
786 The American Naturalist. [September, 
umbels of our wild carrot, resembling as they do the choicest 
old lace. Frequently the carrot has one central maroon-colored 
floret. 
Though most of the plants are herbs, Dr. Welwitsch found in 
Africa a tree-like one, with a stem one to two feet thick, much 
prized by the natives for its medicinal properties, and also valuable 
for its timber. In Kamschatka also they assume a sub-arboreous 
type, as well as on the steppes of Afghanistan. 
As mistakes often occur by confounding the roots of Umbel- 
liferze with those of horse-radish or other esculents, it is well, 
when in doubt, to send the plants, a/ways in fruit, if possible, for 
identification. None of them are poisonous to the touch,—at least 
to ordinary people. Cases of rather doubtful authenticity are 
reported from time to time of injury from the handling of wild 
carrot. We have always suspected the proximity of poison ivy ; 
still, it is unwise to dogmatize on such matters. Some people 
cannot eat strawberries—more’s the pity !—while the rest of us 
get along with them very happily. Lately the Primula obconica 
has acquired an evil reputation as an irritant, so there is no telling 
what may not happen with certain constitutions. 
Difficult as is the study of Umbelliferze, it becomes fascinating 
on acquaintance. To hunt upa plant and name it by so scientific 
a process brings to the student a sufficient reward. 
Providence, Rhode Island, July 2d, 1891. 



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