Object number
60/150
Description
This is a sample of dried hellebore (helleborus viridis). Hellebore was used in the Dales area of Durham (Weardale, Teesdale), where it was known as ‘felon grass’, as a last resort to treat a cow on which a vet had given up. A cut was made in the skin of the animal, a hellebore leaf was inserted under the skin which, the cut was stitched up and the hellebore left for ten days before being removed.
Physical description
sample of hellebore
Label Text
Hellebore sample. This is a sample of dried hellebore which was used in the Dales area of Durham (Weardale, Teesdale), where it was known as 'felon grass', as a last resort to treat a cow on which a vet had given up. A cut was made in the skin of the animal, a hellebore leaf was inserted under the skin which, the cut was stitched up and the hellebore left for ten days before being removed. These were cut & dried in summer and were used in dry form throughout winter - most users prefer fresh material in season.
Archival history
MERL Recording form – ‘Who used it: Generally used by ‘Cow Doctors’ in West Durham. // When was it used: For general use into living memory – still used often as a last resort after veterinary surgeon has given up. // How was it used: A cut was made in the skin of the animal, generally on dearlap [?] shoulder or lower neck: a pouch cut under the skin received the folded leaf & the cut was then stitched roughly, left for about 10 days & then removed. // Where was it used: Dales area of Durham (Weardale, Teesdale). // Has it a local name: Felon grass. Operation often simply called “cutting”. // When this object was used do you know if it was common in many parts of the country or only in the place from which it came: // Who made it: Frown in gardens, also grows wild (?) in a wood at Egglestone from which most of the garden specimens are said to have come originally. // When was it made: // Where was it made: // From what materials is the object made: The leaves of Helleborus niger. These were cut & dried in summer and were used in dry form throughout winter – most users prefer fresh material in season. // Is it corroded or broken or damaged in any other way: // What are its approximate measurements: Grows to about 15”/18” high. // Have you a photograph of the object: Not at present. Dried specimen attached. // Has it any unusual characteristics: // Additional information: Plant identification confirmed by S. Campbell Esq Regional Grassland Adviser, NASS, Northern Region – letter attached. I have been shown several cattle which have recovered after being ‘given up’ by the Vet. ‘Felon’ as a disease is usually summer mastitis in this area – but the cure is used for almost any form of debility which does not yield to more modern methods. // Could you please make a rough sketch of the object:’
Production place
Durham [county]
Object name
Material
Associated subject
