(1.) They may disagree with the system, by their toughness, indigestibility, or use in a state of decay. (2.) They may be slimy, acrid, or otherwise nauseous. (3.) They may contain a subtle poison without taste, smell, or other indication of its presence. Most noxious fungi appertain to the first or second class above given, and taste or common-sense would readily reject them, unless they were cooked with other food or excessively spiced. For this reason plain cooking is advised, and further, no amateur should venture to mingle with good varieties others to him unknown. Of the third class, there is one family, many of whose members contain a violent and deadly poison. This is known as the _Amanita_ family; and although out of fourteen varieties, four are known to be edible, yet it is here advised to avoid all fungi as food which have these its distinguishing marks:-- (1.) A scurfy or warty top, the protuberances of which rub easily off, leaving the skin intact. In a number of specimens many will be found entirely smooth, while near them are others of the same variety where more or less of the specks remain. (2.) A ring; generally large and reflexed or falling downward. (3.) A volva; more or less enclosing the young plant, and remaining at the base of the older specimen, so that when the mushroom is pulled up a socket is left in the ground. These three marks should all exist in the typical plant of this family, and the experienced eye will see signs of their presence, even where they are wanting. But the _volva_ rarely or never decays during the life of the specimen, and to reject everything with this mark is recommended to all amateurs. So far as known, there are no cases of death by the use of mushrooms except from this one family. In all well-defined cases of fatal poisoning, the cause is just as well defined, namely, the use of the mushroom represented by Plates IX. and X. in this sheet. Therefore, when one has become perfectly acquainted with this family, and learned to always reject them, he has very little to fear in the choice of mushrooms for the table. The poisonous varieties of the Amanita family are extremely common. The antidote for this poison is found in the skilful use of the alkaloids from the family of the Solanaceae or Nightshades, especially in subcutaneous injections of Atropine. But to the public generally, in cases of poisoning, no other advice can be given than to call a physician without delay. Plate VI. represents several members of the Russula family. Having once learned to identify it without danger of error, this family is quite safe for use as food; for all the non-esculent Russulas are hot or nauseous to the taste, while the edible ones are very nutty and pleasant. The student should, therefore, taste each specimen when preparing them for cooking.