120 
the individual who eats them. A few are deadly poisonous. 
Two species, Venenarius phalloides and Venenarius muscarius, 
are responsible for most of the deaths from mushroom eating 
the world over. If these two were thoroughly known and 
avoided in the vicinity of New York City, there would probably 
be no fatalities here from mushroom-eating for the next ten years. 
e to beginners is to confine pe we at first to 
groups ‘ize contain no poisonous species so far as known, or to 
certain species that cannot be easily confused with harmful ones. 
EpiIsLE FUNGI FOR BEGINNERS 
Common mushroom, morel, chantarelle, beefsteak, and sulphur- 
colored polypore 
Shaggy-mane, common inkcap, and glistening inkcap. 
All puffballs, provided they are white, tender, and homogeneous 
within 
All coral- ee if they are fresh, crisp, tender, and have no bad 
odor nor bad taste 
The oyster mushroom and its near relatives. These are large, 
with white gills and short stems, and grow on dead wood above 
round. 
After considerable study and experience, more difficult dis- 
tinctions may be made and other groups taken u 
SomME CRITICAL EDIBLE SPECIES 
sda that are sufficiently tender, avoiding certain Boleti and 
Fomes Laricis 
Boleti that have ‘osen tested and found edible, Serie Suillellus 
luridus, Ceriomyces miniato-olivaceus, and Tylopilus felleus in 
particular, or all species with red ene hed es bitter or 
peppery taste, and species that turn blue quickly when handled. 
Species of Russula and Lactaria with pleasant odor and flavor, 
avoiding such species as L. rufa, L. torminosa, R. foetens, and 
R. emetica 
Several species of Lepiota, avoiding L. Morgani, with green spores, 
and species of Venenarius. 
Marasmius oreades.must not be confused with M. urens, nor with 
Inocybe infida. 
