which the characteristics of edible and
poisonous varieties are described and illustrated.

Considering that an opinion seems to prevail that the discoloration of
the silver spoon or small white onions when brought into contact with
mushrooms during the culinary process is an infallible test of the
poisonous species, I quote from a French author on mushrooms the
following in relation to this supposed test:

* * * We may not dispute the fact that a silver spoon or article of
brass, or onions, may not become discolored on contact with the
poisonous principle, but this discoloration is not reliable as a
test for deciding the good or bad quality of mushrooms. In fact, we
know that in the decomposition of albuminoids sulphureted hydrogen
is liberated which of itself discolors silver, brass, and onions.

I have deemed it advisable to publish this as one of the best means of
answering those correspondents who have made inquiries as to the
reliability of this test.

It is by some supposed that high colors and viscidity are indications of
non-edible species, but there are numerous exceptions here. _Russula
alutacea_--the pileus of which is often a purplish red--_Amanita
Caesarea_, and other species of brilliant coloring are known to be
edible. As to viscidity, two very viscid species, when young, are among
the highly prized esculents by those who know them, viz., _Fistulina
hepatica_, or the ox tongue, and _Hygrophorus eburneus_, the ivory
mushroom.

The method of deciding the character of mushrooms by their odor and
flavor is not to be relied upon. Edible mushrooms are usually
characterized by a pleasant flavor and odor; non-edible varieties have
sometimes an unpleasant odor, and produce a biting, burning sensation on
the tongue and throat, even in very small quantities, but several of the
_Amanitas_ have only a slight odor and taste, and certain species of
mushrooms, acrid otherwise, become edible when cooked.

In fact there is no general rule by which the edible species can be
distinguished from the unwholesome or poisonous ones. The safest as well
as the most sensible plan, therefore, is to apply the same rule as that
which we adopt in the case of the esculents among the flowering plants,
viz., to learn to know the characteristics of each individual species so
as to distinguish it from all others.

With regard to the mushrooms which have been designated as poisonous, it
should be remembered th