276 MACBETH AND THE DANES. [September, 



authors, in wliicli a variegated Jasmine, grafted on a common 

 one, communicated its variegation to leaves below the graft. A 

 similar phenomenon has been observed in connection with Pyrus 

 Aria grafted upon Pyrus Aucuparia, wherein branches of Pyrus 

 Aria have appeared 2\ feet below the junction of the graft with 

 the stock P. Aucuparia. C. Howie. 



MACBETH AND THE DANES.— MEKILWOET. 



Although many articles have appeared in your Journal respect- 

 ing the plant from which the juice was obtained that overcame 

 the Danish soldiers when they were encamped against the Scots, 

 I do not find any evidence in favoiir of the Atropa Belladonna, 

 nor have we yet been informed what the true plant was. I have 

 lately referred to HoUinshed's ' History of Scotland,' which, 

 after stating that the Danes were in a famishing state, says, 

 "The Scots hereupon took the juice of Mekilwort berries, and 

 mixed the same with their ale and bread, sending it thus spiced 

 and confectioned in great abundance unto their enemies, which 

 being taken by them produced a fast, dead sleep, that it was im- 

 possible to awake them." 



Then follows Macbeth's victory, etc. 



The principal commentators of Shakespeare agree that he 

 found the materials for this Play in HoUinshed's ' History of 

 Scotland,' and it is plain from what is above stated, that the 

 plant called Mekilwort bore berries ; and if this is to be con- 

 sidered the ' Insane Root/ also referred to in the same Play by 

 Duncan, after his interview with the witches, we may at once 

 reject the Henbane and the Hemlock, which some writers have 

 named as the Insane Root. 



It may be observed, that in the same Play (act ii. scene 2) 

 Lady Macbeth, alluding to what she had done to Duncan's 

 chamberlains, preparatory to the mm'der of Duncan, says, — 



" That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold : 

 What hath quenched them, hath given me fire. 



He is about it : 



Tlie doors are open ; and the surfeited grooms 



Do mock their charge with snores. I have drugged their possets, 



That Death and Nature do contend about them, 



Whether they hve, or die." 



