80 STOCK-POISONING PLANTS OF MONTANA. 



During the spring, however, this whole band of sheep was poisoned 

 from eating death camas. Observations in the field indicate that the 

 purple larkspur is not as virulent as death camas. When, in addition 

 to this, it is considered that death camas is apparently eaten more fre- 

 quentl}' than the purple larkspur, it would seem to be a safe assertion 

 that death camas is the most important plant concerned in cases of 

 spring poisoning of stock. 



REMEDIAL AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES. 



In cases of poisoning from this plant the same remedies should be 

 applied which were recommended for poisoning by the tall larkspur. 



As most of the cases of poisoning occur before larkspur is in bloom, 

 it is important that stockmen should make themselves familiar with its 

 appearance in the earlier stages of growth, in order to be able to herd 

 sheep away from it at that period. 



The purple larkspur is a plant which is widely distributed in Mon- 

 tana., especially on foothills and mountains, where its deep blue flowers 

 are conspicuous over wide areas in springtime. 



For a number of years it has been considered fatal to sheep and 

 occasionally to other stock, and this \dew has been confirmed by our 

 investigations. 



Sheep are more often poisoned by purple larkspur than are other 

 domestic animals. 



Our observations during the past few years have shown a striking 

 variation in the appetite of sheep with reference to this plant. 



Our experiments indicate that both the leaves and roots of young 

 plants are poisonous and that the plant is most dangerous during the 

 early stages of growth before flowering. 



The previous experience of one of us had shown that atropine 

 is the best antidote for counteracting the physiological effect of this 

 plant. Permanganate of potasji and sulphate of aluminum should be 

 administered as a chemical antidote. 



WYOMING WATER HEMLOCK. 



{Cicuta occidentalis Greene.) 



Other names: Water hemlock, cowbane, spotted cowbane, wild 

 parsnip, etc. 



DESCRIPTION, HABITAT, AND DISTRIBUTION. 



A smooth perennial 2 to 5 feet in height, with 3 to 10 fleshj'^, 

 tapering roots, 3 to 5 inches long, clustered at the base of the ascending 

 axis; leaves doubly compound, with narrow serrate leaflets 2 to 3 

 inches in length; flowers in clusters, dull greenish- white (Pis. VII and 



