20 SCIENTIFIC AND APPLIED PHARMACOGNOSY 



element is believed to be present, as atropine does not entirely 

 neutralize the effect of injections of A. muscaria in animals. 



This species has been responsible for many deaths, and numer- 

 ous cases of severe illness have been caused by persons mistaking 

 A. muscaria, the poisonous species, for A. csesarea, the edible species. 

 While typical specimens of these two species possess distinguishing 

 characters, it is recommended to shun all Amanitae. 



In Siberia, Russia, the natives make several uses of A. muscaria. 

 Preserved in salt it is eaten, though probably more as a condiment 

 than as a main article of diet; a decoction is popular as an intoxicant 

 and deaths are reported upon good authority as resulting from a 

 " muscaria orgy." 



AMANITA PHALLOIDES. Death Cup. (Deadly poisonous.) Cap 

 white, lemon, or olive to umber, fleshy, viscid when moist, smooth or 

 with patches or scales, broadly oval, bell shaped, convex, and finally 

 expanded, old specimens sometimes depressed by the elevation of the 

 margin; gills free, white; stem generally smooth and white, in dark 

 varieties colored like the cap but lighter, solid downward, bulbous, 

 hollow, and attenuated upward; ring superior, reflexed, generally 

 entire, white. 



The large, free volva, its lower portion closely adherent to the 

 bulb, and the large ring are of assistance in distinguishing this 

 species. 



Cap 7.5 to 10 cm. broad; stem 7.5 to 12.5 cm. long. (Fig. 8.) 



This species and its forms are subject to great variation in color, 

 ranging from white, pale yellow, and olive to brown. A. phalloides 

 is a very cosmopolitan plant and one of very common occurrence. 

 It is the most dangerous of all mushrooms, for no antidote to over- 

 come its deadly effect is known. It exhibits no special preference as 

 regards habitat and is found growing in woods or cultivated land from 

 summer to late autumn. When fresh it is without scent, but a pecu- 

 liarly sickening odor is present in drying the plants. 



AMANITA VERNA. Destroying Angel. Cap white, smooth, viscid 

 when moist, convex when expanded, margin even; gills free and 

 white; stem stuffed, or hollow in age, bulbous, sheathed at the 

 base by the membranous volva; ring reflexed, forming a wide 

 collar. 



By most authorities Amanita verna is considered a mere form of 

 A. phalloides, as it has no constant morphological characters and is 

 only separated by the pure white color and its generally more slender 

 form. Because of its exceedingly poisonous nature it is popularly 

 known as the " destroying angel." 



