vu] Plants suspected of being Poisonous 95 
Broom-rape (Orobanche minor Suit.) has been suspected, and 
according to Boitel is liable to cause violent colic when it occurs in 
considerable proportion in clover and is ingested with it (73). On the 
other hand, in a case noted by Stapledon, in which Broom-rape 
(0. minor) had completely overrun the aftermath on a farm near 
Fishguard, two-year-old cattle devoured the plant with apparent 
relish and cleared off most of it in a few days after being turned in. 
The farmer stated that he saw no trace of colic or other ill effects. 
(Jour. Bd. Agric., September, 1916.) 
Great Mullein (Verbascum Thapsus L.). Though it does not 
appear to be touched by farm live-stock the Great Mullein must be 
mentioned here. The leaves and flowers have been used medicinally 
as an emollient and pectoral, while the seeds possess narcotic properties 
and serve to stupefy fish (73). Pammel states that the plant causes 
irritation, but is probably not very poisonous to stock. 
Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris Mill.). Cornevin describes Toadflax as 
acrid and poisonous, but says that stock reject it, and he could record 
no accidents to animals. In his full and excellent account of this weed, 
Kraus says it is regarded as poisonous, or suspected of being so, but 
that according to most accounts it is not harmful to cattle (168). 
Leunis regards it as suspicious on account of its acridity. Some 
German authorities say it is willingly eaten by cattle, but it is generally 
believed to be avoided, and owing to its disagreeable odour and acrid 
taste this view is probably correct. The plant has not been exhaustively 
studied, and while Smith gives the toxic principle as Oil of Snapdragon 
and the resin Gratiolin, it may be observed that Toadflax contains the 
glucoside Linarin (C 64 H 56 40 ). 
Figworts (Scrophularia nodosa L. and S. aquatica L.). These 
plants are not likely to be eaten by animals, but Cornevin states that 
the former is strongly emetic and purgative, and that in excess it may 
cause superpurgation ending in death. Miiller says that the two 
species have respectively caused poisonous symptoms in a cow and a 
sheep ; in the case of the cow there were loss of appetite and symptoms 
of paralysis. From S. nodosa Walz extracted a bitter, crystalline 
substance, Scrophularine. 
Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus Crista-galli L.). When grass land is 
put under the plough Yellow Rattle present may re-appear in a cereal 
crop as a semi-parasite, and its seeds may later be ground up with the 
grain, imparting a reddish or violet-brown colour and an unpleasant 
taste to the flour and even bread made from it. It is strongly suspected 
