5 April inn.-).] 



]\fycoIog!coI Bulletin No. jr 



123 



Is Gy-ro-mi'-tra es-cu-len'-ta Poisonous? — Atkinson (Mushrooms, 

 p. 220) sa\'s: "While this species has long been reported as an edible one, 

 and has been emplo3ed in many instances as food with no evil results, 

 there are kr.own cases where it has acted as a poison. In many cases 

 where poisoning has resulted the plants were quite old and probably in 

 the incipient stages of decay. However, it is claimed that a poisonous 

 principle, called lick'clUc acid, has been isolated by a certain chemist, 

 which acts as a violent poison. I'his principle is very soluble in hot 

 water, and when care is used to drain off first water in which they have 

 been cooked, squeezing the water well from the plants, they are pro- 

 nounced harmless. The safer way would be to avoid such suspicious 

 species." Another author may be quoted. Mcllvaine (One Thousand Am. 

 F"un., p. r)47) says: '"Sirce 1882 myself and friends have repeatedly eaten 

 it. In no instance was the slightest discomfort felt from it. It was always 

 enjoyed. ]\Ir. Charles H. Allen, San Jose, Cal., writes to me that G. escu- 

 lenta grows plentifully in his region, and that it is not only edible, but he 

 has found it one of the best. But the species, though long ago esteemed 

 highly in Europe and by many in America, now rests under decided sus- 

 picion The species would be better let alone." Dr. Fischer says 



"it undoubtedly — though rarely — causes symptoms of poisoning in the 

 United States." 



Img. fi!». CiYRo-Mr-TRA ES-cu-LEN '-T.\. I kl-vel'-Ia Or (ly-ro-nii'-tra. Kdihle. 

 Pliotci by Dr. (). K. l"isclicr. Ditroit. Midi Tlu- plants are rci>rescntcfl less llian life 

 size. I'or ei)innients see jiarasrap)! al)(ive. 



