The Canadian Horticulturist. 



429 



The most remarkable fact in connection with this pernicious plant is that 

 it affects different constitutions in a very different degree, or rather, it may be 

 the state of the constitution, which renders some poisons more susceptible of 

 poisoning than others. Some persons seem to be proof against this kind of 

 poison. I have often handled the plant without gloves, and never felt any bad 

 effects from it, while others passing a clump of plants on the windward side on 

 a hot day, when in a state of perspiration, would thereby certainly have inflamed 

 faces and necks the following day, after 

 which small pustules arise and fill Avith 

 watery matter, occasioning a burning sen- 

 sation and intense itching. After a few 

 days the eruptions suppurate, the inflam- 

 mation subsides, and the damaged skin 

 comes off in scales, leaving the new skin 

 with a scalded appearance. 



This kind of plant is common in East- 

 ern Ontario, and is generally found grow- 

 ing on high and dry ground, with a seem- 

 ing preference for partially shaded spots,, 

 although I have often seen it growing on 

 poor ground where there was neither shade 

 nor shelter. 



I do not know of any good property this plant may possess, and yet, the 

 time may come when in the medical profession it may be utilized as a cheap 

 substitute for catharides. 



Cataraqui, Out. I >• NlCOL. 



Fig. 407 



—Virginia Creeper, 



(harmless. ) 



THE CHINESE SACRED LILY 



Is properly a Narcissus of the Polyanthus type. The bulbs are very large, and 

 each one sends out from five to twelve spikes, which bear clusters of waxy white 

 blossoms with a yellow centre, of a powerful and delicious fragrance not excelled 

 by any other flowers. They grow well in pots of soil, but the best and most 

 popular way of growing them is the Chinese method, as follows : Fill a bowl or 

 some similar vessel with pebbles, in which place the bulb, setting it about one 

 half its depth, so that it will be held firm, then fill with water to the top of the 

 pebbles and place in a warm sunny window. Care should be taken to change 

 the water once a week or oftener. The bulb will at once commence a rapid 

 growth and bloom in three or four weeks. The bulbs are so large and have so 

 much vitality that they can be kept perfectly dry all winter, and be planted any 

 time when flowers are desired. A. Simmers. 



IWonto. 



