SOME COMMON MUSHROOMS AND HOW TO KNOW THEM = 
as giving out such a clear emerald-green light that reading in the 
near vicinity is possible. Phosphorescence or luminosity is often 
observed in dead wood and is due to the presence of mycelium, the 
threadlike vegetative part of the fungus. This often gives off a 
bright glow which may be seen from some distance. Phosphores- 
cence is often exhibited by the mushroom itself, as in the case of 
Clitocybe iludens, commonly known as jack-o’-lantern, and Panus 
stypticus, a very common and cosmopolitan species. 
While the utilitarian value of mushrooms and certain other fungi 
is popularly thought to be very limited and mostly restricted to their 
use as food, there are many other uses, though not of universal prac- 
tice, which may be mentioned. In early times various species were 
employed extensively in medicine, though to-day their use is rather 
restricted. Certain species were used as emetics, purgatives, astrin- 
gents, or for their styptic property. Although the use of fungi in 
medicine is more restricted than in ancient times they still play an 
important role in various industries. Certain species are highly im- 
portant as fermenting agents and are used in the manufacture of 
beer, wine, cider, vinegar, saki, alcohol, bread, cheese, and other 
~ commercial products. ‘They have also been employed in the arts as 
tinder and for dyeing silks, cottons, and wool. 
The main discussion of this circular is concerned with the class of 
fungi known as mushrooms, though a few interesting and conspicu- 
ous varieties of other groups are considered. The characters of each 
family or genus are discussed, and then descriptions of the plants 
belonging to the respective family or genus are given. 
DANGER FROM POISONOUS FUNGI 
On account of the many casualties resulting from the use of fungi 
as food by persons unfamiliar with the different kinds, an urgent 
appeal is made to the collector to abstain from experimenting with 
or eating any mushrooms unless he is absolutely certain of the 
identity and edibility of the species collected. It is not safe to col- 
lect young, unopened mushrooms, commonly known as buttons, as it 
is often difficult to distinguish between poisonous and edible species 
in the early stages. 
Attention is called to the danger of depending on so-called tests for 
distinguishing poisonous and edible species. The assertions that 
mushrooms are poisonous if a silver coin placed in the utensil in 
which the mushrooms are cooked tarnishes, and that those which peel 
easily are edible, are wholly erroneous. The presence of insects on 
fungi is no guide as to their edibility, because insects infest both 
poisonous and edible mushrooms. The notion that soaking or boiling 
poisonous mushrooms in salt water will render them harmless has no 
foundation in fact. 
Although it is quite possible for a person to learn a few common 
and characteristic mushrooms, this circular in no way guarantees that 
the reader may be able to distinguish between all edible and piison- 
ous species, for in order to become thoroughly familiar with whe 
subject, continued study under a competent instructor i; absolutely 
necessary. 
