94 POISONOUS PLANTS 



has a white, fleshy root, containing a yellow juice. 

 The stem is hollow. 



It is regarded as being the most poisonous of the 

 Umbellifers. The thick root has been the occasion 

 of fatal results when eaten instead of parsnip or 

 celery. 



Animals only very exceptionally have been 

 poisoned by it ; though it has been stated that 

 both sheep and goats can eat it without being 

 seriously inconvenienced. 



As an instance, two men died near Sunderland 

 by eating the roots when they were at work. Both 

 were found unconscious and paralyzed. Several 

 cases of children having eaten the root and died 

 are on record. In one case castor-oil in the form 

 of an enema saved the life of the child.^ 



Water-Dropwort {(Eiianthe crocata, Fig. 24). 

 — This is a tall plant, from three to five feet in 

 height. It has a channelled, hollow stem, com- 

 pound leaves, with much - divided leaflets. The 

 segments are rather broad, wedge-shaped, and 

 lobed. The fruit is narrow, oblong (see figure). 

 The ridges are not very prominent. 



The plant bears from five or more spindle-shaped 

 fleshy roots of a pale yellow colour, mixed with 

 fibrous ones. They contain a milky and very 



^ Dr. Tanner prescribes for poisoning by Water- Hemlock^ 

 emetics, castor-oil, and stimulants. Cold affusion will often 

 be useful, more especially if there be much stupor. 



