ZYGADENUS, OE 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 J grains of potassium permanganate 
and 7§ 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 
