USES OF FUNGI. 57 



ration is strongly excited, when we contemplate the powers of 

 Insect and Fungous life, in the creation of which Nature has 

 been so prodigal. A scanty number of minute individuals, only 

 to be detected by careful research, and often not detectable at 

 all, are ready, .in a few days or weeks, to give birth to myriads, 

 which may repress or remove the nuisances referred to. But no 

 sooner has the commission been executed, than the gigantic 

 power becomes dormant ; each of the mighty host soon reaches 

 the term of its transient existence ; and when the fitting food 

 lessens in quantity, when the offal to be removed diminishes, then 

 fewer of the spores find soil on which to germinate ; and when 

 the whole has been consumed, the legions before so active all 

 return to their latent unnoticed state, ready, however, at a 

 moment's warning again to be developed, and, when labour is to 

 be done again, again to commence their work, either in the same 

 districts, or to migrate in clouds like locusts to other lands. In 

 almost every season there are some species, but especially in 

 autumn there are many, which in this manner put forth their 

 strength ; and then, like the spirits of the poet, which thronged 

 the spacious hall, 'reduce to smallest forms their shapes im- 

 mense.' " 



65. Among the uses of Fungi to Man, their service as food 

 must not be forgotten. In chemical composition they closely 

 resemble animal flesh ; and, accordingly, those of them which 

 are free from injurious properties, furnish a highly nutritious 

 article of diet ; and some of the rarer species are greatly valued 

 as dainties by the epicure. There is much difficulty, however, 

 in distinguishing the innocent from the noxious species of Mush- 

 room ; and many fatal accidents have occurred from the employ- 

 ment of the poisonous kinds. Amongst the Fungi remarkable 

 for their peculiar properties, may be mentioned one which is of 

 great service, from its astringent properties, as a styptic, to check 

 the flow of blood ; and another which has the power even when 

 dry, of producing a curious kind of intoxication, and which is 

 used for that purpose by the Tartars. This is the species repre- 

 sented in Fig. 19. It is occasionally found in great abundance 

 in this country ; and is distinguished by the bright red hue of 

 its upper surface, which is studded with white spots. 



