INTRODUCTION 



The subject of poisonous plants is at all times naturally one of very 

 great importance in every agricultural country, particularly in a country 

 of such vast extent of fertile land as ours. It is more so, at the present 

 time when the world-wide cry for food has turned the thoughts and inten- 

 tions of farmers and stockowners to the necessity for greater production. 

 In this greater effort, there is the danger of pasturage being restricted and 

 overstocked and animals forced to eat plants they would otherwise avoid. 



Although the yearly loss due to plant-poisoning is known to be on 

 the increase, the amount of the loss is not ascertainable, owing to the fact 

 that many fatalities are attributed to other causes through lack of knowl- 

 edge and available Hterature. A knowledge of poisonous plants and the 

 ability to distinguish the most harmful species in his neighbourhood are 

 highly essential to every owner of live stock, so that he may be enabled 

 to avoid pasturing animals on infested areas until the danger is past. 

 This publication has been prepared with this end in view, as well as for 

 the use of the general public and students interested in the subject. The 

 descriptions and illustrations, it is hoped, will be of service in this con- 

 nection. 



Wherever possible, all scientific terms have been translated into 

 ordinary EngHsh, and the most familiar of the common names given. 

 The scientific names and synonyms of each species, as well as the scientific 

 names of the families, have been inserted for the greater convenience of 

 teachers and science masters. The symptoms have been given to assist 

 veterinary surgeons in diagnosing cases of poisoning. 



Since, in every case of severe poisoning, whether of human beings or 

 animals, professional advice should be promptly summoned, no attempt 

 has been made to cover remedial measures; but a few suggestions useful 

 in emergencies have been given here and there. For general treatment of 

 animals a supply of permanganate of potash and aluminum sulphate 

 (alum) should be kept on hand. These drugs are inexpensive and may 

 be obtained at any druggist's. A well-dissolved equal portion of each 

 should be administered at the earliest possible moment after poisoning. 



As this publication is the first of its kind in Canada, and as the infor- 

 mation contained has been gathered from widely scattered sources, there 

 is still a very great deal to be learned in regard to Canadian poisonous 

 plants. For this reason it is hoped that all interested will send in suspi- 

 cious plants for identification, to the Experimental Farm, Ottawa. 



