40 POISONOUS PLANTS 



Thus early in spring it is scarcely developed, 

 but increases with the growth of the plant, and is 

 strongest at the period of flowering, decreasing 

 subsequently. 



It is said that wood-pigeons eat the club-shaped 

 roots with great avidity, and its growth is some- 

 times encouraged in the vicinity of gardens to 

 prevent their depredations in winter. 



Marsh Marigold {Caltha palnstris) is a familiar 

 plant, with round leaves, and large, golden-coloured 

 flowers. It has really no corolla, for the calyx has 

 become coloured in lieu of it. There are numerous 

 stamens and many carpels. Unlike buttercups, 

 these are many-ovuled and become pod-like " fol- 

 licles," distinguishable from pea-pods or "legumes" 

 by bursting down one edge only ; whereas a legume 

 breaks into two valves. 



It resembles the buttercups in its noxious prin- 

 ciple ; as with them its acridity increases with age. 

 All animals refuse it, and they have only suffered 

 when the plant has been carelessly mixed with 

 forage. 



It is stated that kine have eaten the Marsh 

 Maricfold, and died from the inflammation caused 

 by it. In some parts of Germany the young buds 

 are pickled like capers, 



A species of Caltha in Nepal is used for poison- 

 ing darts ; also for poisoning wells to stop the 

 invasion of enemies, 



