THE GRASS FAMILY 33 



serious pest in wheat fields in some localities where it has been 

 recently introduced. The market value of wheat is materially 

 reduced by the presence of Darnel seeds in quantity. 



The seeds of Darnel are reputed to be poisonous. In 

 "The True Grasses," by Edward Hackel (translated), is the 

 following : 



"The grain contains a narcotic principle (Loliin), soluble 

 in ether, which causes eruptions, trembling and confusion of 

 sight in man and flesh-eating animals, and very strongly in 

 rabbits; but it does not affect swine, horned cattle or ducks." 



Dr. E. M. Freeman, of the University of Minnesota, has 

 shown, however, that there are two races of the plant, one with 

 a fungus and another without, and that there is apparently no 

 transference of the fungus from one race to the other. In refer- 

 ring to the results of his investigations, he says: "If the seeds 

 are really poisonous, it may be that those with the fungus are 

 poisonous, while those without fungus are not. I have attempted 

 recently to determine this, but have failed to get any conclusive 

 results." 



Remedy: Sow clean seed. It is not definitely known how 

 long the seeds will retain their vitality. Lands badly infested 

 with Darnel may be seeded to grass to advantage. That will 

 prevent it from spreading in seed grain and will ultimately 

 destroy the vitality of the seeds in the soil. Feed grain containing 

 Darnel should be finely ground. It is distributed principally 

 in seed grain, feeding stuffs and by other human agencies. 

 The method of eradication outlined for Wild Oats will be effective 

 for Darnel. 



Want ye corn for bread? 

 'Twas full of darnel; Do you like the taste? 



Shakespeare, / Henry VI, Act III, sc. ii, 1592. 



