XIV. 



COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION. 



THE multitudinous forms which fungi assume, the differences 

 of substance, and variability in size, render a somewhat detailed 

 account of the modes adopted for their collection and preserva- 

 tion necessary. The habitats of the various groups have already 

 been indicated, so that there need be no difficulty in selecting 

 the most suitable spots, and as to the period of the year, this will 

 be determined by the class of objects sought. Although it may 

 be said that no time, except when the ground is covered with 

 snow, is entirely barren of fungi, yet there are periods more 

 prolific than others.* Fleshy fungi, such as the Hymenomycetes, 

 are most common from September until the frosts set in, whereas 

 many microscopic species may be found in early spring, and 

 increase in number until the autumn. 



The collector may be provided with an ordinary collecting 

 box, but for the Agarics an open shallow basket is preferable. A 

 great number of the woody kinds may be carried in the coat- 

 pocket, and foliicolous species placed between the leaves of a 

 pocket-book. It is a good plan to be provided with a quantity 

 of soft bibulous paper, in which specimens can be wrapped when 

 collected, and this will materially assist in their preservation 

 when transferred to box or basket. A large clasp-knife, a small 

 pocket-saw, and a pocket-lens will complete the outfit for ordinary 

 occasions. In order to preserve the fleshy fungi for the her- 

 barium, there is but one method, which has often been described. 



* The genus Chionyphe occurs on granaries under snow, as well as in that 

 formidable disease, the Madura fungus-foot. (See Carter's " Mycetoma.") 



