

82 DISGUISK. 
on the ground, and retired, after expressing by 
this action that they broke treaty with him. 
This example is the most ancient of its kind 
that we know; but it proves that for a long 
time this mode of breaking an oath had been 
in use, since the vassals did not think it neces- 
sary to add a single word of explanation, as they 
felt sure of being understood. 
Bren rnrne 
DISGUISE. 
COMMON STRAMONIUM. 
Tus plant is of a very dangerous nature, 
though it clothes itself with an elegant in- 
dented foliage, and garnishes its branches with 
corollas of a graceful and negligent shape, 
so purely white that it lulls suspicion of its 
true character to rest. Its charms only al- 
lure, that its powerful narcotic poison may 
more easily destroy. Several instances of its 
baneful effects upon persons who have endea- 
voured to chew it are on record. Only a few 
years back, a child who had amused herself 
with this poisonous plant, was so affected as 
to be in the greatest danger, from which she 
was rescued only by the prompt assistance 
of a medical practitioner. It is therefore neces- 
sary to caution children against its malevolent 
nature, 

