A decorative ornament consisting of six asterisks arranged in a horizontal line.

P R E F A C E

A decorative ornament consisting of six asterisks arranged in a horizontal line.

Truffles, because of their way of life and excellent nature, have been celebrated since the most remote times, yet they constitute a family in the immense series of Fungi that is both singular and imperfect. Indeed, the information gathered about the species described in this very field is not only far from presenting a perfect system, but is also circulated while shrouded in the gravest doubts. And truly, when I applied all my efforts to compiling the history of the fungi that grow as edible plants throughout Italy, and began an examination of truffles, I felt the greatest admiration upon discovering that the species commonly described and accepted in practice offer neither distinct nor constant characteristics. This convinced me that mycologists had confused different species of truffles with identical names and identical descriptions. Therefore, I trusted that with more mature observation I would be able to pass a correct judgment upon them. Add to this that I was situated in the most opportune locations, and the other things that might contribute not only to acquiring an equal knowledge of the species, but also to completing their absolute history, remained within my power. When, for about three years, I had diligently examined and determined such productions—which, beyond the Staffora original: "Iriam" and the Royal Ticino original: "Ticinum Regium", appear in the markets of Milan at different seasons of the year—and had surveyed their native locations, especially in the province beyond the Po original: "ultrapadana", I collected a huge multitude of truffles and subterranean fungi. These, indeed, compared to them in terms of form and organic—