2-799-050 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Deadly Nightshade - (Atropa belladonna), 1844. 'The plant Atropa Belladonna, Deadly Nightshade, or dwale, is found not unfrequently in hedges and thickets in this country. The whole is of a lightish green colour, except the flowers, which are of a large and dingy-brownish purple; and the berries, which are of the rich deep black ot black cherries. The odour of the whole plant is nauseous and oppressive, as if to warn us of its venomous nature: the berries, from their resemblance to cherries, have often been eaten by children, with fatal consequences. The active property of the leaves and roots is employed medicinally. 1, a Corolla, cut open, showing the position of the stamens. 2, the calyx, with the pistil. 3, a berry cut in half, to show its two cells, in each of which are several seeds'. From "Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol V.