On offer is a small yet very scarce, super handwritten archive of Charles Horton Peck [1833-1917] renowned American mycologist of the 19th and early 20th centuries. He was the New York State Botanist from 1883 to 1913. He described over 2500 species of North American fungi. The standard author abbreviation Peck is used to indicate this individual as the author when citing a botanical name. This small archive of 6 letters and covers dated 1878-82, being 4 of which were written by Charles Peck. They are in response to letters written by Lizzie Barnet of Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania who sent him samples of mushrooms on a regular basis. He describes each sample to her and gives her the Latin names for each. This is very scarce correspondence, with his original notes, and comments on mushrooms. The other 2 letters are from Lizzie's sister at Oakland Institute in Norristown, Pa. A most unusual grouping, with original commentary from the leading figure in mushroom studies. VG.
