1G2 MEDICINAL HERBS AXD POISOXOUS PLANTS 



no relationship between this plant and either of the two 

 foregoing plants, for the Spurge Laurel is a member of 

 an order called Thymeleacece, which is included in the 

 Gamopetalse. It is mentioned here, however, because 

 some confusion seems to exist as to the plants in- 

 cluded under the term "Laurel". The flowers and leaf 

 of the Spurge Laurel are shown in fig. 102. The bark 

 is acrid, laxative, and poisonous, and has been used for 

 the cure of cutaneous, rheumatic, and venereal diseases. 

 Whilst birds seem to feed w4th impunity on the fruits, 

 the latter are poisonous to other animals, including man. 

 Elder (Samhttcits nigra — Natural Order Caprifolia- 

 cese.) — This is a very useful shrub, and is as common 

 as it is useful It is easily recognized as a shrub by its 

 Jarge pinnate leaves, which have a somewhat unpleasant 

 odouT". The white flowers, superficially regarded, appear 

 to be arranged as an umhel) but this is found, on closer 

 examination, not to be the case, as the stalks of the little 

 flowers do not rise from the same level, althouHi aril 

 attain approximately the same height. In autumn these 

 flowers form black berries of lustrous hue. The Elder 

 is bumetimes confused with the Rowan, but in winter the 

 birch-like trunk, and in autumn the red berries,, of the 

 latter are sufficiently outstanding features to prevent 

 mistakes. 



The young leaf -buds are very purgative, and are there- 

 fore to be regarded as somewhat poisonous organ's, and 

 the same properties belong to the bark. The juice of 

 the root proved fatal to a woman who had partaken 

 of it as a supposed remedy for a bihous attack. The 

 leaves also are poisonous; in one instance, at least, a child 

 is known to have been poisoned by eating the leaves. 

 Lastly, the berries are very purgative, although their 

 bitter taste is a deterrent to all except the most abnor- 

 mal of tastes. Medicinally the flowers are gathered for 



