l6o POISONOUS PLANTS 



These were all accidental ; twenty of the thirty- 

 two died, or 62*5 per cent. It is remarkable that 

 several deaths have occurred in lunatic asylums 

 from the patients having chewed Yew-leaves.^ 



Savin (^Junipenis sabind). — Though our common 

 Juniper (/. communis) is harmless, the berries being 

 employed in flavouring gin, and when dried are a 

 good stomachic, yet the Savin is not infrequently 

 grown in gardens, introduced from the mountainous 

 regions of Central and Southern Europe. Many 

 cases of death have resulted from taking powdered 

 Savin. 



The leaves are poisonous, but their strong odour, 

 resinous and acrid taste, repel all animals from 

 browsing upon it.^ 



1 Emetics, castor-oil, and stimulants are the means to be 

 resorted to in cases of poisoning by Yew j with cold affusions, 

 especially if there be much stupor (Tanner). 



^ In case of poisoning by Savift^ Epsom salts and demul- 

 cents are recommended by Dr. Brunton ; and as it is one 

 of the " irritant " poisons, Dr. Tanner prescribes a treatment 

 described under Eiiphorbiacece^ in case of poisoning by 

 members of that family. Note, p. 154, 



