Report of the Botanist. 43 



any disagreeable results. Writers differ in their estimate of the 

 qualities of Acjarieus melleus and Lactarius piper atus. The 

 former is said by some to be disagreeable and nauseous and the 

 latter has even been classed with the poisonous species. Aware that 

 tastes differ in such matters, I simply express my own views, after 

 a fair trial of these species, in saying that the former, when well 

 cooked, is decidedly good, and the latter is not only harmless, but 

 scarcely inferior in edible qualities to the much lauded Lactarius 

 deliciosus. The unpleasant or acrid taste of these species when raw 

 is perhaps the' occasion of hostility to them. Agaricns ostreatus^ 

 Cantharelhis cibarius and Lycoperdon giganteum affbi'd a very- 

 palatable dish, but Ilelvella esculenta and Ilydmtm coralloides have 

 to me a somewhat strong fungoid flavor, but they produce no bad 

 effects, and perhaps by different preparation might furnish agreeable 

 food. 



The species of the genera Clavaria and ^cidium are not in all 

 cases sharply deiined, and they therefore present some difficulties to 

 the student. With a view to aid students in their discrimination of 

 the species, already found in the State, a synopsis of them is given in 

 a paper marked (5). 



The plan of making' colored drawings of the fleshy fungi has been 

 followed and in some instances extended so as to include microscopic 

 species. The number of species and varieties thus figured the past 

 season is one hundred and sixty-tliree. The figures will be placed on 

 the species sheet with the dried specimens, and though not especially 

 artistic, being often of necessity hastily made before tlie plant should 

 wither, they serve to show the essential characters of the plant, and 

 will be uf great aid to those studying the specimens. 



The condition of the specimens in the Herbarium is unimpaired. 

 The specimens of fleshy fungi, though especially liable to the attacks 

 of insects, have in no instance, so far as I can see, been at all affected, 

 a good indication of their having been well poisoned. The prepara- 

 tion used consists of the following components : 



Corrosive sublimate 4 drachms 



Sulphuric ether 3 ounces 



Mix and add : 



Spirits of turpentine 2 ounces, 



Alcohol 3 ounces. 



The method employed in drying specimens of fleshy fungi differs 

 somewhat from that laid down in books. They are dried as soon as 



•'J 



