I come now to speak of the Bohon Upas of our land,—the Poison Sumach.
This is confessedly a dangerous plant, and is allied to the shrub from
which the celebrated Wourali poison is made by the natives of Guiana.
The poisonous properties of the sap are said to be dissipated by
boiling. Hence the varnish prepared by the Chinese from the sap of this
plant is free from its injurious properties. Hence also the danger of
being exposed to its fumes, when its branches are burned with other
brush.
The Poison Sumach is a very elegant shrub. It is prim and slender, and
draws attention by its want of resemblance to other trees and shrubs in
our woods. The main stems and principal branches are of an ashen-gray
color, though the recent shoots, before they harden into wood, and the
leaf-stems are of a fine crimson or purple. The leaves are beautifully
pinnate, of a light green hue with purple veins. The flowers and fruit
are greenish, inconspicuous, and without any beauty. This plant, unlike
the other species, is found only in low boggy situations.
There are some unaccountable facts connected with the poisonous
qualities of this tree. While some persons are affected with dangerous
swellings and inflammation on the least exposure to it, others handle
it, breathe its burning fumes, and even chew its leaves and branches
with impunity. Some are rendered more susceptible by having been once
poisoned; others, who were often injuriously affected by it in their
youth, outgrow their susceptibility, and may afterwards handle the plant
without danger. As certain persons are exempt from the malignant effects
of this plant, there is occasionally an instance of similar effects
suffered by individuals from other plants. I am acquainted with a lady
who has been frequently poisoned by handling the branches of the black
wild cherry. Such isolated facts serve to increase the mystery attending
the subject.
A notion prevails in the country, that the recent shoots of the
pitch-pine, if frequently chewed, will render any one safe from the
effects of this poison. The forest undoubtedly abounds in antidotes to
the injurious action of the Poison Sumach and other similar plants; and
I have often thought that the impunity with which the goat browses upon
narcotic herbs may be caused by the counteracting effects of other
plants among the many species which he devours in the field and pasture.
It is admitted that persons who spend much of their time in the woods
are not liable to be affected by this poison. They may, in some way or
other, become inoculated with its antidotes. I have never suffered in
the least degree from it, though I have passed a considerable part of my
lifetime in the forest. Catesby mentions a fact, which he says was well
attested, of an Indian who daubed himself with the juice of the purple
bindweed, and then handled a rattlesnake with his naked hands with
impunity. Some high authority may be quoted to sustain any similar
improbable fact or absurd opinion.
[Illustration: THE ELDER.]