1887-88.] Fungus Folk-Lore. 177 



Dor,set and Isle of Wight, Toad's meat ; in Northampton, Frog's 

 seat ; in Holland, Toadstool {Paddc stoel) ; in Germany, Toad 

 fungus {Krotcn schwamm) ; in France, Frog's bread {Pain cm 

 crapaud) ; and in Belgium, Toadstool {Padden stoel). The idea 

 that toadstools were used as seats by toads is of ancient 

 origin — 



" The grisly toadstool grown there nioiight I see, 

 And loathed paddocks lording on the same." 



There is a very old myth about the " snayle that crept out of 

 her shell, and was turned eftsoones into a toad, and thereby 

 was forced to make a stoole to sit on, disdaining her own house." 

 It is said that the name arose from a belief that all fungi were 

 produced from the excrement of toads. In Wales, however, 

 these plants are named Fairy tables, and in Cornwall and Devon 

 Pixy stools. In Yorkshire they are called Cockstools. That 

 fungi have long been associated in the public mind with fairies 

 is proved by the names which have been given to the different 

 kinds, such as Fairy tables. Fairy baths, &c. What is popularly 

 known as fairy rings or circles has given rise to many curious 

 beliefs and sayings, and their marvellously rapid growth has 

 struck the uncultivated as a supernatural phenomenon. The 

 prevalent belief was that they were caused by the midnight 

 dancing and revelry of the fairies ; and Shakespeare speaks of 

 the elves 



" Whose pastime 

 Is to make midnight mushrooms." 



In the west of England these rings are called Hags' tracks. 

 In the myths and folk-lore of Sweden they are said to be en- 

 cliauted circles made by fairies. The elves perform their 

 midnight stimm or dance, and the grass produced after the 

 dancing is called ailfcxing. A belief prevails in some parts of 

 this country that any one treading within the magic circles 

 either loses consciousness or cannot retrace his steps. Many 

 absurd theories have been propounded as to the cause of these 

 rings. Aubrey, who wrote the 'Natural History of Wiltshire' 

 in the 17th century, said that they were " generated from the 

 breaking out of a fertile subterraneous vapour which comes 

 from a kind of conical concave, and endeavours to get out at a 

 narrow passage at the top, which forces it to make another 



