Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Hemlock, the Water

HEMLOCK, the Water, Phellandrium, L. a genus of plants consisting of two species, one of which, the aquaticum, Water Hemlock, or Horse-bane, is a native of Britain. It grows in rivers, ditches, and pools: and flowers in the months of June and July. This species is eaten by horses, sheep, and goats, but swine do not relish it, and it is totally refused by cows. It is considered as a fatal poison to horses, which on eating it become paralytic: this affection is occasioned by an insect called curculio paraplecticus, which is generally found within its stems; the usual antidote is the dung of pigs, which ought to be given to the animal as early as possible.

The leaves of the horse-bane are sometimes employed in discutient cataplasms; its seeds are recommended in intermittent fevers and pulmonary consumptions, but ought to be prescribed by the faculty.