March, 1902.] 
Poison Ivy and Ivy Poisoning. 
22 7 
Deltocephalus,” “ Review of the Genus Agallia,” “ The Genus 
Pediopsis,” '‘The Genus Idiocerus,” Ball’s “Review of the 
“Tettigonidae of North America North of Mexico,” Osborn’s 
“ The Genus Scaphoideus,” are useful for certain groups. 
The writer is especially interested in the species affecting 
grasses, and will be pleased to assist anyone who may desire to 
take up a study of the group, by aiding in the identification of 
species. If preferred, specimens may be sent unmounted in pill 
boxes and duplicates returned, as far as time permits, and sample 
mounts or hints as to methods will be given those who desire to 
go thoroughly into study of their home fauna. Collections from 
eastern and southern localities are especially desired. 
POISON IVY AND IVY POISONING. 
W. A. Kkuekman. 
Of the six species of Rhus occurring in Ohio, namely, Rhus 
copallina, Dwarf Sumac ; Rhus hirta, Staghorn Sumac ; Rhus 
glabra, Smooth Sumac ; Rhus aromatica, Fragrant Sumac ; Rhus 
vernix, Swamp Sumac or Poison Elder, and Rhus radicans, 
Poison Ivy (sometimes confused with Rhus toxicodendron, a 
southern species), only the two latter are poisonous. These are 
generally so well known as to be avoided — the Poison Ivy being 
a suspicious-looking vine or occasionally "a small, shrubby, 
upright plant with three leaflets. It need never be mistaken for 
the Virginia Creeper, since the leaves of the latter are composed 
of five leaflets. The Swamp Sumac seldom occurs away from 
swamps and its resemblance to the other large Sumacs generally 
suffice to identify it. This species has not, however, a dense 
cluster of bright colored fruits at the end of the branches, but 
open, dull-colored panicles below the terminal leaves. 
It has been determined that the poison of the two Sumacs is an 
oil, stable not volatile. It is called “ toxicodendrol,” and occurs 
in all parts of the plant. An account of Ivy poisoning and its 
treatment is given in Rhodora by Dr. Pfaff, of the Harvard Med- 
ical School, from which we here summarize the more important 
parts. 
The toxicodendrol is easily soluble in alcohol, ether, chloro- 
form, etc., but insoluble in water. To prevent poisoning, imme- 
diately after contact with the plant thoroughly wash the parts 
with soap, using a scrubbing brush. Unless the washing is 
thorough it might serve merely to spread the poisonous oil more 
widely over the skin. The application of a solution of lead 
acetate in alcohol is recommended, which may take the place of 
the above. It gives a precipitate of lead-compound which is 
nearly insoluble in alcohol and can then be removed by washing. 
