402 lIERB-PAUiS. 



rally four in a whorl, towards the summit of the stem, ovate, 

 acute, entire, three-nerved, of a deep dull green colour, sessile, 

 and spreading horizontally. The peduncle is terminal, erect, 

 one-flowered, and shorter than the leaves. The calyx consists 

 of four, pale green, linear-lanceolate, acute, reflexed, persistent 

 sepals. The corolla is composed of four linear-subulate, yel- 

 lowish-green, reflexed petals, rather shorter than the calyx. 

 The stamens, eight in number, have subulate filaments, with 

 long, linear, two-celled, yellowish anthers attached to their 

 middle. The germen is superior, roundish, dark purple, sup- 

 porting four spreading styles, shorter than the stamens, with 

 simple stigmas, which are downy above. The fruit is a globose 

 berry, obsoletely four-sidedj purplish-black, shining, about the 

 size of a small cherry, with four cells, each containing several 

 ovate globose seeds arranged in two rows. Plate 25, fig. 2, («) 

 the flower seen in front with its sepals, petals, and stamens ; (b") 

 the pistil ; (c) the berry ; (d) a vertical section of the same to 

 shew the seeds ; (e) seed. 



This singular plant is by no means common, but it generally 

 occurs in profusion if at all, preferring moist and shady dells 

 in woods and coppices, where it flowers from May to the end 

 of June. It is a native of Europe, from Spain to Lapland. 



The generic name is said to be derived from par,j)aris, equal, 

 in allusion to the regularity of the parts of the flower and fruit ; 

 the number four prevailing. In addition to the term Herb-Paris 

 it has also been called One-Berry and True-Love *. 



Qualities and general Uses. — Bohmer asserts that the dried leaves 

 of this plant impart a fine yellow colour to yarn or )j^\en cloth previously 

 soaked in alum water. The foliage is eaten by goats and sheep, but refused 

 by horses, cows, and swine. The berries are poisonous to poultry. 



" The recent root has a narcotic odour resembling smoke," -|- and rather a 

 nauseous taste, which becomes more agreeable on drying. The fresh herb 

 has also a narcotic smell and an herbaceous, subglutinous, sweetish taste, v&- 

 sembling that of an unripe pea. The berries are similar iu taste and smell 

 to the leaves. 



Herb-Paris ranks with the acrid narcotics, and if taken into the system 



* " Herbe-Paris hath foure leaues directly set one against anotlier in man- 

 ner of a Burgundian crosse or true-loue knot ; for which cause among the 

 antients it hath been called Herbe True-loue."— Gerard. 



•f Bcrgius. 



