Histoire des Champignons de la France, Vol 2

POISONOUS PLANT OF FRANCE.

A botanical illustration depicts a mushroom, likely Lactarius torminosus woolly milk-cap. The engraving presents three views: A) A cluster of mushrooms showing the gills and stems; B) A large, mature mushroom viewed from above; H) A cross-section of a mushroom showing the internal structure and gills.

Agaricus necator. Agaricus torminosus schœff. t. XII. HABIT: It is rarely more than 4 inches in height. It is found in the woods in August and September. CAP: In its youth, it is round. As it advances in age, it develops and hollows out a little in the middle, becoming fuzzy and appearing ciliated on its edges. In its old age, it deforms in a short time, only elongating on one side, and its fuzz disappears. GILLS: Those that are entire are few in number and form a ridge where they attach to the stem; the others are merely portions of gills. STEM: Solid; its flesh is firm. I have never found it eaten by worms. As soon as it is cut, a white liquid like milk flows out from the point where the gills meet the cap and from between the bark of the stem (Fig. H).

N. B. Figures A and B represent the same AGARIC in all its states.

This plant is harmful in the smallest dose. Its milk is so acrid that it produces the effects of a burn on the tongue. Oil, taken promptly and in large quantities in drinks and enemas, may remedy its ill effects.

OBSERVATION: Some authors, and particularly LINNAEUS, have confused it with the Agaricus deliciosus.