white threads, or fiUiments ; but in the case of some fungi the 

 filaments, instead of assuming the ordinary creeping habit, become 

 compacted into a dense mass, and this mass is called a Sclerotium. 

 The difference between ordinary spawn and Sclerotia may be 

 illustrated by imagining a skein of wool or thread scattered 

 loosely over the floor, and another skein rolled up into a tight 

 ball. The latter would represent the Scleral ium. The complete 

 fungus, which is developed from Ergot, is a curious and interest- 

 ing little plant belonging to the germs Claviceps. Not rye only, 

 but many other grasses are effected by Ergot. 



Ergot is used in medicines to produce contraction of the 

 uterus in cases of imperfect parturition, and it is interesting to 

 note with reference to this quality that, in districts of the country 

 in which ergotized grass abounds, it has been observed that cows, 

 and other rftiimals, are apt to slip their young. 



Ergot may, I think, safely be said to be the only fungus 

 which is undeniably useful in medicine. Others which are, or 

 have been, used in pharmacy, are the Giant pufiF-ball, the common 

 Phallus, the Jew's ear, and a few others. The puff-ball has 

 certainly styptic, and narcotic properties. It is often used for 

 stupifying bees, and it has been stated, I cannot say with what 

 truth, that surgical operations have been performed under its 

 influence. 



The common Phallus (P. impudicus) is in many respects a 

 remarkable plant. Its extraordinary and indelicate shape, its 

 more than foul smell, and its curious mode of development, all 

 combine to attract attention to it. A few years ago I ascertained 

 from a French medical periodical that P. im^judicus has been used 

 in Russia as a remedy for gout. Unfortunately I made no note 

 of reference at the time, and I have not been able to trace 

 the passage. 



Lately, however, in looking through a treatise " De fungis 

 venenatis," written many years ago by Dr. Ascherson, of 

 Berlin, I find mention of its use as a remedy for gout, together 

 with some curious remarks on the supposed aphrodisiac qualities 

 of this Phallus. The passage translated runs thus, "I was 

 under the belief that the idea of this fungus producing sexual 

 excitement had originated only from its form, in accordance 

 with the ancient doctrine of signatures, but I have mvself 



