March, 1902.] Poison Ivy and Ivy Poisoning. 227 



Deltocephalus," " Review of the Genus Agallia," " The Genus 

 Pediopsis," "The Genus Idiocerus," Ball's "Review of the 

 "Tettigonidae of North America North of Mexico," Osborn's 

 " The Genus Scaphoideus," are useful for certain groups. 



The writer is especially interested in the species affecting 

 grasses, and will be pleased to assist anyone who may desire to 

 take up a study of the group, by aiding in the identification of 

 species. If preferred, specimens may be sent unmounted in pill 

 boxes and duplicates returned, as far as time. permits, and sample 

 mounts or hints as to methods will be given those who desire to 

 go thoroughly into stud}' of their home fauna. Collections from 

 eastern and southern localities are especially desired. 



POISON IVY AND IVY POISONING. 



W. A. KeIvI.ERman. 



Of the six species of Rhus occurring in Ohio, namel}^, Rhus 

 copallina. Dwarf Sumac; Rhus hirta, Staghorn Sumac; Rhus 

 glabra. Smooth Sumac ; Rhus aromatica. Fragrant Sumac ; Rhus 

 vernix, Swamp Sumac or Poison Elder, and Rhus radicans, 

 Poison Ivy ( sometimes confused with Rhus toxicodendron, a 

 southern species), only the two latter are poisonous. These are 

 generally so well known as to be avoided — the Poison Ivy being 

 a suspicious-looking vine or occasionally a small, shrubby, 

 upright plant with three leaflets. It need never be mistaken for 

 the Virginia Creeper, since the leaves of the latter are composed 

 of five leaflets. The Swamp vSumac seldom occurs awa}' from 

 swamps and its resemblance to the other large Sumacs generally 

 suffice to identify it. This species has not, however, a dense 

 cluster of. bright-colored fruits at the end of the branches, but 

 open, dull-colored panicles below the terminal leaves. 



It has been determined that the poison of the two Sumacs is an 

 oil, stable not volatile. It is called " toxicodendrol," and occurs 

 in all parts of the plant. An account of Ivy poisoning and its 

 treatment is given in Rhodora by Dr. Pfaff, of the Harvard Med- 

 ical School, from which we here summarize the more important 

 parts. 



The toxicodendrol is easily soluble in alcohol, ether, chloro- 

 form, etc., but insoluble in water. To prevent poisoning, imme- 

 diately after contact with the plant thoroughly wash the parts 

 with soap, using a scrubbing Ijrusli. fnless the washing is 

 thorough it might serve merely to spread the poisonous oil more 

 widely over the skin. The application of a solution of lead 

 acetate in alcohol is recommended, which may take the place of 

 the above. It gives a precipitate of lead-compound which is 

 nearly insoluble in alcohol and can then be removed by washing. 



