PLANTS POISONOUS TO STOCK. 



253 



have been poisoned by eating the plant of their own accord, but there 

 is very little danger from it, on account of its ill odour and harsh 

 texture. 



* Nicotiana tabacum. — This is the tobacco most commonly cultivated 

 in the United States. It is native to South America and has escaped 

 from cultivation to some extent in the Southern States. According to 

 some authorities stock are not always disposed to shun this plant on 

 account of its characteristic ill odour and taste, but, on the contrary, 



Fig. 110. — Bittersweet {Solanum dulca- 

 mara), a, Flowering spray ; h, fruit — 

 both one-third natural size. 



Fig. 111. — Black nightshade {Sola- 

 ntun nigrum), one - third natural 

 size. 



will eat a small amount of the leaves with apparent relish, especially 

 when they are somewhat fresh. Stock have, however, been poisoned by 

 eating leaves which were placed withiii their reach to dry, and also by 

 eating food contaminated with the juice of the leaves. Considerable 

 precaution should be used in applying tobacco juice to fresh cuts or 

 bruises in stock, as the poison is easily absorbed into the system and 

 may prove fatal. There are several native species of tobacco in the 



