance, they should be partially 

 dried in a slow, open oven, or they will be a rotten mass when they 

 reach their destination. 



There is but one way by which to determine the edibility of a species. 

 To Test ^ ^ ^^ s an d smells inviting, and its species can not be 



Edibility of determined, taste a very small piece. Do not swallow it. 



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Note the effect on the tongue and mouth. But many 

 species, delicious when cooked, are not inviting raw. Cook a small 

 piece; do not season it. Taste again; if agreeable eat it (unless it is 

 an Amanita). After several hours, no unpleasant effect arising, cook a 

 larger piece, and increase the quantity until fully satisfied as to its 

 qualities. Never vary from this system, no matter how much tempted. 

 No possible danger can arise from adhering firmly to it. Recipes for 

 preparing, cooking and serving are given in chapter on cooking. 



It is better for the student to first become familiar with the common 

 species, one at a time, than to attempt tracing the rare or many. 

 Worry, fatigue and uncertainty are plentiful in an indiscriminate gather- 

 ing of fungi. One species a day, properly traced and named, means 

 learning three hundred and sixty-five species a year. 



XXVI 



