ZYGADENUS, OR DEATH CAMAS. 39 



to 30 grains, but still with no evidence of a reduction of the toxic 

 effect. In two cases, 15 grains were introduced directly into the 

 rumen with no better results. 



Because of this lack of success it was deemed best to try mixing 

 the permanganate with the Zygadenus before administration to see 

 if the alkaloid would be destroyed in vitro. On May 19, 1913, two 

 sheep of equal weight, Nos. 184 and 191, were each drenched with 

 0.586 pound of Zygadenus venenosus in water. In the dose given to 

 No. 191 there were dissolved 7 \ grains of potassium permanganate 

 and 1\ grains of aluminum sulphate. Both animals were sick, and 

 there was no recognizable difference in the degree of illness. The 

 experiment tended to show that the administration of the potassium 

 permanganate was without any definite effect upon the toxicity of the 

 plant, but a similar experiment on July 11, 1914, on sheep No. 253 

 showed quite clearly that the dosage of the former experiment was 

 insufficient. In this case 0.441 pound of seed heads of Z. venenosus 

 was mixed in water with 15 grains of potassium permanganate and 

 15 grains of aluminum sulphate and the mixture allowed to stand for 

 20 minutes before being administered. The sheep displayed no 

 symptoms of poisoning, although other cases of the same date 

 receiving the same quantity of Zygadenus, with no remedy, showed 

 distinct symptoms. It seemed clear that a sufficient quantity of 

 permanganate will diminish the toxicity of the plant, when mixed 

 with it before administration. When given after symptoms of poison- 

 ing are exhibited, however, the remedy is of no value. This, too, has 

 been demonstrated by practical experience upon the range. Potas- 

 sium permanganate has been used by many sheep owners in Montana, 

 and it is the almost universal testimony that it is worthless. 



TANNIC ACID. 



Sheep No. 206, on June 4, 1913, was drenched with 0.43 pound of 

 Zygadenus tops, including leaves and flowers. To this drench were 

 added three grams of tannic acid. The animal showed no signs of 

 illness. On May 29 a sheep was made sick on 0.389 pound, and on 

 May 30 one was made sick on 0.385 pound and one died on 0.384 

 pound. It seems fair to presume, therefore, that the tannic acid had 

 been of benefit to sheep No. 206. 



Sheep No. 210, on June 6, 1913, was drenched with 0.496 pound of 

 leaves and flowers of Zygadenus venenosus to which 3 grams of tannic 

 acid had been added. On the same date sheep No. 209 received 0.495 

 pound of the same material, but without the tannic acid. Both 

 animals were sick and recovered, but it was the impression of the 

 observers that sheep No. 210 was not as sick as sheep No. 209. 



On June 7, 1913, sheep Nos. 212 and 213 were each drenched with 

 0.55 pound of leaves and flowers of Zygadenus venenosus. In the 



