The Suchowchi also makes the remark, that
the best rhubarb, with golden flowers in the breaking, is gathered in this
province (district of Shan-tan), and that it is equally beneficial to
men and beasts, preserving them from the pernicious effects of the heat."
(Palladius, l.c. p. 9.) - H. C.]
NOTE 4. - Erba is the title applied to the poisonous growth, which may be
either "plant" or "grass." It is not unlikely that it was a plant akin to
the Andromeda ovalifolia, the tradition of the poisonous character of
which prevails everywhere along the Himalaya from Nepal to the Indus.
It is notorious for poisoning sheep and goats at Simla and other hill
sanitaria; and Dr. Cleghorn notes the same circumstance regarding it that
Polo heard of the plant in Tangut, viz. that its effects on flocks
imported from the plains are highly injurious, whilst those of the hills
do not appear to suffer, probably because they shun the young leaves,
which alone are deleterious. Mr. Marsh attests the like fact regarding the
Kalmia angustifolia of New England, a plant of the same order
(Ericaceae). Sheep bred where it abounds almost always avoid browsing on
its leaves, whilst those brought from districts where it is unknown feed
upon it and are poisoned.
Firishta, quoting from the Zafar-Namah, says: "On the road from Kashmir
towards Tibet there is a plain on which no other vegetable grows but a
poisonous grass that destroys all the cattle that taste of it, and
therefore no horsemen venture to travel that route." And Abbe Desgodins,
writing from E. Tibet, mentions that sheep and goats are poisoned by
rhododendron leaves.
