Alexandria Gazette & Daily Advertiser

Augusta, (Geo.) July 23.

A melancholy misfortune recently took place in the county of Burke, at the plantation of an acquaintance and friend of ours. This gentleman had employed several workmen from the North to build a brick house. Not having been accustomed to the climate of Georgia, and fearing the consequences of a summer residence here, these workmen resorted to the wild hoar-hound, or thoroughwort, as a preventive of the fevers incident to our climate, during this period of the year. But unfortunately for these unhappy men, instead of being the means of preventing disease, the plant has proved fatal, and three or four who were attacked by its venom have fallen victims to its effects. Doctor Allen, a young physician, lately from the Medical Institution of Philadelphia, was called in to dissect one of the unfortunate victims to this plant: and we are informed by the Doctor, that there is no doubt but that their death was occasioned by the poisonous qualities of the plant used for their preservation. We are informed that there are a great number of species of the wild boar-hound, and some of them extremely poisonous.

How dangerous is it thus to tamper with life, without resorting to those whose study and whose profession is to search into the mysteries of nature, and to apply their knowledge and experience to the benefit of mankind. We believe that much use is made of the wild hoar-hound in Georgia. Let the public beware of its effects.