CHEROPHYLLUM, CHERVIL: A genus of the digymia order, belonging to the pentandria class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 45th order, Umbellata. The involucre is reflexed-concave; the petals inflexed-cordate; the fruit oblong and smooth. There are seven species, two of which, called cow-weed and wild chervil, are weeds common in many places of Britain. The roots of the first have been found poisonous when used as parsnips: the rundles afford an indifferent yellow dye; the leaves and stalks a beautiful green. Its presence indicates a fertile and grateful soil. It ought to be rooted out from all pastures early in the spring, as no animal but the ass will eat it. It is one of the most early plants in shooting, so that by the beginning of April the leaves are near two feet high. The leaves are recommended by Geoffroy as aperient and diuretic, and at the same time grateful to the palate and stomach. He even asserts, that droptics which do not yield to this medicine can scarcely be cured by any other. He directs the juice to be given in the dose of three or four ounces every fourth hour, and continued for some time either alone, or in conjunction with nitre and syrup of the five opening roots.—The other species of cherophyllum are not possessed of any remarkable property.