40 Umhelliferse [ch. 



behaviour to Coniine, and probably identical with it." The investi- 

 gators suggest that the alkaloid is Coniine, and the small amount would 

 justify the opinion, but there may be variation in toxic property accord- 

 ing to stage of development and climate. The authors conclude that 

 "it cannot be considered improbable that under favourable conditions 

 of growth, the proportion of alkaloid may be increased to such an extent 

 as to impart to the plant the poisonous properties ascribed to it." 



Symptoms. In a child which died, there were abdominal pain, a 

 feeling of sickness, and a tendency to lockjaw, and death supervened 

 within an hour; and in a German case, vomiting, diarrhoea, lockjaw, 

 and death in 24 hours. (Johnson and Sowerby.) The plant causes 

 convulsions and stupor, with nausea and vomiting (Henslow). 



The symptoms observed in coivs are loss of appetite, salivation, fever, 

 uncertain gait, and paralysis of hind limbs (Miiller). 



Pott refers to a case which occurred in Guernsey among horses. 

 Animals with white muzzles and feet had diarrhoea, while other horses 

 remained healthy. All white places on the body were badly inflamed. 

 Pammel states that the plant causes stupor, paralysis and convulsions 

 in domestic animals. 



REFERENCES. 

 45, 73, 81, 121, 130, 141, 190, 203, 213, 214. 



Chervils {Chaerophyllum sp.). No investigation of these plants 

 appears to have been undertaken, but C. sylvestre L., though eaten by 

 some animals, including the ass and the rabbit, is stated by a German 

 observer {vide Cornevin) to have caused the death of pigs. Miiller 

 states that according to the hterature both cows and pigs have been 

 poisoned, even fatally, by C. temulum L. The plants have a strong 

 odour and acrid taste. 



Toxic Principle. This, if any, appears to be unknown, though 

 Miiller (1897) says that C. temulum contains in all its parts the little 

 known Chaerophyllin (? alk.). 



Symptoms. The pigs referred to above as having died were said to 

 show paralysis, dilated pupils, and enteritis, and to refuse food. Post- 

 mortem examination showed acute gastro-intestinal inflammation. 

 In the case of cows there are similar symptoms. 



REFERENCES. 

 73, 190. 



