BOMB A V GRASSES. 1 25 



number of years, its poisonous properties are found to diminish. 

 When required for use it is ground in stone mills, and then 

 pounded and winnowed, whieh process separates the different layers 

 of the testa, and leaves the grain fit for use. Kodra is more readily 

 cooked than common rice, and it is very extensively used in theKon- 

 kan as also in Gujarat, by men and cattle, mixed with whey, the latter 

 being supposed to have the power of neutralising its poison. Not- 

 withstanding all precautions, however, cases of poisoning do occa- 

 sionally occur, though they seem rarely attended with fatal conse- 

 quences. Surgeon-Major Pirie, who has described a case of Kodra 

 poisoning (tide "Transactions of the Medical and Physical Society of 

 Bombay," 1869, No. 9, New Series,) thus enumerates the symptoms : — 



" Unconsciousness, delirium with violent tremors of the muscles, 

 pupils dilated, pulse small and weak, skin cold and covered with 

 profuse perspiration, and difficulty in swallowing." No mention is here 

 made of vomiting, which is one of the earliest symptoms. Fourteen 

 persons belonging to four indigent families were taken to him suffei)- 

 ing from the above symptoms, which had come on about six hours 

 after the Kodra had been eaten, and in extreme cases had lasted 

 eighteen hours. All the persons recovered under emetics, stimulants, 

 warm clothing and heat applied to the surface. 



It will have been remarked by such members as belong to the 

 Medical profession, that the symptoms given above are much like 

 those of poisoning from datura, except the tremors, which are not 

 met with in the last. 



The regular use of Kodra seems to establish a sort of toler- 

 ance of the grain ; but it is believed by people that if partaken with 

 black pepper, even by habitual consumers, 'deleterious effects soon 

 show themselves. 



The evil effects of unwholesome Kodra are far more severe in 

 cattle than in man, due no doubt to their eating the grain, husk, &c, 

 also to the asbence of vomiting, an effect that almost always takes 

 place in man. It proves fatal in quantities of about two and a half 

 ounces to such large quadrupeds as horses, cows, &c. (more so to the 

 former), and has also been known to kill buffaloes, goats, and asses. 

 The active principle that produces these fearful effects has not, as 

 far as I am aware, been yet isolated. Messrs. Duthie and Fuller 



