271 
It is quite possible that suitable investigation would produce as 
marked and practical results in the case of most of these weeds, as has 
been reached in the recent study of the wild garlic situation in southern 
Indiana. An intensive study of this weed has resulted in a special method 
of eradication that promises to be a boon to owners of land where garlic 
has been established, and to render its complete extermination entirely 
feasible. 
Poisonous Plants and Molds.—The subject of plants and molds, which 
are or may be poisonous to stock needs careful investigation. Many plants 
and yarious molds have been suspected of poisonous action of which there 
is little definite knowledge available. In the majority of cases the evi- 
dence is based on reports obtained from farmers, with no scientific investi- 
gation or actual tests to support them. 
The botanical department of the Experiment Station often receives 
letters, with specimens of plants, stating that those particular kids of 
plants are believed to have been responsible for the death of several head 
of stock, usually cattle. It is known that some of the wild larkspurs of 
the State are poisonous, and that loss of stock has been due to them, but 
no very exact information is at hand. 
Certain silage molds have been under suspicion, and moldy corn is 
quite definitely known to act in a poisonous way. 
The importance of careful study of authenticated cases of poisoning 
from the botanical standpoint will not be gainsaid. 
Conclusion.—Probably enough has been said by way of citing examples, 
and pointing out lines of work to show that there is much valuable in- 
vestigation for the benefit of the cultivator that falls naturally to the 
trained botanist. Most such work must be done by the technical man 
who is supplied with suitable equipment. That the State should properly 
provice the means for carrying forward work of this character seems to 
require no argument. 
Purdue University, 
Lafayette, Indiana. 
