REPORT OF THE STATE BOTANIST 1903 — 5 
of rain and in its prevailing low temperature. It has also been 
similar, at least in the eastern part of the State, in its adverse 
influence on mushroom growth. In some respects its adverse 
character seems to have been intensified. Possibly the excessive 
drouth in the early part of the season may to some extent be 
responsible for this by preventing the development of the my- 
celium of some species. In 1895 and 1896 the abundance of the 
crop of the common mushroom and of the smooth mushroom was 
remarkable. They had then apparently reached their greatest 
abundance. In the few following years they appeared in moderate 
but diminishing quantity. In 1901 but few were seen in the 
vicinity of Albany. In 1902 they were still less in number and 
in 1903 I did not see a single specimen of the common mushroom 
in the whole region about Albany. -This species at least seems 
to have reached its lowest point of productiveness. The proba- 
bility is that there will now be a gradual return to greater crops 
of this mushroom. It is very evident that much moisture, 
specially if attended by prevailing low temperature, is not favor- 
able to large crops of mushrooms. Probably the most favorable 
seasons will be found to be those of moderate rainfall and 
medium or rather high temperature, the rains being gentle and 
frequent. . 
Specimens of about 75 species and varieties of edible mush- 
rooms have been placed in trays and arranged in table cases for 
permanent exhibition. Specimens of species of fungi injurious 
to wood have also been placed in table cases, and also species of 
parasitic fungi destructive to cultivated and useful plants. 
These and samples of wood and bark affected by mycelium of ° 
various wood-destroying fungi constitute an economic collection 
of fungi which should be instructive and of popular interest. 
The study of the Crataegus flora of the eastern part of the 
State has been continued and considerable time devoted to it. 
Specimens have been collected in the counties of Albany, Saratoga, 
Warren, Essex, Washington, Rensselaer and Columbia. A few 
have also been collected in the counties of Hamilton and Scho- 
harie, but only a single visit was made to each of these localities, 
