vn] Plants suspected of being Poisonous 97 
" anxious look, dyspnoea, salivation, sweating, dilatation of the pupils, 
cyanosis, signs of pulmonary oedema." Two horses died. In 1913 
similar cases were observed by other owners, and terminated fatally. 
Hooker states that N. Glechoma is "bitter and aromatic, formerly 
used for beer, occasionally for tea." 
Orache (Atriplex sp.). So far as known these plants are not poison- 
ous, but it may be stated that GreshofT found the seeds of five species, 
and the leaves of two species, to contain a Saponin. 
Nettles (Urtica sp.). Nettles are not generally regarded as poisonous 
otherwise than as causing painful nettle rash on the bare skin, but 
Urtica dioica L. is stated to have caused the death of dogs (Berliner 
Tierdrztliche Wochenschrift, 1909). 
Yellow Flag (Iris Pseud-acorns L.). The wild Flag was noted by 
Linnaeus as dangerous to cattle, but no case of actual poisoning has 
been found in the literature. The plant is stated to have marked emetic 
and purgative properties, and Cornevin remarks that in Belgium intense 
gastro-enteritis is attributed to it. It contains the glucoside Iridin 
(C24H 26 13 ). 
Narcissus sp. Various Narcissi (e.g. N. pseudo-narcissus, N. poeticus, 
and others) have been regarded as irritant to the hands. They would 
rarely if ever be eaten by live-stock in Britain, but it is stated that 
on the Continent many poisonings of cattle, goats, and pigs have been 
recorded, not infrequently ending in death after two or three days. 
The Narcissi are strongly narcotic, emetic, and purgative, and cause 
dilated pupils. Pott states that they cause inflammation of the digestive 
tract, and convulsions, sometimes with fatal results; and according 
to Pammel N. poeticus induces intense gastro-enteritis. N. pseudo- 
narcissus contains the alkaloid Narcissine (C 16 H 17 4 N), which with 
cats causes nausea and purgation (Henry). 
Common Fritillary (Fritillaria Mekagris L.). The Fritillary or 
Snake's Head occurs only in a few places in England, and truly wild 
perhaps only rarely in southern and eastern counties not in Scotland or 
Ireland. No definite case of poisoning has been found in the literature, 
but the plant is stated to be poisonous. It contains the bitter 
alkaloid Imperialine (C 35 H 60 N0 4 ), which is a heart poison. 
Bog Asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum Huds.) has by some been 
regarded as a poisonous plant, and Miiller says that the poisoning of 
cows has been recorded, and also that a cat died after drinking the milk 
of an affected cow. The toxic property is believed to be the glucoside 
Narthecin. ' 
L. 
