1905 | On THE Foop VALUE OF CERTAIN MUSHROOMS. 47 
Though containing practically the same amount of dry matter 
as the mature C. comatus, it is evident that this species is de- 
cidedly inferior as regards its albuminoid content, a result which 
confirms the conclusion reached in our previous examination. 
In our preliminary note we remarked that the consumption of 
-mushrooms was much restricted by the dread that many persons 
have of gathering by mistake poisonous species, popularly known as 
toadstools. There is, unfortunately, no rule which may generally 
apply to distinguish the edible from the dangerous mushrooms, 
and thus it is not surprising that this dread is widespread. It is 
not necessary, however, to be well versed in cryptogamic botany 
before venturing to collect mushrooms. The differences between 
many of the edible and non-edible varieties may not on first 
acquaintance be very great, but on further scrutiny and practice, 
assisted at the outset by the instruction of ‘fone who knows”, the 
identification of the morecommonly occurring edible forms becomes 
a matter of little difficulty. When in addition to their qualifications 
as a delicacy it is remembered that mushrooms possess a com- 
paratively speaking high food value (as made evident by their 
protein content), it would seem well worth while to devote some 
time and pains to the acquirement of this knowledge. 
CANADIAN BoTANIcAL EXCHANGE BuREAU.—This bureau is 
organized for the purpose of aiding public schcols, high schools. 
teachers and others interested in botany in making collections of 
Canadian plants. Full particulars of the conditions under which 
exchanges may be made will be sent inquirers by Mr. Geo. L. 
Fisher, Box 983, St. Thomas, Ont. 
