462 
TRISMUS IN PIGS. 
Sixteen of the pigs died in a very short time, but the rest 
did well. The gardener was of opinion that not more than 
fifteen or sixteen of the roots were thrown into the 
yard, and if so, it is probable all that partook of them 
died. 
[Professor Lindley, in his Flora Medica, says, that 
“ the bulbs of the Narcissus Poeticus have considerable energy 
as emetics. They are administered occasionally on the con- 
tinent in doses of five to ten grains to produce nausea, and 
of thirty grains as an emetic. In the form of extract, this 
and other species have been regarded almost as a specific in 
cases of hooping-cough, in doses of two or three grains ; but, 
although the extract appears sometimes to act with surprising 
rapidity, effecting a cure in five or six days, yet it frequently 
fails, and is thought to be less efficacious than belladonna. 
In doses of two to three drachms the extract is a deadly 
poison.” He adds that the common daffodil, another of the 
tribe, “ has properties similar to those of the Narcissus Poeticus . 
The flowers are likewise said to be emetic.” All other 
authorities agree in ascribing poisonous properties to the 
Narcissi.] 
TRISMUS IN TWO PIGS SUPPOSED TO BE CAUSED BY THE 
GIVING OF SOME BRINE. 
Mr. H. Corby, M.R.C.V.S., Andover, writes— “On the 
9th of May last, I was requested to examine and prescribe 
for two sows, said to be ill in consequence of having had a 
quantity of brine mixed with their food. 
“ 1 found both of them to be affected with trismus. 
One had aborted a few days before, and was much de- 
bilitated ; the other had a litter of pigs by her side, and she 
appeared to be but little affected. The secretion of milk, 
however, was quite suspended. 
“ A blister was applied to the neck and throat of each animal, 
and the sow with the pigs recovered in a few days ; but the 
other not doing so well as could be wished, was killed on the 
10th. I did not see the post-mortem examination, so that 
a doubt must exist as to the precise nature and cause of the 
disease.” 
