” cibarium 49 INTRODUCTORY OBSERVATIONS. “...... Oh, who can tell The hidden power of hearbes, and might of magicke spell?” SPENSER. Perhaps no other country can vie with Great Britain in the vast number of edible species of fungi that may be gathered during all seasons of the year, from one end of the land to the other. The pastures and woodlands literally teem with them; they are, however (sad to say), little known, sadly neglected, or looked upon with unmerited suspicion. The literature, too, of the subject is so small, and the scientific part of the study so extremely difficult to begin, that few persons dare venture to test the qualities of any fungus except the meadow mushroom, and instances are common enough where even this species is rejected. It is apparent that no one can be a sure guide to others who is not himself a “regular fungus _eater_,” and that no descriptions can be of value, or drawings of use, unless they are taken with the greatest care from the objects themselves. To the best of my ability, I have attempted this, and wish to persuade others to test the rare gastronomic qualities of the twenty-nine species figured. The number here described and drawn is only a very small portion of the really valuable species, for I well know that, as a beginner in the study, I made all sorts of mistakes; but, with one exception, I seldom suffered much inconvenience, and I even know instances where confessedly poisonous species have been eaten without ill effect. A little prudence, too often neglected, should be observed in the consumption of fungi: for instance, only young, fresh, and sound specimens should be gathered for the table—for if stale, semi-putrid, and worm-eaten plants are chosen, they are as likely to produce indigestion and inconvenience as meat in a similar condition; they should be eaten in moderation, as a surfeit of sweet mushrooms is as likely to disarrange one’s digestive organs as a surfeit of pastry. If these precautions are attended to, and a moderate amount of bread, salt, pepper, and common sense is used, no accident need occur. Let the specimens be cooked as soon as possible after gathering.