POISONING FROM FLOWERS 



67 



(b) 



Fig. 16i. Wild Barley (Hordeum jubatum). b. Wild Barley (H. nodosum), cause of 

 mechanical injuries to animals. 



Similar and allied species in other parts of the world are known to be injuri- 

 ous in the same way. Other plants are injurious by means of their sharp-point- 

 ed fruit. Among those of the last named type are members of the Geranium fam- 

 ily notably the Stork's bill (Er odium cicutarium}, common in the west, which fre- 

 quently gets into the wool of sheep and may produce local irritation. Mechanical 

 injuries are also produced by the Sand Bur (Cenchrus tribuloides} whose spiny 

 involucre may work into the flesh of animals and induce an irritation followed by 

 inflammation, and the formation of pus. Hogs and cattle often receive mechan- 

 ical injuries from the Cocklebur (Xanthium canadense} and allied species. 



A recent number of Horticulture (Jan. 1, 1910) notes that rose thorns have 

 caused the poisoning of the hands of clerks who handle the roses. 



Prof. J. Davy states that in South Africa the burrs of a clover Trifolium 

 terrestris var hispidissimus are said to injure young lambs. 



The Burdock (Lappa major} sometimes produces no little irritation, and the 

 same may be said of the Spanish Needle (Bidens frondosa). The sharp, stiff 



