098 
POISONING OF A FILLY BY YEW. 
consistency, but covered with much mucus. The lining 
membrane of the organ was inflamed in patches, and could be 
easily stripped off from the muscular coat beneath. The 
cuticular portion of the mucous membrane was health}^, and 
had a number of bots (the oestrus haemorrhoidalis) adhering 
firmly to it. On carefully examining the ingesta, I found 
many leaves which corresponded with those of the shrub. 
The duodenum jejunum and rectum appeared to be in a 
normal condition, but a few patches of inflammation existed in 
the ilium. The mucous coat of the colon was the most affected, 
and wherever these patches of inflammation were found the 
leaves of the shrub could be detected. The mesentery was 
also inflamed. 
I send you small portions of the meso-colon, the colon, 
and contents of the stomach, and also a twig of the shrub, the 
leaves of which you will find to correspond with those in the 
ingesta. 
I regret that I had not an opportunity of witnessing any 
of the symptoms, but I have no doubt that this animal died 
suddenly, as there were no signs of struggles. The other 
animals escaped entirely. 
I wish particularly to know if the specimens I send are 
both yew 7 , as I am informed that there are four varieties of 
the shrub. Should they prove to be so, they are to be de¬ 
stroyed, although they are much valued by the proprietor for 
their ornamental appearance. 
[The specimens of yew sent us by Mr. Cornelius are, the 
Tams baccata of Lindley, the T. fastigiata of Loudon, T. 
hibernica of Hooker, and others. This last appears to have 
been the poisoning agent. There is, however, little, if any 
difference, in the effects produced by the varieties of the yew 
on animals. The leaves are considered the most energetic, 
but all animals are not affected alike by them. Burnett says 
that “deer, sheep, and goats feed on them with impunity,” 
nevertheless, when the quantity partaken of by these animals 
is large, serious results have followed, yet “a very small 
quantity,” he says, “taken as food, will destroy both cows 
and horses.” 
The portions of intestines forwarded presented numerous 
ecchymosed spots, otherwise no abnormal appearance could 
be detected. 
