352 THE DOMESTIC SHEEP. 



other plants are poisonous to sheep, as well as other animals, 

 but not deadly in effect, merely producing narcotic results, and 

 acting on the brain to produce actual temporary insanity. 



The worst of all these are the various members of the heath 

 tribe above referred to. These affect the brain in such a way as 

 to cause loss of sight, inability to swallow, and consequent pro- 



FIG. 26. Loco Weed. 



fuse salivation. Animals dying after eating largely of these 

 leaves and twigs are found to have the brain extensively con- 

 gested, the heart is filled with venous blood, and all Jthe symp- 

 toms of ordinary apoplexy are seen. The author in an experiment 

 made to test the precise action of the leaves of the narrow laurel, 

 eat a few of them. In a few minutes considerable nausea, giddi- 

 ness, clouded vision occurred; the eyes being at times unaffected 

 by light, and the limbs were greatly disturbed and stiff in their 

 movements. Strong coffee relieved the nervous disorder in a 

 short time; while a liberal dose of castor oil relieved the stomach 

 and bowels. This treatment has been effective in every case for 

 the sheep when taken in time, and since then there has not been 

 a fatal case of poisoning where this treatment has been adopted. 



