472 Mr. E. J. Quexertt on the Ergot of Rye, 
There is a point which, as regards the medicinal properties of the ergot of rye, 
is deserving of being mentioned in this place, from having found in numerous 
instances that the specimens obtained from various grasses have frequently 
been not much more than hollow cases, instead of being solid. On looking 
for the cause, it was found that this excavation had been effected by numbers 
of a small species of Acarus (Tab. XXXIII. B. fig. 12.), which had devoured 
the interior; consequently, if the medicinal virtues reside in that part, which 
however is disputed, the specimens must become inert. The destruction that 
these tiny creatures make will become apparent by the following statement 
obtained from a friend, viz.: that from six pounds of ergot of rye, kept six 
months in the same paper, six ounces of powdery excrementitious matter was 
obtained ; therefore the practice of keeping camphor with the ergot is likely to 
prevent the attacks of these minute depredators. | 
EXPLANATION OF TAB. XXXIII. B. 
Fig. 1. Represents a transverse section (extremely thin) of the body of the 
ergot, magnified seven hundred times, exhibiting irregular-shaped 
cells, containing granules of various sizes, and the purple envelope, 
with some membranous portion adhering, probably remains of peri- 
carp. 
2. A longitudinal section of the same, showing also the granules contained 
in the cells, the latter appearing to be disposed in somewhat regular 
rows. pg” ^ 
3. Shows different kinds of sporidia, which contain granules of various 
numbers, the first having none. 
4. Represents their germination by emitting tubes which contain granules 
similar to those in the interior of the sporidium, from which they 
arise. 
5. Is the manner of germination, by giving off minute buds, which ulti- 
mately become sporidia, four, five, or more, adhering occasionally 
together, and finally separating. 
