[Illustration: Amanita, fly agaric
_Amanita muscaria--AGARICACEAE_]
=Description=: One of the most poisonous of the mushrooms (toadstools).
Found mostly in woody areas, along roadsides, and waste places,
especially at the base of pine and similar trees. Unlike many edible
mushrooms, this poisonous amanita has a fleshy bulb-like base and
yellow stalk (stipe) with scaly growths and a cap or top (pileus).
Often a white ring (annulus) of soft ragged tissue may be observed on
the stalk under its cap. All amanita mushrooms should, in general, be
considered poisonous. The top, which may be 3 to 6 inches wide, varies
in color from bright orange to red with white to gray warty growths on
it. Under the cap are numerous very white gills which distinguish this
mushroom from most edible types. The latter usually have pink to purple
gills. These mushrooms form in groups, or are scattered.
Other poisonous mushrooms found in New England are the Death Cup,
_Amanita phalloides_; jack-o’-lantern, _Clitocybe illudens_; Shaggy
mane, _Coprinus comatus_; and the _Boletus_ and _Russula_ species.
There are many others. Perhaps the best precaution is to avoid eating
any mushroom not certified by an expert to be edible.
=Poisonous Parts=: All portions are poisonous. The chief toxic
principle is an alkaloid, =muscarine=. Amanita poisoning is
characterized by intense sweating, salivation, wheezing, irregular
breathing and heart beat. If not treated promptly, it =can be fatal=
within an hour depending upon quantities consumed.
=Antidote=: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Physicians perform
gastric lavage and treat for =muscarine= alkaloid poisoning or
excessive muscarinic stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system,
also dehydration. Atropine and other similar drugs counteract the
effects of =muscarine=.