271 



It is quite possible that suitable investigation would produce as 

 marked and practical results in the case of most of these weeds, as has 

 been reached in the recent study of the wild garlic situation in southern 

 Indiana. An intensive study of this weed has resulted in a special method 

 of eradication that promises to be a boon to owners of land where garlic- 

 has been established, and to render its complete extermination entirely 

 feasible. 



Poisonous Plants and Molds. — The subject of plants and molds, which 

 are or may be poisonous to stock needs careful investigation. Many plants 

 and various molds have been suspected of poisonous action of which there 

 is little definite knowledge available. In the majority of cases the evi- 

 dence is based on reports obtained from farmers, with no scientific investi- 

 gation or actual tests to support them. 



The botanical department of the Experiment Station often receives 

 letters, with specimens of plants, stating that those particular kir.ds of 

 plants are believed to have been responsible for the death of several head 

 of stock, usually cattle. It is known that some of the wild larkspurs of 

 the State are poisonous, and that loss of stock has been due to them, but 

 no very exact information is at hand. 



Certain silage molds have been under suspicion, and moldy corn is 

 quite definitely known to act in a poisonous way. 



The importance of careful study of authenticated cases of poisoning 

 from the botanical standpoint will not be gainsaid. 



Conclusion. — Probably enough has been said by way of citing examples, 

 and pointing out lines of work to show that there is much valuable in- 

 vestigation for the benefit of the cultivator that falls naturally to the 

 trained botanist. Most such work must be done by the technical man 

 who is supplied with suitable equipment. That the State should properly 

 provide the means for carrying forward work of this character seems to 

 require no argument. 



Purdue University, 



Lafayette, Indiana. 



