518 



DOMESTIC BOTANY. 



Larkspur {Delphinium). The perennial species of Delphi- 

 nium are similar in growth to Monkshood. D. grandi- 

 florum^ D. intermedium^ D. exaltatum, D. sibiricum, D. chi- 

 nense, and D. formosum^ are ornamental plants, with shoAvy 

 flowers, as is also the well-known garden annual, D. consolida, 

 called Branching Larkspur. 



Stavesacre (D. staphisagna) . A native of the South of 

 Europe and the Levant. Its seeds are of a nauseous bitter 

 taste, and are held in repute for the cure of many diseases. 

 Their virtues are due to an alkaloid, which is a powerful and 

 acrid poison. 



Black Hellebore {Hellehorus niger). The Christmas rose, 

 as its name implies, flowers in December and January, and 

 is conspicuous at that season (when mild) for its large white 

 flowers. It is a native of Germany and Italy. The roots 

 are black, and about as thick as the finger ; they have been 

 held in high repute, in ancient as well as in modern times, 

 for the cure of many diseases, being a strong drastic pur- 

 gative, but dangerous when used in over doses. 



Stinking Hellebore {Hellehoms fcetidus). A native of 

 Britain, but rare. It is a strong-rooted perennial, possessing 

 a disagreeable odour, and acrid poisonous properties ; it has 

 been employed as a domestic medicine, but is highly dan- 

 gerous ; instances are on record of domestic animals being 

 poisoned with it. 



Green Hellebore (ffellebor-us viridis). A plant similar to 

 the last, native of Britain, and considered the true officinal 

 hellebore of the druggists. Large quantities of its roots are 

 yearly brought to London, and used in medical practice. 



Pile-wort {Ranunculus Ficarid). A pretty yellow flower- 

 ing plant, with heart-shaped leaves, not exceeding 3 inches 

 in height, native of this country, growing abundantly in 

 moist shady places. After flowering it disappears, but after 

 heavy rains its place is well marked by the exposure 

 of the numerous little tuberous roots lying on the surface 

 like grains of wheat, Avhich have been supposed by the igno- 

 rant to be corn fallen from heaven. This is particularly the 



