XIV. 
COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION. 
Tue multitudinous forms which fungi assume, the differences 
of substance, and variability in size, render a somewhat detailed 
account of the modes adopted for their collection and preserva- 
tion necessary. The habitats of the various groups have already 
been indicated, so that there need be no difficulty in selecting 
the most suitable spots, and as to the period of the year, this will 
be determined by the class of objects sought. Although it may 
be said that no time, except when the ground is covered with 
snow, is entirely barren of fungi, yet there are periods more 
prolific than others.* Fleshy fungi, such as the Hymenomycetes, 
are most common from September until the frosts set in, whereas 
many microscopic species may be found in early spring, and 
increase in number until the autumn. 
The collector may be provided with an ordinary collecting 
box, but forthe Agarics an open shallow basket is preferable. A 
great number of the woody kinds may be carried in the coat- 
pocket, and foliicolous species placed between the leaves of a 
pocket-book. It is a good plan to be provided with a quantity 
of soft bibulous paper, in which specimens can be wrapped when 
collected, and this will materially assist in their preservation 
when transferred to box or basket. A large clasp-knife, a small 
pocket-saw, and a pocket-lens will complete the outfit for ordinary 
occasions. In order to preserve the fleshy fungi for the her- 
barium, there is but one method, which has often been described. 
* The genus Chionyphe occurs on granaries under snow, as well as in that 
formidable disease, the Madura fungus-foot. (See Carter’s *‘ Mycetoma.”’) 
