51 



and attention to details, however, it is possible for almost any 

 one to do creditable work in this group, and greatly to aid the 

 cause of science in the correct description of species and their 

 proper relations to each other. 



Notes made from the fresh specimens are exceedingly impor- 

 tant in the case of the Boleti because the species are often sepa- 

 rated by a number of minor characters which are apt to disappear 

 on drying, and, moreover, because the changes on drying are 

 usually very considerable owing to the large percentage of water. 

 The accompanying blank form will be found useful for these 

 notes, together with small outline sketches of a specimen entire 

 and in section to show its general shape and the relation of its 

 principal parts. It is highly desirable to make also a photograph 

 of the plant or a colored drawing, or both, if time permits ; if not, 

 color notes from a color chart, with an accompanying sketch, 

 will be found exceedingly helpful. If one's time is very limited, 

 the following characters should be given preference : the color 

 and color changes of all parts, surface characters of pileus and 

 stipe, form of the veil, taste of the flesh, and color of the spores as 

 shown in a spore-print. 



Dried specimens are absolutely necessary for scientific study. 

 Drawings and field notes, no matter how artistic and complete, 

 can never take the place of the plants themselves in the herbarium. 

 Various devices have been used for drying fleshy fungi, the prin- 

 ciple being to keep the specimens continuously in a current of hot 

 air until thoroughly dry. A piece of wire netting suspended 

 above a lamp or a stove forms a simple and efficient drying outfit, 

 which may be enlarged as circumstances require. The dried 

 specimens should be kept in tight boxes with camphor or naph- 

 thalene to keep out insect pests. 



The determination of specimens is easier while they are fresh, 

 but the collector is often compelled to defer the study of his col- 

 lections until the winter season brings him more leisure. There 

 are certain advantages in this delay, however, because of the 

 array of specimens at hand at the same time for comparison and 

 the combined experience of the entire season in becoming ac- 

 quainted with variations and distinguishing characters. If one is 



