INTRODUCTION 33 



structure, and other special qualities as to enable 

 them, by the aid of careful portraiture and brief de- 

 scription, to be easily recognized, even by a tyro. 



As previously emphasized, the present work does 

 not aim to be complete, nor does it contemplate a 

 practical utility beyond its specific recommendations, 

 nor will the author assume any responsibility for the 

 hazard which shall exceed its restricted list of species. 

 On general principles, however, considering the 

 proneness of humanity towards the acquisition of for- 

 bidden fruit, and reasoning from my 

 Humanity ^^^^ actual experience, and that of 

 forbidden fruit many others to whom this fascinating 

 hobby of epicurean fungology has be- 

 come a growing passion, it may almost be assumed 

 that the fungus appetite with many of my readers 

 will increase by what it feeds on, and the sufficiency 

 herewith offered will scarcely suffice. Like Oliver 

 Twist, they must needs have more. The glory of a 

 new acquisition to the fungus menu, and emulation 

 of other rival tyro mycophagists, will doubtless lead 

 many enthusiasts to more or less hazardous experi- 

 ment among the legion of the unknown species. 

 This logical tendency, then, must be met ere my 

 book can safely and conscientiously be launched 

 upon its career, to which purpose I would append 

 the following condensed 



RULES FOR THE VENTURESOME 

 I. Avoid every mushroom having a £uj>, or sugges- 

 tion of such, at base (see Frontispiece, and Plates 3 

 and 4) ; the distinctly fatal poisons are thus excluded. 



