XXX11 
INTRODUCTION. 
artistic, would be more useful than mere description of the 
general appearance of the Agaric. Then should follow copious 
notes, embracing all the points essential to a true diagnosis — 
whether growing on wood or on the ground ; whether viscid 
when fresh, or perfectly dry ; whether of an agreeable or foetid 
odour ; whether acrid to the taste, or pungent, or mild ; 
whether moderately persistent or deliquescent ; and, if the 
sketch is not coloured, then to state the colour of the cap, the 
stem, and the gills, as explicitly as possible. It need scarcely 
be added that the locality and date should be indicated, 
together with a number, which should also be attached to the 
specimens, or their remains. These latter should be dried as 
thoroughly as possible, and sent with the sketches. 
The only process of drying which can be recommended, as 
applicable abroad, is to expose the Agarics or Boleti, or other 
fleshy fungi, to a free current of air, so as completely to deprive 
them of moisture. Care must be taken at this point that the 
specimens are not attacked by insects. When dried, but not 
brittle, a little pressure maybe used so that the specimens may 
be flattened to assure greater convenience in packing. Carefully 
cut sections through the centre of the pileus and stem would be 
an advantage, but insufficient by themselves. These may be 
dried between moderately absorbent papei-, which requires 
changing every few hours. Collections made in this manner 
have always been successful, in proportion as the instructions 
have been carried out. It is useless to send specimens of this 
kind abroad in spirits, or any kind of preserving fluid, as they 
entirely lose colour, and, in some cases, are completely 
destroyed. 
Leaf fungi only require to be dried flat, in the same manner 
that the foliage of flowering plants is dried for the herbarium, 
under pressure. All indications of colour should be given, 
wherever this is liable to be changed in drying, or by age. 
Fleshy fungi, when undergoing a long voyage, are liable to 
the incursions of insects, and especially of a marauding weevil. 
If sketchos are made, the specimens may be poisoned before 
packing, but in all cases they should be quite dry when packed, 
and carbolic acid should not be used ; corrosive sublimate 
usually answers the purpose fairly well, but some of the weevils 
do not seem to object to it. 
