4 PREFACE. 



continuously and unreservedly, with a paternal affection for the 

 work in hand, it demands from me all the acknowledgment and 

 gratitude which it is in my power to offer. 



Since it is impossible for me to attempt a new edition of the 

 " Handbook," whilst this work is in progress, it is intended to re- 

 print the specific characters of all the Hymenomycetes (British) in 

 some convenient form to be used with the plates, as a separate 

 publication. Though names may change, and the limits of species 

 fluctuate, it is hoped that these figures may prove a welcome 

 legacy to a future generation. ' 



M. C, Cooke. 

 July, 1883. 



