LYCKSELE LAPLAND. 351 



I noticed the Agaric of the Spruce Fir 

 (Agaricus Fl. Lapp. n. 517)? a A^it sessile 

 species, which is the chief remedy used by 

 the Laplanders against gnats, bv smok- 

 ing themselves as well as their reindeer 

 with it. When these insects become very 

 numerous and troublesome, they force the 

 reindeer from their pastures. Even those 

 which have been a whole year away from 

 home are obliged to return. The Lap- 

 landers lay small piles of this fungus, every 

 morning and evening, upon the fire in their 

 huts, by which means only they are ena- 

 bled to sleep at their ease. 



I was also shown the Agaric of the Wil- 

 low (Boletus suaveolens Fl. Lapp. n. 522), 

 which has a very fragrant scent. The peo- 

 ple assured me it was formerly the fashion 

 for yoiing men, when going to visit their 

 mistresses, to use this fungus as a perfume, 

 in order to render themselves more agree- 

 able*. 



* I must here present, the English reader with a 



