92 The Relation of Aurora Borealis 



removed in a state of languor and stupidity ; from which state 

 only two recovered, one having died in the course of the fol- 

 lowing night. They seemed to be chiefly affected by a nervous 

 tremor, which gradually subsided. It is to be lamented that 

 the birds which died were not opened ; but of the cause of 

 their death there can be no doubt. 



We here see the deadly effects of the yew tree, both in a 

 green and flourishing state, and when its leaves are fallen and 

 withered ; and that the animal and bird species fall equally 

 victims to its poison. These instances may serve as a farther 

 caution to persons as to the propriety of admitting the yew 

 tree into their gardens or plantations ; and an experience of 

 its effects, by those who have preceded us, may be the cause 

 of the yew tree being now so seldom seen. 



Wycombe, Bucks, Dec. 11. 1834. 



The facts communicated show the poisonousness of the 

 leaves of the yew, both living leaves and dead ones, to animals. 

 Opinions, as to whether the fleshy portion of the fruit may be 

 eaten safely or not, differ. Dr. Lindley has, in his Introduc- 

 tion to the Natural System of Botany (1830), p. 250., this 

 remark : — " The succulent covering of the yew fruit [seed] 

 is fetid, and said to be deleterious by Decandolle ; we all know 

 that its seeds, if eaten, are highly dangerous." Sir J. E. Smith 

 has, in his English Flora, iv. (1828) 254., stated as follows: 

 — " The leaves are fetid, and very poisonous ; and prove 

 speediiy fatal to cattle accidentally tasting them when young 

 and tender. The berries have a sweet mawkish taste, and 

 may be eaten without danger." I remember having eaten of 

 them in boyhood, without experiencing any ill effect. — J. D. 



In the habits of animals there are facts in proof that what 

 is one's meat is another's poison. 



Ivy, its Leaves and Branches are, Mr. Bree has communi- 

 cated in VI. 328., favourite objects of food with sheep. The 

 leaves of Irish, or broad-leafed, ivy are, w r e learn from Mr. 

 Coley (misprinted Coby), in VII. 631., " well known to be 

 poisonous to poultry."] 



Art. VIII. Observations on Aurora Borealis, as affecting Atmo- 

 spheric Phenomena. By C. Conway, Esq. 



In the Field Naturalist's Magazine, i. 108., Captain Winn 

 describes an aurora, and a gale that followed it ; and desires 

 farther investigation of the subject, as important to mariners. 

 My attention has been recalled to the subject by the first 



