detect differences
in this group of plants. Side by side may be growing two specimens, to
the ordinary eye precisely alike, yet the one will be innocent and the
other poisonous.

The drug asafetida is a product of this order. All the plants appear
to "form three different principles: the first, a watery acid matter;
the second, a gum-resinous milky substance; and the third, an
aromatic, oily secretion. When the first of these predominates they
are poisonous; the second in excess converts them into stimulants; the
absence of the two renders them useful as esculents; the third causes
them to be pleasant condiments." So that besides the noxious plants
there is a long range of useful vegetables, as parsnips, parsley,
carrots, fennel, dill, anise, caraway, cummin, coriander, and celery.
The last, in its wild state, is said to be pernicious, but etiolation
changes the products and renders them harmless. The flowers of all are
too minute to be individually pretty, but every one knows how charming
are the umbels of our wild carrot, resembling as they do the choicest
old lace. Frequently the carrot has one central maroon colored floret.

Though most of the plants are herbs, Dr. Welwitsch found in Africa a
tree-like one, with a stem one to two feet thick, much prized by the
natives for its medicinal properties, and also valuable for its
timber. In Kamschatka also they assume a sub-arboreous type, as well
as on the steppes of Afghanistan.

As mistakes often occur by confounding the roots of Umbelliferae with
those of horse radish or other esculents, it is well, when in doubt,
to send the plants, _always in fruit_, if possible, for
identification. None of them are poisonous to the touch--at least to
ordinary people. Cases of rather doubtful authenticity are reported
from time to time of injury from the handling of wild carrot. We have
always suspected the proximity of poison ivy; still, it is unwise to
dogmatize on such matters. Some people cannot eat strawberries--more's
the pity!--while the rest of us get along with them very happily.
Lately the _Primula obconica_ has acquired an evil reputation as an
irritant, so there is no telling what may not happen with certain
constitutions.

Difficult as is the study of Umbelliferae, it becomes fascinating on
acquaintance. To hunt up a plant and name it by so scientific a
process brings to the student a sufficient reward.--_American
Naturalist._

* * * *