[A sample of a weed commonly known as "deadly nightshade" growing about Newry and which had proved fatal to cattle eating it, was forwarded by Constable Drummond to the Council,1 and by them forwarded to Baron von Mueller, who in reply said it was the British annual Nightshade, (solanum nigrum), in its variety with green berries. It is a well know poison plant at home and has followed settlers all over the world. As the plant is of short individual duration, no great difficulty exists in getting rid of it. It can be hoed up easily, and should be burnt, otherwise from the berries new growth will spring up. Should cows be poisoned from this cause they may be saved by stimulants, strong coffee being one of the most suitable.]
Solanum nigrum
In the report of the same item in Gippsland times, 11 April 1895, p. 3, it was stated that Drummond had reported that five cows died on 12 March, and had sent a specimen.
Letter not found. The text given here is from 'Correspondence' in the report of the meeting of the Maffra Shire Council held on 10 April 1895, in Maffra spectator, 11 April 1895, p. 3. The item is dated to April as the latest it could have been sent; it may have been written in March, see n. 2. The section is introduced by 'The following correspondence was dealt with:–'.
Please cite as “FVM-95-04-00g,” in Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, edited by R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora†, J.H. Voigt† and Monika Wells accessed on