DEATH CUP, OR DEADLY AMANITA 



283 



Growth of the ergot fungus may be pre- 

 vented by mowing the grass during August, 

 September, and October. 



Fly Agaric, or Fly Amanita (Amanita 

 muscaria). — This mushroom takes its name 

 from the fact that an extract of it is used for fly 

 poison. It is extremely poisonous and is 

 among the best known of the toxic fungi. Fly 

 agaric is common in the northern and eastern 

 parts of the United States. It is a large 

 fungus, grows singly, and is found commonly 

 in pine groves and in poor, dry soil. The 

 gills and stalk are always white, never pink 

 or purple. The stalk is hollow and bulbous 

 at the base, and has irregular fringed scales 

 on the lower part and a large membranous 

 collar or frill hanging from the upper part. 

 The pileus, or caplike top, is bright yellow, 

 orange, or deep red. The surface is smooth 

 and poHshed and always bears prominent 

 wartlike scales (Fig. 107). The appearance 

 of fly agaric is so characteristic that it is easy 

 to distinguish it. Notwithstanding this fact, 

 however, the fungus frequently causes poison- 

 ing among human beings and sometimes 

 among foraging animals. 



The symptoms of poisoning are difficult 

 breathing, depressed heart action, and an 

 abnormal nervous condition. Stupor foUows, 

 and death from weakened heart action occurs 

 in eighteen hours to two or three days. 



Death Cup, or Deadly Amanita (Amanita 

 phalloides).— This fungus is fairly common 

 "S^S^OT^icSSZ' ^" Europe and North America. It grows 

 purea) WITH WHEAT- smgly m woods and groves and at the edges 

 THE 01 nelds and pastures, but rarely in the 



mus Iriticoides) AS 

 HOST PLANT. 



open. It prefers damper, less sandy soil than 



