RANUNCULACE. 47 
The specific name arvensis is derived from arvwm, a ploughed field. It is some- 
times called Hunger-weed. This is one of the most virulent of the Ranunculus 
family, and is said to be very dangerous to cattle, although they eat greedily of it. 
M. Brugnon, who has given a particular account of its qualities, relates that three 
ounces of its juice killed a dog in four minutes. Near Turin several sheep 
were killed by eating it, which first led to an investigation of its effects, Cholic, 
with inflammation of the stomach, were the symptoms, which were best removed 
by pouring vinegar down the animals’ throats. This poison seems to act in para- 
lyzing the nerves of the stomach, and also in an acrid ulcerating effect, as dark spots 
were found in the stomach of the sheep. 
It may be remarked that, in making a collection of dried plants, the bright yellow 
petals of the Crowfoots retain their brilliancy remarkably after drying. 
Sus-Gents III.—FICARIA. Diil. 
Sepals 3. Petals 8 to 12. Nectary covered by a scale. Stigma 
sessile. Achenes smooth or hairy, spherical, with an attenuated 
base. 
SPECIES XIX—RANUNCULUS FICARIA. Zinn. 
Puate XX XIX. 
Ficaria ranunculoides, MJénch, et Auct. plur. 
Rootstock producing oblong, slightly clavate tubers. Stem 
decumbent at the base, branched. Leaves stalked, broadly ovate, 
or reniform, cordate at the base, with the lobes approximate or 
diverging, repand, crenate or bluntly toothed. Peduncles much 
longer than the leaves from the axils of which they spring. Sepals 
usually 3. Petals oblong, 8 to 12. Nectary with a small scale. 
Head of fruit globular. Achenes globular, attenuated at the base, 
and with a very small dot at the apex. 
Sun-Srecres —Ranuneulus eu-Ficaria. 
Piatt XXXIX.* 
R. Ficaria, or Ficaria ranunculoides, 7. Schultz, Archives de Flore, 1855, p. 122; and 
18th and 19th Jahresbericht der Pollichia, p. 34. 
Flowers about 1 inch in diameter. Carpels nearly glabrous. 
Leaves appearing in spring. 
* The Plate of R. eu-Ficaria has been re-drawn from 1K. B. 584, with corrections 
and additions, by Mr. J. E. Sowerby, 
