60 PASTURE AND RANGE. 



is found in the lower parts of the mountains and some- 

 times poisons stock, though it is so thinly scattered that 

 losses are comparatively rare. Its chief 



Symptoms and effect ig Qn the heart an( j b j ood vesse l s> but 

 Conditions of . .. , 



Poisoning there are also characteristic secondary 



effects. The pulse becomes very weak. 

 Bloating is common and nausea and retching are present 

 in all cases. There is apparently a considerable feeling 

 of constriction in the throat, giving rise to repeated at- 

 tempts at swallowing. The pupils are dilated. Horses 

 sweat profusely and become so weak as to be unable to 

 stand. Death is usually caused by asphyxia. The poison- 

 ous character of other species is a matter of history. 

 The European form, Aconitum Napellus L., is the source 

 of the drug aconite, and an Indian species Aconitum ferox 

 Wall., is used by natives of the Himalayas as an arrow 

 poison. 



Concerning the treatment for aconite poisoning in per- 

 sons, Chesnut, in 1898, wrote as follows: "No specific 



antidote is recognized, but physicians have 

 Treatment ' L f 



used atropm or digitalis and nitrate of amyl 



with good effects. The ordinary emetics and stimulants 

 must be given. Artificial respiration should be con- 

 tinued for a couple of hours if necessary, and a recum- 

 bent position must be maintained through the treat- 

 ment." 



Tannic acid is recommended by Gail and Hahner as a 

 chemical antidote. All agree that the use of heart and 

 respiratory stimulants is an important part of the treat- 

 ment. 



