NOTES ON WORTHLESS GRASSES, ETC. 155 



be freed from this plant before the white flower-heads appear 

 in May. Seed is freely perfected in June or July. This plant 

 is also known by such names as Hedge Mustard, Sauce Alone, 

 and Jack-by-the-hedge. 



Hemlock, Common {Conium maculatum). — A strong- 

 growing biennial, found in hedgerows and woodsides of dry and 

 sandy soils. In the second year it grows to a height of four or 

 five feet, and flowers in July. The leaves are bright green, 

 very large, and cut into fine segments ; the stem large, hollow, 

 and spotted with purple. The plant possesses in a marked 

 degree the qualities of a narcotic poison, and when bruised it 

 emits a powerful mouse-like odour which is very characteristic. 

 By cutting off the rank growth early in the season flowering 

 and seeding may be prevented ; and as this is one of our most 

 injurious native plants, continuous efforts should be made to 

 destroy it. 



Hemlock, or Water Drop wort (CEnanthe crocata). — 



A coarse-growing, umbelliferous, poisonous perennial, attain- 

 ing a height of three or four feet, and having deep green 

 compound leaves. The umbels of white flowers appear in 

 July. In the South of England and the Midlands this plant 

 often abounds in ditches and by the side of watercourses to 

 which cattle have access. Cutting down the plants in spring 

 and early summer, and keeping ditches, &c, clean, are the 

 most efficacious means of preventing mischief from this 

 dangerous plant. 



Meadow Saffron (Colchicum autumnale). — A poisonous 

 bulbous plant, which is not uncommon in light-soil pastures 

 and meadows in the Midlands. The pale purple flowers appear 

 in autumn, followed by broad, glossy, lily-like leaves in the 

 spring. The bulbs should be forked up immediately the plant 

 is discovered. 



