PREFACE. Vorrede.

VI.
I would therefore wish that more people would make themselves familiar with this pleasant labor, that they would enter the groves to investigate the silent, shady, fungus-bearing nature, and thereby bring back not only much fruit for human society—through the certain determination of fungi and the resulting investigation of their properties—but also a worthy delight for the mind and a joyful veneration of the Divine. I have presented these small offerings, and I hope a sincere mind merits sincere judgments; I most amicably commend myself and my work to the friends of nature. May they favor these efforts; and someday, if my strength should prove more equal to my will, I promise to provide something better.

I therefore wish that it might please many others to undertake this pleasant work, to visit the shady, quiet groves where nature is accustomed to forming the majority of fungi. Through this, they would not only provide many benefits to human society by determining these fungi and applying their powers, but they would also gain the worthiest pleasure of the mind, which is the joyful veneration of the Creator. I have provided a small contribution, yet I believe that a well-intended matter deserves a fair judgment. I recommend myself and my work to the friends of nature from a friendly heart, with the request that they not consider this attempt entirely unworthy of their kindness. At another time, when my means are less of a hindrance to my will, I shall not forget to provide something better.

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