PARSLEY FAI\riI.V I93 



fruit, such as the number, position, and shape' of the ridges, the 

 presence or absence of \\l[x, and the form of the seed. This 

 renders the group a very difficult one for the young botanist. It 

 has been divided into q tribes, six of which-are represented by 

 British plants. 'I'here are about 70 ]5ritish species belonging to 

 40 genera. 



Among .so large a number of species one would naturally e.xpect 

 to find a variety of properties, and such is to a, certain extent the 

 case ; but from this point of view the memberj of the Order may 

 be con\"eniently arranged in four groups. The first group com- 

 prises plants abounding in an acrid, watery sajj, which is more or 

 less narcotic and poisonous. Among these" is the Hemlock 

 {Coa'n/ni), the A\'ater Hemlock (d'rr'/fir), the Fool's Parsley 

 (. £f/i/isd), and the ^^'aler Dropworts ( CE//(hit/u-)t Every part of the 

 Hemlock, especially the fresh leaves and green»/ruit, contains the 

 alkaloid Conia, which is very poisonous. It acts on the nervous 

 system, and is a valuable medicine in certain cases. Of all 

 British Umbellifera?, the most dangerous, perhaps, are the ^Vater 

 1 'ropworts (CEiiaiit/u-), their large, tuberous roots, resembling 

 those of the Dahlia, being commonly exposed on the muddy 

 banks of streams, and being thus easily got at by children and 

 cattle. 



The second group comprises plants the stems of which 

 abound in a fcetid gum-resin. Among these the first place is held 

 by Astifa-tida, the hardened milky juice of various species of Fliiila 

 inhabiting Persia and the neighbouring countries. This drug was 

 held in high repute among the ancients for its 'medical virtues : it 

 was supposed to be an antidote to poison, to restore sight to the 

 blind, and vouth to the aged ; and was besides considered a certain 

 specific against various diseases. Gum Gdlhaniim is the product 

 of other species of Ferula, natives of the East. 



The third group comprises plants the fruits of which abound in 

 wholesome aromatic oils. The principal of these are well known 

 under the names of Caraivay, Coriandci-, Dill. Anise and Cumin. 



The fourth group comprises plants which contain some of the 

 above principles in a very slight degree, or so modified as to form 

 wholesome esculent vegetables. Among these, Canvis and 

 Parsnips occupy the fir.^t place : Ccltiy and AJcxanJi/s, in their 

 wild state, are too acrid to be used as food ; but, when blanched 

 by being earthed up or covered over, become njild and agreeable : 

 Parsh'v, Fennel, andC/ziVf//, the last nowalmost'out of use, are well- 

 kno^^Ti pot-herbs : Sampiiire aflbrds the best of pickles : the sweet, 

 aromatic, and tonic root of Eryngo and the stem of Angelica 

 (Arehangeliea ojficindi'is) are candied as sweetmeats ; and the root 

 o 



