132 FUNGI OF NOVA SCOTIA. — MACKAY. 



PanwoJus which is black s^wred, and Stropharia which is 

 reddish spored. The spores of the Glace Bay suecimens were 

 rather larger than the measurements given of Psilocyhc by M. 

 C. Cooke; so that it may not be identical with the species 

 reported from elsowhere. Cook's measurements give the size 

 about 10 X G.25 microns, while those of our species varied from 

 13 X 8 to 14 X i) microns. Again, although the c(X>ked fungus 

 might be safe, the uncooked might be deleterious. In order to 

 stimulate the observation and recording of ex|)eriments on these 

 fungi I report some of tiie observations already made on the 

 genera referred to above. Of Panwolus canipanulatus 

 Macllvane says : 



"Mr. R. K. Macadam, Boston, Mass., informs me that he 

 has information of a case of poisoning by this fungus. ' The 

 victim experiences dizziness, dinmess of vision, trembling and 

 loss of power and memory. He recovered after simple treat- 

 ment, and was well inside 24 hours.' A full account of this 

 case is to be found in ' The London Medical and Surgical 

 Journal,' vol. 36, Xov., 1816. The poison acts as a sedative. I 

 have several times eaten of this fimgus in small quantities, 

 because larger could not l>e obtained, and with no other than 

 pleasant effect. There does not appear to be any case of poison- 

 ing reported of it since 1816, which, considering the i'nquis- 

 itiveness of man, is singular. Caution is advised." 



With respect to the nearly related species, Panceolus papi- 

 lionaceus, Macllvane says: 



" The effects of eating this fungus are very uncertain. I 

 have seen it produce hilarity in a few instances, and other mild 

 symptoms of intoxication, which were soon over and with little 

 reaction. Many personal testings have been made without 

 effect. TestiTig upon othei's vary with the individuals. It is 

 not dangerous, but should l)e eaten with caution. Being of 

 small size, and not a |)rolitic species, quantities of it are 



