92 
“ Experiment 1. September 18th. A strong thick solution 
of the extract of belladonna and cicuta, (German manufactory) 
was introduced into the bark and pith of different stems of the 
stramonium. 2. Extract of belladonna introduced into the stem 
of the palma Christi. 3. Powdered white oxyd of arsenic was 
freely spread about the root of a young palma Christi, and the 
plant was watered. 4. Arsenic introduced into the stalks of 
two young tobacco plants, near the roots. 5. Two young 
stramonium plants were selected: arsenic was introduced into 
the stalks and stems of one, and spread about the root of the 
other, and the plant watered. 6. Dilute hydrocyanic acid in- 
troduced into an incision made in the stalk of a stramonium. 
7. Dilute hodrocyanic acid poured on the root of lady-slipper. 
8. Strong oil of tobacco introduced into the stalk of palma 
Christi. 9. The same into the stalk of stramonium. 10. The 
same into the stalk of a young tobacco plant. 11. The same 
into a branch of the fig-tree. 12. The same placed freely round 
the root of a young pear-tree, the earth being loosened and wa- 
tered. 13. The same placed round the root of palma Christi. 
14. The same introduced into the stalk of euphorbia sericea. 
15. Arsenic freely spread round the root of the mimosa sensi- 
tiva — exposed to the rain and dews.” 
“ Some of these experiments were frequently repeated with 
great care. The same result universally followed in every in- 
stance. Not one plant, shrub, or flower, displayed signs of the 
least injury from the various applications of the different poi- 
sons ; some, indeed, appeared to thrive better for the attentions 
which were rendered them. Some of the experiments were sub- 
sequently repeated at my request, by Mr. John Carr,at Bartram’s 
Botanic Garden, with extracts of belladonna, and cicuta, and 
oil of tobacco. These additional experiments performed by a 
skilful practical botanist, confirmed the observations previously 
made : hence, we are permitted to conclude, first, that the ex- 
periments detailed by Professor Princep are erroneous. Sec- 
ond, that substances which act as lethal poisons to animal life, 
are not so to vegetables. We cannot but admire the wisdom, 
order, and harmony of creation ! fixed to the earth by immuta- 
ble laws, plants and flowers would have soon ceased to exist, had 
their susceptibilities, like those of animals, rendered them liable 
to the agency of poisons, to contact with which they are exposed. 
