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MANUAL OF POISONOUS PLANTS 



rubbed were used by the Winnebago Indians for colds and to produce sneez- 

 ing. Dr. Chesnut says : 



Fig. 448, Sneeze-weed (Helenium autumnale). 



Sheep, cattle and horses that are unfamiliar with the plant are often poisoned oy it when 

 driven to localities where it is abundant. As a rule these animals avoid it, but it is said they 

 sometimes develop a taste for it and are quickly killed by eating it in large quantity. The 

 poisonous constituent has not been closely investigated, but it is known that it exists princi- 

 pally in the flowers. The young plants appear to be only very slightly dangerous. In the 

 mature ones the amount of poison present seems to vary greatly even in the same field. The 

 symptoms as determined by experiments made in Mississippi upon calves, are an accelerated 

 pulse, difficult breathing, staggering, and extreme sensitiveness to the touch. In fatal cases, 

 death is preceded by spasms and convulsions. 



Melted lard, when given before the spasms begin, has been used with good 

 effect in offsetting the action of the poison. The sneeze weeds are said some- 

 times to taint milk, imparting to it a bitter flavor. 



Dr. Phares, in an early account of the poisonous nature of the plant states: 



Experiment 1. — Calf about four months old and not fed in the morning. Upon three 

 ounces of the dried plant was poured a pint of boiling water. After an hour the water 

 was decanted with pressure. Mr. J. W. McWilliams, of the senior class, gave all the doses 

 in all the experiments and noted the symptoms. October 6th the above infusion was 

 ordered to be divided into four parts and one part given every half hour, beginning at 

 11:10 a. m. The first dose produced no very marked effect — only a flow of a few tears. 

 After second dose became restless, later laid down. After third dose breathing impaired, 

 continued lying down and appears sicker for a short while. Fourth dose, breathing harder, 



