68 ON THE ERGOT. 



well aware that plants and animals are subject to various forms 

 of diseases, and that those species of plants and animals which 

 have been long domesticated seem to be more liable to be 

 affected, partly, perhaps, from the fact of more careful observa- 

 tion being extended to those species, and partly because, through 

 the influence of cultivation and artificial selection, their consti- 

 tution becomes enfeebled, and rendered more liable to be 

 attacked. 



The Ergot is a fungoid disease, which is most commonly known 

 from its attacks on Rye, and, since this cereal in some countries 

 forms the principal source of food for the population, it has been 

 the cause of some of the most fatal diseases of the inhabitants. 

 The Ergot, however, does not confine its attacks to Rye alone, but 

 may be found on several other of the Graminese ; such species, 

 for instance, as Lolium perenne, or Rye-grass ; Dactylis 

 glomerata, or Cocksfoot ; Alopecurus, Phleum, Brachypodium, 

 and some of the Poas or Meadow Grasses. Hitherto this year 

 up to the end of August I have only noticed it upon Lolium 

 perenne, on which it is very common along the roadsides and 

 hedgerows, and upon Dactylis glomerata. In October, no doubt, 

 we shall find it more plentifully developed. 



With regard to historical reference to this curious disease, a 

 French writer says, in 1089 (this is quoted from Sowerby's 

 " British Grasses") : " A pestilent year, especially in parts of 

 Lorraine, where many persons became putrid, in consequence of 

 their inward parts being consumed by St. Anthony's fire. Their 

 limbs were rotten, and became black, like coal. They either 

 perished miserably, or, deprived of their putrid hands and feet, 

 were reserved for a more miserable life. Moreover, many cripples 

 were afflicted with contraction of the sinews." No notion of the 

 real cause seems to have existed, though it is on record "that the 

 bread which was eaten at this period was remarkable for its deep 

 violet colour." Sowerby also states that the late Dr. Willan was 

 of opinion that many pestilential epidemics of past periods were 

 due to this cause, and among them the sweating sickness of the 



