SOLAN ACEAE — BLACK NIGHTSHADE 721 



sheep in a pasture where this weed has been abundant. Dr. Koto, Iowa State 

 Veterinarian, also reports cases due to this plant. 



This Black Nightshade contains the alkaloid solanin C.„H,„NO,„which 

 is probably present in larger quantities in the fruit before it is entirely ripe, also 

 solanidin CggHj^^NOg with stronger basic properties. From all the evidence I 

 can get, I may say that the fruit should be eaten with caution. In Europe it 

 has been looked upon with suspicion for a long time. The ancients held it in 

 suspicion and many superstitious beliefs were connected with it. Schimpfky 

 in discussing the poisonous and non-poisonous action of the plant states that 

 the amount of poison produced depends upon climatic conditions and the char- 

 acter of the soil. In some places it may be entirely harmless and in other 

 places poisonous. In Europe the plant is sometimes used as a salad plant, but 

 the author above referred to, remarks that when the odor is unpleasant and dis- 

 agreeable it should not be eaten. 



According to Lehmann, Schreber and Haller the berries are poisonous to 

 ducks and chickens. Cases of poisoning from the berries of this plant have been 

 recorded in Europe by Hirtz.^ Manners,^ etc. 



Fig. 421. Spreading nightshade (Solanum 

 triflorum), one-third natural size. Suspected 

 of being poisonous. (U. S. Dept. Agr.). 



1 Gaz. Med. d. Strasbourg. 1842. 



2 Edin. Med. Jour. 1867. . „ , , j ,„„ „ . . . v . 

 For these and other references see Blyth "Poisons" 4th ed., 398. Poisoning by bitter 



sweet berries is recorded in Lancet, 1856. Berries of S. tuberosum, Brit. Med. Jour. 1895. 



