BOLTONIANA 
F. A. MASON, F.R.M.S. 
147 
James Bolton’s pioneer studies of the toadstools about a 
hundred and fifty years ago have had an indelible influence 
on the science of mycology, especially in the field aspects of 
the subject. In the fidelity of his drawings of the fungi both 
in form and in colour, and in his descriptions of species and 
of their habitats, Bolton’s spirit still survives. He was one 
of the first botanists to express his aversion to the unnecessary 
multiplication of specific names. To quote his own words, 
there is no order of plants, where we are so liable to slip 
into errors of that kind, as in the Fungusses. There is a 
pride in man, to be thought the inventor or discoverer of 
something new. In regard to things useful, this is a laudable 
vanity ; but to add a new name to a known plant 
because we meet with an individual perhaps distorted in its 
shape, diminished or increased in its quantity, sickened by 
improper food or soil, or tinged with colours different from 
those of its own species, this is not only vain and ridiculous 
in itself, but pernicious in its consequences.’ The occurrence 
of the familiar and authoritative ‘ Bolt.’ in our systematic 
books on British Fungi indicates that when Bolton resorted 
to the practice of giving a new name, such name was really 
necessary. 
Apart from the universal recognition of Bolton’s genius 
by mycologists, any new fact regarding his life, or any fresh 
evidence of his artistic skill possesses special interest for 
Yorkshire naturalists. Following the return of Dr. L. C. 
Shear to the United States of America after his visit to 
England and his welcome attendance at the Whitby Fungus 
Foray, in 1931, the writer was informed of the discovery at 
Zurich of Bolton’s original drawings and of their acquisition 
by the Library of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Many 
readers will be familiar with the fruitless searches for these 
drawings made by Mr. W. B. Crump and the late Charles 
Crossland about thirty years ago, and of the conclusions 
reached that they must have been destroyed by fire in the 
early years of last century ; we are glad to learn of their 
discovery and of their preservation for posterity. 
Under the title, ‘ The Manuscript of James Bolton’s 
leones Fungorum circa Halifax Sponte Nascentium,’ Dr. Shear, 
in the current number of the British Mycological Society 
Transactions 1 (also noticed elsewhere in this issue), has now 
published a very interesting account of the original notes and 
drawings which appear to be preserved in a condition little 
l Vol. XVII, Part IV, pp. 302-307. 
1933 July 1 
