Donald R Kirk
Biology
Shasta College
Redding, Calif.
[stamped, Apr 25 1972]
"Wild Edible Plants of the U.S." -- I found to be most enjoyable and informative. May I make just two comments:
(1) The recording of medicinal attributes is interesting, and for some purposes useful. But I fear some of your readers may take folk-remedies far more seriously than you intend -- and with serious harm or neglect to their own health. I would urge a clear cautionary note.
(2) Bracken fern is well documented to contain a carcinogen -- with grave dangers that may not be manifest for many years, nor in everyone who eats it. Your strong "bill of good health" (p. 18) may be an insidious booby trap: you manifestly shoulder a grave responsibility!
Sincerely,