THE SUMACH. 265 



main stems and principal branches are of an ashen-gray 

 color, though the recent shoots, before they harden into 

 wood, and the leaf-stems are of a fine crimson or purple. 

 The leaves are beautifully pinnate, of a light green hue 

 with purple veins. The flowers and fruit are greenish, 

 inconspicuous, and without any beauty. This plant, un- 

 like the other species, is found only in low boggy situa- 

 tions. 



There are some unaccountable facts connected with the 

 poisonous qualities of this tree. While some persons are 

 affected with dangerous swellings and inflammation on 

 the least exposure to it, others handle it, breathe its 

 burning fumes, and even chew its leaves and branches 

 with impunity. Some are rendered more susceptible by 

 having been once poisoned ; others, who were often injuri- 

 ously affected by it in their youth, outgrow their suscep- 

 tibility, and may afterwards handle the plant without 

 danger. As certain persons are exempt from the ma- 

 lignant effects of this plant, there is occasionally an in- 

 stance of similar effects suffered by individuals from other 

 plants. I am acquainted with a lady who has been fre- 

 quently poisoned by handling the branches of the black 

 wild-cherry. Such isolated facts serve to increase the 

 mystery attending the subject. 



A notion prevails in the country, that the recent shoots 

 of the pitch-pine, if frequently chewed, will render any 

 one safe from the effects of this poison. The forest un- 

 doubtedly abounds in antidotes to the injurious action of 

 the Poison Sumach and other similar plants ; and I have 

 often thought that the impunity with which the goat 

 browses upon narcotic herbs may be caused by the coun- 

 teracting effects of other plants among the many species 

 which he devours in the field and pasture. It is ad- 

 mitted that persons who spend much of their time in the 

 woods are not liable to be affected by this poison. They 

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