l8o POISONOUS PLANTS 



Dr. Taylor could record no fatal case up to 1859. 

 The effects of eating bread containing flour of 

 Darnel grains are described as resembling those of 

 intoxication. Dr. Taylor says that the persons 

 who partook of the bread staggered about ; there 

 was giddiness, with violent tremblings of the arms 

 and legs, similar to those observed in deliriiun 

 tremens, but of much greater intensity ; greatly 

 impaired vision followed, every object appearing of 

 a green colour to the sufferer ; and accompanied 

 by great prostration of strength.^ 



Besides bread, beer made with barley intermixed 

 with seeds of Darnel has proved injurious. In this 

 case the Darnel was put in purposely tq enhance 

 its intoxicating powers. It was a common practice 

 in the Middle Ages. 



Comparing a grain of Darnel with one of wheat, 

 the former is longer and somewhat truncated, with 

 a deep groove, and enveloped in the inner glume 

 or *'pale"; whereas wheat is always naked. The 

 starch grains are very minute, while those of wheat 

 are large and round. They more resemble those 

 of maize or rice. 



The poisonous property appears to belong to 



* Dr. Taylor recommends a free use of stimulants in the 

 case of poisoning by Darnel; and castor-oil. 



Dr. Tanner says : — Emetics, castor-oil, and stimulants. 

 Cold affusions will often be useful, more especially if there 

 be much stupor. 



