52 BEAR S-FOOT. 



globose, and stand on long peduncles. The calyx is pale green, 

 composed of five ovato-cordate persistent sepals, tinged with 

 purple at the margin. The petals* are from eight to ten in 

 number, small, tubular, two-lipped, nectariferous at the base, 

 and arranged in a circle within the sepals. The stamens are 

 very numerous, as long as the calyx, with whitish anthers. 

 The germens are usually three, superior, ovate, compressed ; 

 styles subulate ; stigmas globose. The fruit consists of three 

 or four follicles, which contain numerous oval seeds, disposed 

 in two rows. Plate 6, fig. 4, (a) the stamens ; (6) the follicles. 



This evergreen perennial plant grows in chalky pastures, 

 thickets, and way-sjdes, in most parts of western Europe, viz. 

 Portugal, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, France, and Germany. It 

 has been found near Castle- Acre, Norfolk, and in several other 

 English counties ; by the Doune, Ayr, also at Blantyre, Barn- 

 cluish, and near Anstruther, in Scotland ; but can scarcely be 

 considered indigenous. It flowers in March and April. 



The name of the genus is derived from eXf/v, to injure, and 

 Qo^ot,, food, indicative of its poisonous properties. 



Qualities. — The recent plant has a most fetid odour and 

 bitter taste, and is extremely acrid, excoriating the mouth 

 and fauces when chewed. The bractese are said to possess 

 these qualities in a greater degree than the proper leaves. 

 Like the other plants of the natural order to which it belongs, 

 its virtues are much impaired by age and by the mere process 

 of drying. 



The root of this plant is used as a seton in veterinary prac- 

 tice. For this purpose a perforation is made in the flesh of 

 the animal, and a piece of the root being inserted, is left for 

 twenty-four hours ; this causes a discharge from the part, and 

 is thought to be efficacious in certain diseases. Hence, in all 

 probability is derived the provincial name Setter-wort, or Setter- 

 grass, corrupted from Seton-wort. 



Poisonous Properties. — This species of Hellebore is more 

 eminently poisonous than the Helleborus niger, producing in 

 an over-dose superpurgation, griping, anxiety, syncope, violent 

 pain in the stomach and intestines, a sensation of strangling, 

 coldness of the extremities, convulsions, and death. The leaves 



* Formerly considered nectaries. 



