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CHAPTER XII. 



COLLECTION AND PEESEETATION OF FUNGI, 



The apparatus necessary for the collection of Fungi is neither 

 large nor expensive. A large^ oblong, shallow basket, without 

 a lid, but with the bottom hollowed out a little at either end, 

 a few tin boxes of various sizes, a stout, well-tempered knife, 

 which will readily cut a good slice off a prostrate log, aud a 

 common magnifier, are all that is necessary. If Truffles are 

 the object of search, a little rake in a leather case, which will 

 screw into a handle, must also be provided. The basket 

 should be shallow, that the specimens may not crush each 

 other. Small and delicate species may be loosely wrapped in 

 paper and secured in the smaller boxes, while in some which 

 are very delicate, where it is necessary to avoid contact with 

 the sides of the box, it is a good plan, if the Fungus grows 

 on wood, to make the slice of wood very thin at one end, so 

 that when the specimen is placed in the box, it may be secured 

 by letting a portion of the thin end be grasped by the lid. 

 The most delicate species may be safely conveyed in this man- 

 ner, if a little tact is used. 



"Whoever wishes to arrive at an accurate knowledge of the 

 natural productions of a country, will find tbat it is necessary 

 to preserve specimens, that he may be able from time to time 



