64 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



result is effected, it must be on the material which has already passed 

 into the fourth stomach, so that to get any re-al antidotal result the 

 remedy must be given repeatedly in order to meet the alkaloid poi- 

 sons as they are passing through the fourth stomach. While certain 

 substances like tannic acid and potassium permanganate are the 

 logical antidotes for plant poisons, in practical application they are 

 ^ery disappointing in the treatment of ruminant animals. Reliance 

 must be mainly on prevention and upon such remedies as will in- 

 crease elimination. A laxative or purgative is always helpful, and 

 for this purpose Epsom salt may be given in pound doses, or linseed 

 oil in doses of 1 or 2 pints. In some few cases special remedies can 

 be given as is indicated below. 



ACORNS. 



Many cases of the poisoning of cattle by acorns have been reported 

 in England and Germany, and there have been some complaints in 

 the United States. Harmful results do not seem likely to occur 

 except as the acorns are eaten in a considerable quantity, and a 

 change of diet ordinarily leads to recovery. The most prominent 

 symptoms are depression and constipation, followed by diarrhea. 



HORSE CHESTNUT— BUCKEYE. 



All the species of ^sculus, popularly known as horse chestnut or 

 buckeye, are considered poisonous. The bark, leaves, and fruit are 

 injurious. It is said that if the fruit is. boiled or roasted and washed 

 out it becomes harmless and even is a desirable addition to the feed 

 of cattle. The Indians in time of scarcity of food have used the fruit 

 after preparing it in this way. The buckeyes are said to have a 

 specific effect in producing abortion in cattle and goats. 



FLY POISON— CHROSPERMA. 



This plant, belonging to the lily family, and sometimes kno^sTn as 

 " stagger grass," causes a considerable loss in the Southern States. 

 It grows earlier than the grasses, and on this account is more likely 

 to be eaten. It is very poisonous. It produces pronounced nausea, 

 resulting in vomiting and weakness, and in cases which recover the 

 effects may continue for several days. Apparently the injurious 

 effects are more common in the case of cattle than in other domestic 

 animals. There is no known way of treating these animals, though 

 doubtless purgatives would be beneficial. 



YEW (TAXUS BACCATA). 



The European yew has long been known as a very poisonous plant. 

 It is cultivated in America, and while cases of poisoning have not 

 been common, it is well to recognize its dangerous character. A 



