Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Hemlock, the Long-leaved

HEMLOCK, the Long-leaved Water, or Water Cow-bane, Cicuta virosa, L. is an indigenous perennial plant, growing on the sides of pools and rivers; flowering in the month of August.—It is likewise one of the most virulent vegetable poisons; its root is large, hollow, and contains a very acrid milky juice that soon changes to a saffron-colour, and has a nauseous taste, somewhat similar to that of parsnip: the stem attains a height of four feet.—Early in the spring, when it grows in the water, it is frequently eaten by cows, which are inevitably killed by it; but, as the summer advances, its scent becomes stronger, and they carefully avoid it. Yet, though it is thus fatal to cows, it is eaten with safety by horses, sheep, and goats, which last devour it with avidity.