The native American., 1838-12-08

alarm has been excited in the West from the ia.
tai prevalence Of disease frequently prevailing
in various sections of that region called milk sick
ness; in SO much that a premium offered by
the Governor Of Kentucky, and perhaps others,
Of $1,000 TO any one who should detect the cause
Of this poisonous quality in an article of diet so
necessary to the comfort of mau, and Of so gene
raj use as to make its impregnation with dele
terious property, as much TO be deplored it was
dreaded. The following letter gives the hope
that this desideratum is attained, that the source
ofthis dreadful calamity is traced to tree called
Sodomite, by writer from Femme Usage Town
ship, St. Charles County, Mo-, under date Sep
tember 8, (ult)
A1ilk Sickncss-Cause discovered.-Mr. Koch:
Dear Sir: l herewith transmit to you one Of the
genuine apples Of Sodom. II grew on large
Sodomite tree in Femme Usage bottom, in St.
Charles county. The tree is nine feet thick, one
hundred and forty feet high, and straight in the
body, there being no limbs, for fftysix feet above
the ground. In fruitful year it is estimated that
it bears one thousand bushels Of fruit The leaves
resemble those of pear tree, but are much larger,
and are evergreen; the blossoms are similar to the
tulip, and when in full bloom it is considered the
most grand, beautiful, and imposing object in
the vegetable kingdom. But it is Of the most
poisonous nature; its roots, bark sap, leaves and
fruit, are all destructive poisons. Its twigs and
branches operate as slow, malignant and incura-
BILE poison, Of peculiar quality, destructive of
animals and man. 1t has been recently discover
ed, and satisfactorily tested, that the browsing up
on the sprouts about its root is the cause of that
~ VTl
fruit, when fully ripe, has an inviting appearance,
but it takes dry rot, and the inside becomes
poisonous and dsagreeable dust, in appearance
resembling Scotch snuff. Notwithstanding its
noxious qualities, cattle and various animals are
fond of frequenting it, and feeding on its leaves,
and they frequently die in its vicinity. Numerous
skeletons of animals may be found in the bottom,
within mile around, but when taken in small
quantities, it terminates in lingering and uncon-
trolable Milk Sickness. Since the tree has been
fenced in, no Milk Sickness has existed. The
wood of the tree is as solid and heavy as lignum
yitse or ebony, and from its similarity, some in
telligent persons have conjectured that it is the
celebrated tree called the Bohon Upas in the East
Indies. When any part of the green tree is lace
rated, peculiar gum exudes from the wound, like
unto white native turpentine, which is esteemed
one of the strongest of poisons, and will blister,
and seriously injure, and ulcerate the human body
if applied externally. It is thought by some per-
sons, that this tree might be advantageously used
in the practice of medicine, if its powerful medi-
cal qualities were properly understood, but its
poison is so destructive, that every person here,
is afraid TO make any experiments with it. If the
citizens OF those parts Of Illinois, Ohio, and Ken
lucky, that are afflicted with the Milk Sickness,
win make proper examination, have no doubt
that they will find somewhere in the sick district,
solitary tree similar to the one have described
above, and fthey will destroy enclose the tree,
they will efectually prevent the disease Many
marvellous stories are told in the neighborhood,
but respecting many Of them | am very incredu-
lous, but the foregoing statement have prepared
from personal observation, and from information
in which I could place implicit confidence. If
YOU should desire further information respecting
this tree, l will take pleasure in answering any
inquiries directed to me by mail, to Mssouritown,
my nearest post office.
With great esteem,
Your obedent servant -
~ Specimens Of the fruit can now be seen at
the ST. Louis Museum.