PLANTS POISONOUS TO STOCK. ' 243 



uniformly observed that a number of the sheep lingered on from two to 

 four days before they died. The muscular convulsions resembled those 

 caused by strychnine. The excretion of the kidneys was much increased 

 and frequently was bloody. Post-mortem examinations of sheep poisoned 

 by lupines revealed conditions similar to those in acute forms of loco 

 disease, with the addition of a congested condition of the kidneys. 



No remedies have been tried in cases of poisoning from American 

 species of lupine, but it seems reasonable to suppose that potassium 

 permanganate would probably destroy the lupine alkaloids in the stomach 

 if administered promptly after the first signs of poisoning. Experience 

 and observation indicate that lupine hay is always dangerous for sheep if 

 cut at a time when the seeds are retained in the hay. The evidence thus 

 far collected regarding this matter indicates that the seeds are the most 

 poisonous part of the plant. 



POISONING BY VETCHES (lATHYRUS SATIVUs) : LATHYRISM. 



In the horse this disease is due to feeding on grain containing 

 the seeds of vetches, but in the ox to eating the green portions of the 

 plants. Feeding has to be continued for at least a month to produce 

 accidents. 



The earliest symptoms consist in suppression of milk secretion, and 

 somnolence. Nervous symptoms — from which alone the horse suffers — 

 soon make their appearance. The neuro-muscular system is attacked. 

 Interference with the nervous system is followed by inco-ordination of 

 movement, and later by paraplegia of the hind quarters. Eoaring is not 

 noticeable, probably because the patients rarely move rapidly. 



The lesions have been little studied, but appear to consist in con- 

 gestion and infiltration of the meninges, cord, and roots of the lumbo- 

 sacral plexus. 



Treatment. If the animals are paralysed, treatment is rarely of 

 value ; otherwise it is sufficient to remove the cause and to administer 

 purgatives and diuretics, with the object of eliminating toxic products. 

 Eecovery follows in three to four weeks. 



Robinia pseudacacia. — The common locust tree is native in the 

 central and eastern parts of the United States, and is extensively 

 cultivated for ornamental purposes throughout the Union. The bark 

 and leaves contain a powerful poison, and persons have been killed by 

 eating these parts. 



* Sophora secundiflora. — The beautiful bright-red beans of the frijo- 

 lillo, or coral bean, of southern and western Texas contain a powerfully 

 poisonous alkaloid. The plant is said to have poisoned stock in Texas 

 and in northern Mexico. 



R 2 



