FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE. 
138 
It is a powerful narcotic, and used in medicine. Its poi- 
sonous properties are thus graphically described by Skaks- 
peare in the address of the ohost of Hamlet’s father to his 
son : — 
“ Sleeping within mine orchard, 
My custom always of the afternoon, 
Upon my secure hour thy uncle stole, 
With juice of cursed hebenon in a vial, 
And in the porches of mine ear did pour 
The leprous distilment ; whose effect 
Holds such an enmity with blood of man, 
That, swift as quicksilver, it courses through 
The natural gates and alleys of the body ; 
And with a sudden vigour, it doth posset 
And curd, like eager droppings into milk, 
The thin and wholesome blood: so did it mine.” 
Solanum, L. Nightshade. 
Br. sp. and v. 5. F. 1. 
S. Dulcamara , L. Bitter-sweet, or Woody Nightshade. 
H. 231, B. 210. — F. June, July. S. 
Woods west from Kinnaird Mill, Mr A. Bousie. Side of 
Kinnaird Mill-lead, Mr John Laing. By the side of the 
lead at the Upper Mills of Kinaber, Mr A. Croall. At 
Arbroath, Dr Murray. Parish of Kirkden, Rev. D. Car- 
ruthers. 
It is plentiful in the neighbouring county of Perth in 
hedges, as between Meigle and Alyth, and Perth and Dun- 
keld. 
Atropa, L. Dwale. 
Br. sp. 1. F. 1. 
A. Belladonna , L. Common Dwale, or Deadly Nighty- 
shade. H. 232, B. 210. — F. June, July. P. 
Bare. Den of Bonnington, four miles west from Mon- 
trose. Den of Fullerton, Mr A. Croall. 
The fruit are here termed “ daft Jerries,” as the mere 
tasting of them produces delirium. Though tempting to the 
eye, they are forbidden fruit, death being the consequence of 
eating them. The generic name is derived from Atropos, one 
of the Fates , and the specific name signifies Fair Lady. This 
at first appears puzzling, but when we learn that the Italian 
