210 CURARE POISON. 



Strychnus Nux vomica. 



ESTHER. 



And is not the wourali poison of South America produced 

 by a plant of the same family? 



MRS. F. 



Probably; but nothing decided is known on this point, Mr. 

 Waterton, whose " Wanderings in South America" you may 

 be amused in reading, having been unable to procure speci- 

 mens of the plant. Nor could De Humboldt find that which 

 produces the curare poison, in flower, so as to enable him to 

 determine its genus; but, from its appearance, he judged it to 

 be a Strychnus. 



HENRIETTA. 



I never heard of this poison. 



MRS. F. 



It is known to the Otomacos of South America, who poison 

 their thumb nail with it; and so rapid are its effects, that the 

 mere impression of the nail is mortal, when the curare mixes 

 with the blood. It is sold in calabashes, and is of about the 

 consistency of pitch; the best comes from the Esmeralda,and 

 is sold for about two shillings an ounce.* 



ESTHER. 



Is it the same as the wouralil 



* Humboldt. 



