CH. vn] Plants suspected of being Poisonous 93 
though it may possibly be taken occasionally on roadsides. It has not 
been proved to be poisonous, but Pott states that it has a strongly 
constipating effect (213). 
Tormentil (Potentilla Tormentilla L.). In relation to supposed 
bracken poisoning (see p. 87) in regard to which experiments were 
conducted by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, Tormentil occurred 
in several instances with the bracken in localities where this plant was 
reported to cause poisoning. Two feeding experiments in which the 
weed was fed to heifers gave negative results. In a further case, however, 
4 or 5 Ib. were collected from a field where sick animals were grazing, and 
fed to a heifer; it appeared to be the cause of rise of temperature (to 
106 F.), diarrhosa, and the passing of a considerable quantity of blood 
in the faeces for three days, after which the animal improved. It was, 
however, slaughtered, and lesions were found similar to those found in 
animals dying in the field from so-called bracken poisoning. Though 
the plant was suspected, results generally were not held to prove that 
it was the cause of poisoning (25). According to Van Bijn the root of 
Tormentil contains a considerable quantity of Chinovic add (032114309?). 
Wall-Pepper (Sedum acre L.) is regarded as emetic and purgative, 
but to lose the harmful properties on drying. 
Sundews (Drosera sp.) are reputed to be poisonous to sheep, but 
no evidence has been found. 
White-Rot or Marsh Penny- Wort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris L.) is stated 
to have caused inflammation of the digestive tract, and haematuria; 
and to contain a toxic substance Vellarin (213). 
Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L.). This plant has often been sup- 
posed to be poisonous, but Pammel shows that in Iowa the plant is 
quite harmless, as it appears to be in Britain. 
Devil 's-Bit (Scabiosa succisa L.) is stated by Moir to have caused 
injury to cattle in one instance (Vet. Record, 1899), causing salivation, 
gritting of the teeth, twitching of facial muscles, and slightly protruded, 
abraded, swollen and sensitive tongue. An experiment on cattle showed 
the plant to induce violent inflammation of the mouth and tongue. 
Ail-Heal (Valeriana officinalis L.) is not likely to be eaten by stock 
in sufficient quantity to cause poisonous symptoms, though it is stated 
to contain the poisonous Valerianic acid and Oil of Valerian. According 
to Chevalier (vide Henry) this plant contains an alkaloid not yet fully 
characterised. 
Canadian Erigeron (Erigeron canadensis L.), sporadic in England, is 
suspected in America. It contains an oil, chiefly a terpene (C 10 H 16 ). 
