Ill] Rosaceae, Cucurhitacese 35 



dilatation of pupils, and the results may be fatal if unattended to, 

 prussic acid being formed. 



In the case of poisoning of ewes Aggio observed ( Veterinary Journal, 

 1907) loss of appetite, vomiting, and inability to rise, followed by 

 several deaths. In 1871 Adsetts described {Veterinarian, 1871) symp- 

 toms of poisoning in the horse : indistinct and feeble pulse ; congested 

 mucous membranes, difficult respiration, uneasiness, prostration, 

 coldness of the extremities, loss of appetite, constipation, diminished 

 urination, and acute pain, eventuating in death in three days. In sheep 

 Bibbey observed saUvation, grinding of teeth, brain symptoms, 

 paralysis in the back, coma, and death. 



REFERENCES. 

 4, 16, 73, 76, 81, 128, 129, 130, 132, 170, 205, 232, 254, 255. 



CUCURBITACEiE. 



Bryony {Bryonia dioica L.). This widely distributed hedge 

 climber, which produces large quantities of scarlet berries, is a highly 

 irritant plant, with an unpleasant odour and a nauseous juice. The 

 large fleshy tuberous rootstocks have caused the poisoning of whole 

 famiUes who have eaten them in mistake for turnips and parsnips. The 

 berries may tempt children, and cases of poisoning have occurred. 

 Cornevin estimated that 15 berries would cause the death of a child and 

 40 that of an adult. No deaths of domestic animals have been observed 

 in searching the literature, but animals may possibly eat it along the 

 hedgerows at times when grass is scarce. Pigs might possibly eat 

 sufficient of the rootstock, or poultry of the berries, to cause poisoning. 



Toxic Principle. The plant contains the bitter and poisonous 

 glucoside Bryonin (C34H48O9). 



Symptoms. The symptoms are those resulting from inflammation of 

 the stomach and intestines, together with convulsions. According to Cor- 

 nevin consumption of the plant promotes sweating, and causes a livid hue, 

 nausea, diuresis and abundant painless, watery defsecation, to which are 

 added in cases of poisoning nervous symptoms of stupor and tetanic con- 

 vulsions. There may be super-purgation or a suppression of defsecation. 



Lander states that 2 lb. of fresh or 6 to 8 oz. of dried root given to 

 horses did not cause purging, but there was abdominal pain, loss of 

 appetite, accelerated breathing, fever, dullness and copious urination. 



Cases may end fatally. 



REFERENCES. 

 73, 76, 81, 141, 170, 233. 



3—2 



