802 THE AGARICACEAE OF MICHIGAN 



at certain times. G. esculenta has a long criminal record in Europe. 

 Nevertheless, it is not everywhere under the ban even there, for its 

 sale, dried or fresh, is permitted in Berlin and Munich though 

 forbidden in Austria. Dried, dusty, wormy (Anobium and Tinea), 

 specimens are sold in the shops; old and inferior fresh ones at re- 

 duced prices in the markets. Several American authors say that 

 only old specimens are dangerous. This is not true. The poison is 

 very soluble in hot water and hence parboiling and rinsing may ren- 

 der the mushroom safe. Robert says that all the Morchellas are 

 safe but that the False Morel furnishes a record of over one hun- 

 dred and sixty cases of poisoning. Hoekauf"" reports four cases 

 with one fatality (girl of nine years) in April, 1905. Loevegren also 

 has five cases with a fatality, in a girl of five years. Vomiting, colic, 

 weakness, irregular respiration, tonic cramps of voluntary muscles, 

 dilated pupils, jaundice and prolonged unconsciousness were the 

 chief symptoms. Death may occur on the first day or in five days. 

 The active principle has long been known as helvellic acid and 

 has a true blood-dissolving action shown by the hemaglobinuria, 

 icterus, and the pigmentation of the spleen. Nephritis and fatty 

 degeneration of the liver are also found at autopsy. Gyromitra 

 esculenta stands alone in producing a true hemolytic set of post- 

 mortem appearances. Frey says that this form of poisoning seems 

 to have become very rare. Amanita phalloides does not produce 

 it. Animal tests following Hockaufs cases were negative. Robert 

 says the fresh extract is very variable. Allen (California) reports 

 G. esculenta plentiful there and one of the best edibles, but that 

 it should be let alone. In Michigan it begins to appear on the edge 

 of melting snow banks even as early as mid-March and I have seen 

 a small fall crop in northern Ontario in September. It is common 

 about Port Huron and is eagerly sought and even sold in the 

 markets. Warren and Peck (letters) and Dearness 58 report a num- 

 ber of illnesses and at least one fatality due to Gyromitra. In the 

 cases of Dearness the family were made ill after eating of the 

 warmed-over cooking. Coma and death of one adult came on the 

 fourth day. In the Michigan cases there were two groups of nine 

 people each who ate, with two illnesses in each group. Symptoms 

 came on in about six hours. Very violent vomiting and diarrhea, 

 with much weakness and fear were the chief symptoms. Heart 

 action was good. The acute illness lasted thirty-six hours, inabil- 

 ity to take food three days, and recovery required about five days. 

 "No other ill effects except that they don't want any more Gyromi- 



