scattered at various seasons, much to the increase 
of chances that no unpropitious circumstances can 
destroy all its future progeny. 
The roots, seeds, and leaves, of this plant are nar- 
cotic and poisonous ; and generally acknowledged 
to resemble opium in action, more than any other 
narcotic drug. In a moderate dose, Dr. Hooper 
observes, it increases, at first, the strength of the 
pulse, and occasions some sense of heat, which are 
followed by diminished sensibility and motion ; in 
some cases, by thirst, sickness, stupor, and dimness 
of vision. In a large quantity it occasions profound 
sleep, hard pulse, and sometimes fierce delirium, 
ending in drowsiness or convulsions, with a remark- 
able dilitation of the pupils of the eyes, distortion 
of the countenance, a weak tremulus pulse, and 
eruption of small red spots. 
Its baneful effects are best counteracted by a 
powerful emetic, and by drinking largely of the 
vegetable acids. It is principally given as a sub- 
stitute for opium, where the latter sedative is ob- 
served to disagree with the habit, and in cases where 
the constipating properties of opium render it im- 
proper, a quality from which the Henbane is free. 
The seeds smoked, in the manner of tobacco, 
have frequently proved beneficial in tooth-ache, but 
convulsions and temporary insanity are said to fol- 
low their use in this way : notwithstanding this, 
their power is thought to be less active, in general, 
than that of other parts of the plant, as a small 
quantity of them have been eaten without injury. 
Sow seeds in autumn, and the plants will flower 
about the following midsummer. 
Hort. Kew. 2, v. 1, 388. 
