G52 

 (leaf 2) 



ities are concerned, because of its coarseness arid its relatively high 

 ash and crude fiber content. The following chemical analysis com- 

 pares the composition of giant wild-rye with the average 67 common 

 western range grasses : 2 



Ergot (Claviceps purpwea], a black fungous growth which in- 

 fests the heads of certain grasses, replacing the grains with the black 

 or purple club-shaped bodies of the fungus, has been observed on 

 the heads of giant wild -rye in the vicinity of the Colville National 

 Forest, Wash., and probably occurs on this grass in other localities. 

 If ergot-infested grasses are consumed, losses may result, although 

 comparatively large doses of the poison must be consumed in a com- 

 paratively short time to cause trouble, as chronic poisoning through 

 the ingestion of small amounts of ergot over a period of time are 

 very rare. The symptoms of ergotism naturally assume two forms : 

 (1) the gangrenous form, and (2) the nervous, or spasmodic form. 

 In the first there are coldness and anesthesia (lack of feeling) of 

 the extremities, including the feet, ears, and tail of quadrupeds; 

 the comb, tongue, and beak of birds followed by the appearance 

 of passive congestion, blebs (blisters), dry gangrene in the vicinity 

 of these parts, and often the dropping off of hoofs and beak. In 

 the nervous, or spasmodic form are seen toxic contraction of the 

 flexor tendons of the limbs and anesthesia of the extremities; muscu- 

 lar trembling and general tetanic spasm, with opisthotonos (bending 

 backward of the body), convulsions, and delirium. Death ensues 

 in both forms from general exhaustion. 3 



Giant wild-rye has an extensive root system from short, thick, 

 perennial rootstocks and is a valuable soil binder for ditch banks, 

 railway embankments, and the like. The seeds were used as food 

 by many tribes of Indians. 



2 Knight, H. G., Hepner, F. E., and Nelson, A. WYOMING FORAGE PLANTS AND THEIB 

 CHEMICAL COMPOSITION. STUDIES NO. 4. Wyo. Agr. Bxpt. Sta. Bull. 87, 152 pp., 

 lllus. 1911. 



8 Pammel, L. H. A MANUAL OF POISONOUS PLANTS CHIEFLY OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA, 



WITH BRIEF NOTES ON ECONOMIC AND MEDICINAL PLANTS. . . 2 ptS., illUS. Cedar 



Rapids, Iowa. 1910-11. 



