_Peck_, Boleti of the U.S.
C.H. Peck, N.Y. State Botanist, has contributed to Mycological
literature his careful arrangement and analysis of species of this
genus, in his “Boleti of the United States.” Species of the genus are
found in every state of the Union. Several species are common to all the
states. Comprehending, as do the states, all sorts of climates within
their vast range of latitude, differences in appearance and structure in
the same species must be expected, dependent largely, as they are in
most fungi, upon habitat and environment. These variations will
frequently suggest new species. Descriptions which are typical and which
can be recognized as standard are most desirable. Professor Peck’s are
accepted by the writer as such, that there may be uniformity, and are
quoted as fully as space will permit. Such variations as are
attributable to locality will be noted.
Since 1882 the writer has given great attention to the edible qualities
of the Boleti. He is convinced by many personal tests and those made by
his family and friends, that much, if not all, of the suspicion thrown
about Boleti is unjust and erroneous. He is able to state positively
that change of color when bruised or broken; bitter and pepperiness have
nothing whatever to do with the edible qualities of species exhibiting
them, excepting in B. felleus, which exhibits an intense bitter, not
lost in cooking. It is not poisonous.
The writer has the courage of his convictions, and has taken interest in
eating species with a bad reputation whenever opportunity afforded, that
their just dues might be given them. He has never experienced the
slightest inconvenience. But others may not be so fortunate.
Before cooking Boleti the stem, unless crisp and tender, should be
removed, as should the tubes unless young and fresh. They broil, fry,
stew, make good soups and dry well. See recipes.
It is believed that all species of Boleti up to this time found in
America are described in this volume. When no remarks of the writer
follow the descriptions, he has not had an opportunity to test the
edible quality of the species.
VISCIPELLES—_viscum_, bird lime; _pellís_, a skin.
=Pileus= covered with a viscose pellicle. =Stem= solid, neither bulbous,
lacerated nor reticulated with veins. =Tubes= adnate, rarely sinuate, of
one color.
The first four and several of the final species here described recede
somewhat from the character of the central or typical species of the
group.
Stem with an annulus 1
Stem without an annulus 9