A THIRD Edition of this little work having been demanded, I have taken the opportunity of making a few verbal corrections and of entirely revising the Plates. Some of the figures have been replaced by others more characteristic of the species, but in no case has the individual species been altered from what it was in the first and second editions. In the colouring, as well as in the drawing, it is hoped that the illustrations to the present edition will be found more satisfactory than in either of the preceding.

The apologies made in the earlier editions of this work for its production are no longer necessary, since its ready sale has justified its publication. During the period which has elapsed a considerable addition has been made to the number of students of Fungi in this country, and facilities are now afforded for the prosecution of that study which were unknown when this work first made its appearance.

It may be permitted me to indicate here, for the benefit of those who may desire to pursue the study further than the present volume will carry them, where they may find the assistance they require for such an extension. In the first place the general structure, relations, affinities, and differences of the principal groups are treated much more fully and completely than they could be in a work such as the present in a volume entitled 'Fungi, their Nature, uses, Influences, &c.,' written by me for the 'International Scientific Series.' Microscopical species, especially those found growing on living plants, are illustrated, in a companion volume to the present, entitled, 'Rust, Smut, Mildew, and Mould;' whereas an enumeration of all British Fungi known up to the time of its publication will he found in the Author's 'Handbook of British Fungi.' The pages of the 'Popular Science Review' will also be found to contain various contributions from the same pen, which serve to illustrate phases and sections of this extended subject.

When it is remembered that at the present time scarcely less than four thousand species of fungi are found to inhabit our islands, it must be conceded that a small volume like this can only pretend to serve as an introduction to more elaborate works. In one sense, however, the present volume may be regarded as ample, since it contains, as its main feature, observations on the edible and poisonous kinds, with the best advice which could be afforded for their discrimination.

In conclusion, the same words may be employed as terminated the first preface:

"Let me assure the student that all times, seasons, and localities will afford him some species for examination; and whether he has felt interested in them before, or now, for the first time, adopts these interesting plants as objects worthy of his special regard, I would commend them to his patient and persevering attention, in the assurance that this pursuit will 'lead from joy to joy.' "

M. C. COOKE

Upper Holloway, London, N.