66 OUTLINES OF BRITISH FUNGOLOGY. 



18, fig. 7) and the false Truffle (Plate 23, fig. 3) are still sold 

 in Covent Garden market, in consequence of some supposed 

 healing properties, but they belong to the times of the ancient 

 herbalists, -when the doctrine of signatin-es was prevalent, and 

 are rejected as useless by all respectable practitioners. 



A few species of Fungi arc used in Eastern Asia and 

 Western Africa as medicines, but their use is mostly pro- 

 blematical. Cordiceps sinensis, when administered as stuff- 

 ing to a roast duck, is said to have wonderful properties, but 

 the strengthening quality resides probably in the savoury 

 vehicle. 



Ergoted grain, however, which OAves its origin to a closely 

 allied Fungus, is a most valuable medicine in the hands of 

 the regular practitioner, though often grievously abused from 

 its specific action on the womb. The peculiar principle upon 

 which this depends is, I believe, unknown. Yeast is occa- 

 sionally used with advantage as a dressing to foul ulcers, but 

 whether it has any specific virtue, or whether benefit is de- 

 rived from the carbonic acid gas evolved from the flour with 

 which it is mixed, is perhaps uncertain. It lias also been 

 prescribed as an internal remedy. 



Polyporus igniarius, when pounded, is used as snuff by the 

 natives in the northern region of Asia. Polysaccum crassipes 

 is employed in the south of Europe to produce a yellow dye. 

 The Bloodrain, of which an account is given elsewhere, yields 

 a vivid red, which is apparently permanent. Several species 

 of Puff-ball, but especially the large Bovista, have anaesthetic 

 properties when burnt, similar to those of chloroform. Ope- 

 rations have been successfully performed under its influence, 

 and it is used for taking hives without the destruction of the 

 bees. Agaricus mnscarius is employed both in a fresh and dry 

 state to produce intoxication, and more profitably in a de- 



