CHAPTER XX.

SPECIFIC VEGETABLE IRRITANTS.

LABURNUM (_Cytisus laburnum_).--Every portion of this plant is poisonous. The seeds are frequently eaten by children, and give rise to vomiting and purging, with dilatation of the pupils, rigors, rigid limbs, &c.

_OEnanthe crocata_, _Phellandrinum aquaticum_, _AEthusa Cynapium_, _&c._, strictly speaking, belong to this group.

BLACK HELLEBORE (_Helleborus niger_) or _Christmas Rose_, grows in shady woods, and bears a large flower in January. The leaves and root when eaten give rise to abdominal pain, vomiting and purging, vertigo, cold sweats, and collapse, resembling that of malignant cholera. An infusion of this plant is sometimes administered by quacks to destroy intestinal worms. It has proved fatal to children under these circumstances.

Several other substances variously grouped for the sake of convenience should come under this heading.