FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE. 
79 
Conium, L. Hemlock. 
Br. sp. 1. F. 1. 
C. maculatum , L. Common Hemlock. H. 134, B. 137- 
— F. June, July. B. 
Frequent in waste ground, and by waysides. Abundant 
between Dundee and Broughty Ferry. Near Invergowrie, 
and many other places. 
Near Usan, and about the Montrose Lunatic Asylum, Mr 
A. Croall. 
This plant exhales a very nauseous odour, which becomes 
much more perceptible when the leaves are bruised or rubbed 
between the fingers. Its dark green leaves and spotted stems 
have a forbidding aspect, and speak to the observant eye of 
its possessing powerful and life- destroying qualities. In for- 
mer times it was associated with the ridiculous though tragical 
hallucination of witchcraft, for Shakspeare tells us that, 
“ Roots of Hemlock, dug i’ th’ dark,” 
were among the noxious ingredients of the mystic cauldron. 
Now that such a mischievous phantasy no longer disfigures 
the moral and intellectual features of our country, and pre- 
judice being discarded, the Hemlock is left to say that the 
wise Creator has made nothing in vain. Its application in 
medicine is highly esteemed by those who know how to ad- 
minister it properly. It is a powerful narcotic : its properties 
in this respect have long been known. A poultice formed of 
its leaves is a popular application to cancerous ulcerations, 
and rarely fails in giving temporary relief to the sufferer. 
There is one interesting though painful association linked 
with the Hemlock. In the earlier ages it was well known as 
a poison : Phocion, a virtuous Athenian governor and states- 
man, perished by its effects ; and it was the drinking of its 
juice that destroyed the famous heathen philosopher Socrates, 
who was condemned to that death by the corrupt Athenians, 
as a reward for his spotless virtue, and the exertion of his 
eminent talents in endeavouring to elevate the moral status 
of his country. Thus furnishing a melancholy proof — if such 
indeed was needed — that in all ages the evil passions of our 
nature have been intolerant of virtue, which alone can dig- 
