The stem is surrounded by a clump of blunt
leaves which give it its button shape, and on the top you will
see still the tuft of filaments, like a cactus. It grows in the
rocky soil in many places in the state of Jalisco, though only
recently has it become known to science. The Indians, when they
go out to gather it, simply lop off these little ends as they
peep above the earth, dry them, keep what they wish for their own
use, and sell the rest for what is to them a fabulous sum. Some
people chew the buttons, while a few have lately tried making an
infusion or tea out of them. Perhaps to a beginner I had better
recommend the infusion."
I had scarcely swallowed the bitter, almost nauseous decoction
than I began to feel my heart action slowing up and my pulse
beating fuller and stronger. The pupils of my eyes expanded as
with a dose of belladonna; at least, I could see that Kennedy's
did, and so mine must have done the same.
I seemed to feel an elated sense of superiority--really I almost
began to feel that it was I, not Kennedy, who counted most in
this investigation. I have since learned that this is the common
experience of mescal-users, this sense of elation; but the
feeling of physical energy and intellectual power soon wore off,
and I found myself glad to recline in my easy chair, as the rest
did, in silent indolence.
Pages:
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340