v] Aroidem 77 



smell when bruised. In Gerarde's Herball the following passage occurs : 

 " The most pure and white starch is made from the rootes of the Cuckow- 

 pint; but most hurtfull for the hands of the laundresse that hath the 

 handling of it, for it choppeth, bhstereth, and maketh the hands rough 

 and rugged, and withaU smarting." In Dorset the tuber-hke corms 

 have been macerated ia water, dried and powdered, and eaten imder 

 the name Portland Sago or Portland Arrowroot, the poisonous property 

 being dissipated. 



Toxic Principle. The Cuckoo Pint does not seem to have received 

 much attention in this connection, but the poisonous principle is beUeved 

 to be a Saponin. 



Symptoms. The juice acts as an irritant when in contact with 

 the mucous membrane. When a pig has eaten several roots rich in 

 sap, the mouth and tongue redden and tumefy, there is sahvation, and 

 swallowing is difficult on account of the inflammation at the back of the 

 mouth. Introduced in small quantity into the digestive tract it acts 

 as an irritant and purgative, and sometimes causes vomiting. Severe 

 intestinal pains, excitement, some muscular contraction of the limbs, 

 rocking of the head, and superpurgation with tenesmus are also symptoms 

 which have been observed. The intestinal pains continue for some days 

 and the appetite is small. Cornevin states that animals never take a 

 sufficient quantity to cause fatal poisoning, but according to Lander, 

 if a dangerous quantity is taken, convulsions, exhaustion, and death 

 from shock may possibly follow the foregoing symptoms. 



A case in which a horse was poisoned through a woimd being washed 

 with a decoction of arum leaves is cited by MiiUer. There was much 

 local swelling, trembling, and rapid breathing, and the heart beat 

 strongly ; the animal died on the third day. 



REFERENCES. 

 73, 81, 130, 141, 170, 190. 



