92 POISONOUS PLANTS 



with other members of the family of UmbcUifers. 

 Animals, too, have rarely been poisoned, as they 

 all refuse it. This has only occurred when mixed 

 with other herbage, and especially at spring-time, 

 when they eat with avidity anything green. 



Some animals appear able to eat the Hemlock 

 with impunity; thus larks and quails are said to do 

 so in Germany; but their flesh becomes so impreg- 

 nated with the poison, that carnivores which have 

 eaten them have died. On the other hand, ducks have 

 been poisoned by eating the fruits, though thrushes 

 have been observed to eat them with impunity. 



The Hemlock of South Europe is much more 

 energetic than that of more northern regions. Nar- 

 cotic effects are said to be felt by those who breathe 

 for a long time air impregnated with the effluvium. 



That the poisonous property is not destroyed by 

 boiling is proved by a case of two soldiers who 

 collected herbs for boiling with bacon. They par- 

 took of the broth, and then of the herbs and bacon. 

 They died in about three hours.^ 



^ Dr. Brunton gives as antidotes to poisoning by Hejnlock — 

 Tannic acid, stimulants, and coffee. 



Dr. Tanner adds : — Emetics, castor-oil ; cold affusion will 

 often be useful, more especially if there be much stupor. 



For poisoning by Hemlock^ Mr. Blyth recommends 

 emetics of sulphate of zinc or mustard. Keep up the 

 temperature of the body by hot wraps. Administer strong tea, 

 or any harmless vegetable decoction containing tannin. 

 Stimulants may be given. If necessary, use artificial 

 respiration. 



