330 VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 



for a whole day, particularly if water be drank after 

 it, which augments the narcotic principle. The de- 

 sired effect comes on one or two hours after taking 

 the fungus. Giddiness and drunkenness result from 

 the fungus in the same manner as from wine or 

 spirits. Cheerful emotions of the mind are first pro- 

 duced, involuntary words and actions follow, and 

 sometimes, at least, an entire loss of consciousness. 

 It renders some persons remarkably active, and 

 proves highly stimulant to muscular exertion; with 

 too large a dose violent spasmodic effects are pro- 

 duced. 



* So very exciting to the nervous system in some 

 individuals is this fungus, that the effects are often 

 very ludicrous. If a person under its influence wish- 

 es to step over a straw or small stick, he takes a 

 stride or a jump sufficient to clear the trunk of a 

 tree ; a talkative person cannot keep secrets or silence, 

 and one fond of music is perpetually singing.'* 



* Medical Botany, No. 43, p. 166. 



