AGARICUS MUSCARIUS. 23 
the fungus; giddiness and drunkenness result in the same 
manner as wine and spirits; cheerful emotions of the mind 
are first produced; the countenance becomes flushed; in- 
voluntary words and actions follow, and sometimes at last 
an entire loss of consciousness. It renders some remarkably 
active, and proves highly stimulant to muscular exertion ; with 
too large a dose violent spasmodic effects are produced. So 
very exciting to the nervous system in many individuals is this 
fungus, that the effects are often very ludicrous. Ifa person 
under its influence wishes to step over a straw or small stick, 
he takes a stride or a jump sufficient to clear the trunk of a tree ; 
a talkative person cannot keep silence or secrets, and one fond 
of music is perpetually singing. 
The most singular effect of the Amanita is the influence it 
possesses over the secretion of the kidneys. It is said, that from 
time immemorial, the inhabitants have known that the fungus 
imparts an intoxicating quality to this secretion, which con- 
tinues for a considerable length of time after taking it. 
This fungus is the Moucho-more of the Russians, 
Kamtschadales, and Koriacs, who use it for intoxication. 
It is often immersed in a liquid made from the Epilobium 
(Rosebay Willow herb); and when this liquor is drunk, the 
drinkers are seized with convulsions in all their limbs, followed 
with that kind of raving which attends a burning fever. ‘They 
personify this mushroom; and if they are urged by its effects 
to suicide or other dreadful crime, they pretend to obey its 
commands. ‘fo fit themselves for premeditated assassination, 
they recur to the use of the Moucho-more. 
It was recommended in early times as a remedy for epilepsy, 
and later employed externally to stramous, phagedenic, and 
fistulous ulcers. 
Description.—This is one of the most splendid specimens of 
the order, and, as Mr. Greville remarks, “ well may it be called 
imperial.” ‘The peleus varies occasionally in colour from blood 
red to orange, white, green, or brown; three to seven inches 
