Tutu Poisoning.

Manawatu Herald, 14 December 1893, Page 2

Tutu Poisoning.

( A bad case of poisoning from ( eating berries of the Tutu plnnt I occurred afc Levin on Tuesday. It ; appears that two children of Mr | Palmer, and two children of Mr Partridge, both of whom reside at Levin and are engaged in Mr Prouse's sawmilling business, by some means took a fancy to the purple berries and in the afternoon became -very ill. Dr Dernier was sent for and spent the night in attending the little sufferers easing their pain and finally reducing the attack. Mr .Palmer's little boy, about five years old was the worst and was seriously ill, but before Dr Dernier left was considered oufc of clanger. The Tufcu plant is very common on uncultivated land and is very poisonous, cattle and horses frequently being poisoned by eating the new green leaves. The effect upon an animal is to swell the body to a great size, and they are frequently relieved and rescued by opening the I skin. The plant has a very giddy effect upon those who partake of it, men and animals. An affected beast will turn round and round until it falls, and we learn that the little ono who was so bad span round on the floor as though he was a humming top. Parents cannot be too careful in warning their children of the danger of eating any berries they are unacquainted with, more especially Tutu berries which are very handsome and look very nice.