252 FOOTNOTES FROM 



is allowed to wither and die untouched in the place 

 where it grows, in which case its narcotic properties 

 are better preserved than when it is gathered and 

 artificially dried. When steeped in the expressed juice 

 of the native whortleberry, it forms a very strong intoxi- 

 cating kind of wine, which is much relished. But the 

 more common way of using the fungus is to roll it up 

 like a bolus, and swallow it without chewing, which, it 

 is said, would disorder the stomach. Dr. Greville gives 

 some curious particulars regarding this fungus in the 

 fourth volume of the Wernerian Transactions. He says : 

 " One large or two small fungi are a common dose to 

 produce a pleasant intoxication for a whole day, parti- 

 cularly if water be drunk after it, which augments the 

 narcotic action. The desired effect comes on from one 

 to two hours after taking the fungus. Giddiness and 

 drunkenness follow in the same manner as from wine or 

 spirits. Cheerfulness is first produced, the face becomes 

 flushed, involuntary words and actions follow, and some- 

 times at last entire loss of consciousness. It renders 

 some remarkably active, and proves highly stimulant to 

 muscular exertion. By too large a dose violent spas- 

 modic effects are produced. So exciting is it to the ner- 

 vous system of some individuals, as to produce effects 

 which are very ludicrous. A talkative person cannot 

 keep silence or secrets, one fond of music is perpetually 

 singing, and if a 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." The in- 

 toxication produced by this fungus sometimes amounts to 

 absolute delirium, and not unfrequently terminates in 



