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The Poison Sumach grows to considerable size in the county; one 

 tree in Hamilton has a head some 15 feet in diameter, with a trunk 

 branching near the ground into several divisions. 



Khus Toxicodendron, L. (Poison Ivy.) This very common 

 poisonous plant will be found at one time in the form of a very deli- 

 cate vine, and at another a stout, coarse-leaved shrub supporting 

 itself against a wall or tree. One form has been called R. radicans, 

 but the intermediate forms so connect it with the first that it 

 has been considered only a variety of strong growth. These two 

 last species of Rhus are the only plants poisonous to the touch grow- 

 ing in the county. Neither have attractive flowers or fruit. It is 

 only the showy leaves of R. venenata in autumn that would ever lead a 

 person to handle the plant through any attraction of its own Con- 

 sidering the abundance of these species, and the frequency with which 

 they must be touched, even roughly handled by many persons, par- 

 ticularly by children, it is a wonder that their poisonous eftects are 

 not more often seen. 



If any one suspects that either of these plants have come in contact 

 with the person, let the part so touched be washed with a strong, 

 coarse soap. If the eruption makes its appearance, apply water, as 

 hot as can be borne, to the afiected part ; this will benumb the little 

 nerves which are irritated and dull the pain. If a disagreeable 

 swelling is caused by being poisoned, seek the advice of the best 

 neighboring regular physician. Some persons may handle these 

 plants with impunity, others are so sensitive that their near presence 

 to the plant without contact with their person is sufticient to cause a 

 swelling of the face. Many other plants are charged with being the 

 cause of poisonings. It is probable that all such charges are erro- 

 neous, and that unconsciously one of the two poisonous sumachs have 

 been handled or brushed against. In collecting other plants the wide- 

 spreading roots of one of them may have been met with. This has 

 proved to be the explanation of several cases of mysterious plant 

 poisoning. 



Rhus Cotinus (Smoke Tkee.) is very common in cultivation. ^ 



VITACE-^. 



(VINE Family.) 



Vitis Labrusca, L. (Northern Fox Grape.) Very common. 

 Fruit ripening during the latter part of August or first of September. 

 A white fruited variety with paler green leaves has been found in 

 Danvers by Mr. Sears. This species, "Improved by cultivation has 

 given rise to the Isabella, Catawba, Concord, and other varieties." 

 Gray. 



