FOREWORD 



Here is a handbook which, as the name indicates, treats of 

 the common gilled mushrooms, and one would have to tramp 

 the fields and woods many a day throughout the season to 

 find all the species figured and described herein. It is of 

 pocket size and therefore truly a field book. 



Doctor Thomas has brought together in condensed and 

 usable form descriptions of 128 species, compiled from Peck, 

 Alurrill, Atkinson, Kauffman, and other recognized authori- 

 ties, in many cases from publications now out of print. Al- 

 though the author makes no statements not to be found in 

 authoritative works, it was only possible for this material to 

 be gathered and stated clearly and concisely, because of the 

 many years of first-hand experience he has had with these 

 fascinating plants in their native haunts. 



The analytical and yet non-technical key, based upon the 

 striking, easily observed features of the mushrooms, is original 

 and one of the most valuable features of the book. The sea- 

 sonal key is also unique, and of especial value in the early 

 and late months of the season. The key to genera is an 

 extension of a good plan introduced by Mcllvaine. 



The beautiful colored plates by Miss Mary E. Eaton, the 

 well known artist of the New York Botanical Garden, are 

 most helpful, and to find an illustration of every species treated 

 in the book is a feature that will win the hearty gratitude of 

 all students. 



Clyde Fisher. 



American Museum of Natural History, 

 New York, April, 1928 



