6 A FOREWORD, 



of the fact that a large proportion of them are edible. The 

 popular notion is that every fungus, except the true mush- 

 room, is a "toadstool," and poisonous withal. It is true that 

 a large number of fungi are highly poisonous, but this fact 

 should not deter the reader from studying the various fungi 

 that come under his observation, and gradually finding out 

 those which are edible and those that are not. 



To assist the country reader, therefore, to determine those 

 that are safe to eat, we have supplied a chapter giving a brief 

 description of the edible kinds, accompanied, as far as pos- 

 sible, with illustrations of them. Some of the so-called 

 " toadstools " are most delicious, and liighly appreciated by 

 epicures who have proved their value as food products. 



To enable readers of this volume to determine which are 

 safe and which poisonous among our native fungi, we shall be 

 most happy to receive specimens, securely packed in tin or 

 wooden boxes, and report upon them in the pages of 

 "Amateur Gardening." 



Those who desire information on the culture of mushrooms 

 for market will find the needful guidance in No. 4 Handbook, 

 " Mushrooms, etc., for Profit," published at Is. 2d., post free, 

 at this office. 



1909. T. W. S. 



