130 BuLi^ETiN 145 



face of the plant, and, according to our best authorities, it is trans- 

 mitted only by contact, i. e, not blown through the air. In 

 many cases especially susceptible persons are probably un- 

 wittingly poisoned by getting it on their shoes or clothing and, 

 later, poisoning their hands by contact with these. Most per- 

 sons are especially liable to the poison when perspiring freely. 

 After wandering in proximity to the plant at such a time, it 

 is a wise precaution thoroughly to wash hands and face with 

 free use of strong soap or, much better, with washing soda or 

 some other strongly alkaline solution, which will remove the 

 poison before it has time to strike in. If too late for this, the 

 best remedy is to bathe the parts freely with some of these alka- 

 line washes. A solution of sugar of lead in alcohol is one of the 

 best. Where the poison-ivy occurs near schools or dwellings, 

 it should be exterminated. If in the open field this is easily 

 done by digging it out. Often, however, it grows in stone walls 

 among stunps, or so close to the base of a tree that it is difficult 

 to get at the roots. In such cases a liberal application of a 

 strong solution of washing soda will destroy it. A solution of 

 arseniate of soda (i pound in 8 gallons of water) is even more 

 effective. 



THE POISON SUMACH. Rhiis Vemix L. 



This also goes under a confusing variety of names, such as 

 poison elder and poison dogwood. It likewise exudes a poison 

 similar to the preceding and is fully as dangerous. This 

 shrub grows to a height of six to fifteen feet. It is a swamp plant 

 familiar to anyone who penetrates the swampy thickets border- 

 ing Lake Champlain. Fortunately it is not common in most 

 parts of Vermont. It is the most graceful of the family, with 

 brilliant autumn tints. Were it not so poisonous it would be 

 highly prized as an ornamental shrub. The white berries re- 

 semble those of the commoner poison ivy but are borne in longer, 

 looser clusters. 



