HEATH FAMILY. Ti 
LOCO WEED OR MILK VETCH—Astragalus spp. 
The resemblance between these plants and the stem- 
less Loco Weeds is marked. They may, however, usually 
be distinguished by the presence of leafy stems, but al- 
ways, as stated above, by the absence of any spur at the 
tip of the keel in the blossoms. Of the seventeen species 
listed by Rydberg, a number are undoubtedly responsible 
for loco disease and’ are as poisonous as the Stemless 
Loco Weeds. One species, Astragalus mollissimus Torr., 
-has caused great losses in parts of the western United 
States. Chesnut says the damage done to the live-stock 
business by this weed is immense. The State of Color- 
ado paid out nearly $200,000 in bounties between 1881 
and 1885, to check its ravages. 
Barium salts have been suspected as the toxic sub- 
stance of the Loco Weeds. 
HEATH FAMILY—E’vicaceae. 
LAURELS—Kalmia spp. 
Several poisonous species of Kalmia are found in Can- 
ada and the United States, growing in dry places and in 
Boisoning bogs. Their leathery leaves, and, in fact, all 
by Laurels Darts of the plants, contain andromedodextrin, 
a substance stated by Chesnut to be more 
poisonous than strychnin, though it is almost the reverse 
in its action. Grouse and deer appear to be immune to 
its effects. When they have fed on it, however, their 
flesh is said to be poisonous to human beings and to other 
animals. It is reported that people have been poisoned 
by eating honey extracted from the flowers. 
