$6 GARDEtf AND FAkM TOPICS. 



ARUM, (Arum.) 



THERE are several interesting species contained in this 

 genus, which may be accounted pretty additions to the 

 collections of the hot-house and green-house, though 

 most of the flowers possess a disagreeable odor. In 

 contrast with the other species is A. Palestinum, that has 

 flowers of deep crimson, with a delicious fragrance not 

 unlike the Violet. In shape it resembles Calla sEthi- 

 opica; in fact, when it was introduced, in 1876, into the 

 United States, it was under the name of " Black Calla." 

 They are easily cultivated in sandy loam, and should 

 have a liberal supply of water. Numerous offsets are 

 usually produced, by which the species are extended. A. 

 dracunculus, the Dragon Arum, deserves a place in the 

 flower garden for its large and very remarkable flowers. 

 This variety requires the same treatment as the Gladiolus. 



The roots of all this natural order, when green, contain 

 a milky fluid, which is exceedingly acrimonious, excit- 

 ing a painful sensation of burning heat in the tongue and 

 mouth. When cut in slices and applied to the skin, it 

 will very quickly produce a blister. This same active 

 principle is not confined to the roots of the various 

 genera and species, but is found in the leaves as well. A 

 piece of the Calla leaf, not larger than a pin's head, if 

 taken into the mouth, will produce violent and painful 

 burnings. By drying, these roots lose all their poison- 

 ous properties, and some of the species yield an excellent 

 quality of Arrow-root. 



