240 Notes a7id Gleanings. 



The Whortleberry Tomato. — A few seeds received last spring from 

 New York, under the name of the " Whortleberry Tomato," proved on trial to 

 be no other than those of the Black Nightshade, Solaimm nigrum. 



The plant is far from being new, though appearing under a new name. It 

 abounds as a weed in many locahties, particularly in the vicinity of old gardens ; 

 usually appearing in neglected spots, where, among waste and rubbish, it proba- 

 bly finds protection in the early stages of its growth from the ravages of the 

 ground-flea, to whose palate its thin and delicate leaves appear to be peculiarly 

 inviting. So persistent are the attacks of these insects, that in the open ground 

 its cultivation is always attended with much difficulty ; the young plants being 

 frequently completely defoliated, and sometimes entirely destroyed. 



The stem is about three feet in height, open and branching. The leaves are 

 of medium size, thin in texture, and rarely perfect ; a large proportion being 

 more or less perforated or eaten on the borders by insects. The fruit begins to 

 ripen soon after midsummer, and continues to form and ripen till the plants are 

 destroyed by frost. It is produced in moderate abundance, in small drooping 

 groups or clusters of four, five, or six together ; and is of the size and color of 

 the whortleberry ; whence, probably, the name. The pulp is quite juicy, and 

 somewhat sweetish to the taste ; but it possesses withal a certain mawkish 

 insipidity, that renders it any thing but agreeable. 



Few plants have come under my notice respecting the history and properties 

 of which authors are so much at variance. Many of the best European botanists 

 describe it as a native of America ; while Bigelow and Gray assert that it was 

 introduced into tliis country from Europe. 



Many scientific writers also regard it as possessing deleterious properties. 

 King, in his " American Dispensatory," says that from two to three grains of the 

 leaves infused in water will produce a copious perspiration ; and adds, that " the 

 berries are poisonous, causing torpor, burning in the stomach, fever, nausea, 

 stupor, and insensibility." 



On the other hand, seedsmen include Black Nightshade, alias the "Whortle- 

 berry Tomato," in their catalogues of seeds, classed as a spinaceous plant ; and 

 it has long been grown, and to a limited extent used, as a table esculent, like 

 spinach. M. Dunal states, as " the result of numerous experiments, that the 

 berries are not poisonous to man or the inferior animals ; " and also adds, "that 

 the leaves are consumed in large quantities in the Isles of France and Bourbon 

 as food, having been previously boiled in water." 



I am inclined to think, that while a solution of the leaves, or their use in a 

 green state, might be followed by unpleasant results, when cooked and used as 

 spinach the plant would prove not only harmless, but even palatable. So far as 

 regards the fruit, I have tasted and eaten without experiencing in the slightest 

 degree any one of the long catalogue of ills predicted for those who might be 

 tempted to such an indulgence. 



In my opinion, the plant has really little merit, however inoffensive. Its cul- 

 tivation is too difficult, and it is too unproductive, to become a substitute for 

 spinach ; and there is little in the size, quantity, or quality of the fruit to com- 

 mend it to public favor. Fearing Burr. 



HiNGHAM, March i, 1868. 



