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MUSHROOM. 
Many species of mushroom are known to be 
deadly poison, The Ostiacks, a Siberian tribe, 
make a preparation from the Agaricns muscarius, 
which will kill the most robust man in twelve 
hours. Several mushrooms in our country 
are almost as dangerous; as there is a liquid 
hid within them of a nature so acrid, that a 
single drop put on the tongue will produce 
a blister. The Russians, during their long 
fasts, live entirely on mushrooms; and are 
often thrown into violent convulsions in con- 
sequence. We regard them as a dainty dish, 
but we ought to use them with great caution. 
Before using them they should be exposed to the 
heat of boiling water; this will ascertain their 
quality, as if they are not of a good kind their 
perfume will be evaporated. 

