22 



complete relief in the application of hot water to the exposed parts. 

 The exact action of the hot water upon the toxicodendrol is to be 

 inferred, but, as a matter of fact, in one case at least it is a satisfac- 

 tory remedy. 



It has been taken for granted that the active principle in both of 

 the poisonous plants of the Rhus genus in our flora is the same, and 

 the remedy for the one is for both, namely, the weak alcohol bearing 

 a full saturation of the sugar of lead. It should be remembered that 

 this milky fluid is very poisonous when swallowed, and the bottle 

 needs to be labeled, stored, and its contents used with special care. 



Aside from the treatment of the poison, a word needs to be said 

 concerning the eradication of the venomous plants. The poison 

 sumac as it grows in swamps is not in the line of general travel, and 

 excepting when in the vicinity of the house or pleasure grounds, 

 will probably be left to itself. A few hours in the winter might, 

 however, suffice to rid a low woodlot of the injurious plants. With 

 the vine the case is quite different, for if left to thrive it will assert 

 itself in many a hedge row and garden fence and neglected corners 

 about the house. From all these it should be rooted out. As some 

 persons are immune from the poison, such are specially endowed for 

 this work of cleansing. All others will need to be upon their guard. 

 The poison ivy roots deeply, and only thorough work will pay. 

 Some use sulphuric acid upon the stumps, which, while effective, is- 

 exceedingly corrosive to the flesh and clothing of the operator. 



Euphorbias. 



The snow-on-the-mountain {Euphorbia marginata Pursh.) is a 

 Western wild annual plant that is introduced into our ornamental 

 grounds. Like the spurges generally, it is filled with a milky juice 

 that produces an eruption, and blisters not unlike the effects from 

 ivy-poisoning. The plant being unusually attractive from its white- 

 margined leaves, children are apt to pick it and be poisoned thereby, 

 while persons who use the plant in bouquets, etc., should be upon 

 their guard. 



The caper spurge (Euphorbia Lathyris L. ) is a common cultivated 

 plant, growing wild to some extent in the State. The milk is very 

 irritating upon the skin, and may produce gangrene. Another garden 

 spurge (Euphorbia Cyparessias L. ) is likewise poisonous. 



A rather common wild species of Euphorbia, the ipecac spurge 

 {E. Ipecacuanha L. ), growing in low tufts in sandy places and won- 



