Transcriber’s Notes: Underscores “_” before and after a word or phrase indicate _italics_ in the original text. Equal signs “=” before and after a word or phrase indicate =bold= in the original text. Small capitals have been converted to SOLID capitals. Typographical errors have been silently corrected. EDIBLE AND POISONOUS FUNGI. “O, mickle is the powerful grace, that lies In plants, herbs, stones, and their true qualities; For nought so vile that on the earth doth live, But to the earth some special good doth give.” ROM. AND JUL., Act II., Sc. 3. LONDON: WYMAN AND SONS, PRINTERS, GREAT QUEEN STREET, LINCOLN’S-INN FIELDS, W.C. MUSHROOMS AND TOADSTOOLS: HOW TO DISTINGUISH EASILY THE _Differences between Edible and Poisonous Fungi._ WITH FIGURES OF TWENTY-NINE EDIBLE AND THIRTY-ONE POISONOUS SPECIES. BY WORTHINGTON G. SMITH, F.L.S., M.A.I. _THIRD EDITION._ [Illustration] LONDON: HARDWICKE AND BOGUE, 192 PICCADILLY. 1876. PREFACE. “THE PROOF OF THE _Fungus_ IS IN THE EATING.” I have constantly eaten every species figured on the “Edible Sheet,” and many others that are not. Few, I imagine, will expect me to have eaten every species on the “Poisonous Sheet,” bearing, as they do, such adjective names as “gloomy,” “fiery,” “satanical,” “inflaming,” &c. However, years ago, without a proper guide and with very little experience, I more than once became personally acquainted with the unpleasant qualities of _one or two dangerous species_, the particulars of which will be found in the proper place. If the following brief descriptions are used in connection with the two sheets of drawings, which I have copied from nature and transferred to the stones myself (or in reference to the large drawings in the Bethnal Green Museum), no one who is capable of distinguishing one thing from another need fear making a mistake. I shall be glad to give information regarding any species forwarded to me carriage paid. W. G. SMITH. 15, MILDMAY GROVE, LONDON, N. INDEX TO POPULAR NAMES. (E. refers to Edible, and P. to Poisonous Sheet; B.G.M. to the Number of the Drawing in the Bethnal Green Museum.) Fig. Page B.G.M.