DICOTYLEDONS 



M3 



have eaten considerable quantities of the leaves ; 

 for it is not at all dangerous as a salad herb, in 

 soups, or in other culinary preparations. However, 

 the habit of eating all sorts of leaves by boys 

 should be rigidly restrained. 



Oxalate of lime exists in large quantities in the 

 leaves and stalks of 

 Garden Rhubarb {Rhetim 

 sp.) of this family. It is 

 said that the free con- 

 sumption of this plant has 

 more than once produced 

 symptoms of intestinal 

 irritation, and even gas- 

 tritis (Tanner).^ 



Buckwheat {Fagopy- 

 rum esculentum). — This 

 plant is occasionally cul- 

 tivated in England, but to 

 a much greater extent 

 upon the Continent for the 

 sake of the nutritious seed for the use of poultry, 

 and also for bread among the humbler classes. 

 Apart from a certain indigestibility, there is 

 nothing else objectionable. But a very curious 

 result follows from animals eating the flowering 



^ P'or remedies for poisoning by Salts of Lemon and 

 common Sorrel^ see under Wood-sorrel {Oxalis Acetosella)^ 

 p. 64. 



Fig. 36. Rumex Acetosella ; Sheep's- 

 sorrel. 



