98 THE ESSEX NATURALIST
maculata, an American species). Of these, Hemlock, Water-
dropwort and the Cowbanes are virulent poisons.
In the following notes I have dealt with some of the species
of the Family with regard to their economic use, past and
present, the superstitions and legend and meanings of the
proper names, which I hope will prove interesting.
CONOPODIUM DENUDATUM. The Earth-nut or
Pig-nut is known also as the Ar, Jur, Yer or Kipper nut.
The roots have a sweetish-acrid taste and are also aromatic.
They can be eaten roasted or boiled, and are said to have
the flavour of chestnuts. In Cyprus the variety ferulaefolium
has tubers as large as filberts, which are eaten by the natives.
OENANTHE CROCATA. The name is derived from the
Greek words Onios (wine) and Anthos (a flower), in allusion
to its wine-like scent. This is the most poisonous of the
seven species which grow in this country. The plants prefer
wet or marshy ground, and the fibrous roots thicken into
tubers in some species. These yield a narcotic, acrid poison
which in the past was used to treat skin diseases and to make
into poultices, also to poison rats and moles. 0. crocata
exudes a white juice which turns yellow in the air, which is
the implied meaning of crocata. In the world there are about
35 species, mostly inhabiting the North Temperate Regions,
and in spite of the dangerous qualities of some plants, others
are cultivated and the roots eaten.
CONIUM MACULATUM. The Hemlock is associated
with Socrates and contains in all its parts the poison conine.
It is an oily, colourless fluid, and very irritant. When taken,
produces paralysis of the muscles, coma and death. The
plant can be recognised by its very dissected light green
leaves, red blotches on the stem, and a mousey odour.
ANTHRISCUS CEREFOLIUM. An old-fashioned pot-
herb which Gerard cultivated in his Holborn garden in
1590. The French variety bulbosum was introduced into
England about 1726, and is said to have a flavour between
chestnut and potato when boiled. Both are grown for salads
and flavouring. A. Cerefolium, included as a wild plant, is
distinguished from other species by having only three bracts
to the involucel.