14 
Bulletin 113. 
leaves appear on a long stem in the form of a cluster, are finely 
divided, and in appearance are very different from the large oval 
leaf of the species previously mentioned. The flowers have the 
same appearance, save in color, which varies from a deep blue 
to a dark rich purple. It grows at high altitudes. In the moun¬ 
tains west of the Roaring Fork it was found growing at 11,000 
feet, and at lower altitudes had been seen in full bloom on the 20th 
of April. Very little damage had been reported from this plant 
after May 1st. As both species of larkspur do their damage before 
the flowering season, it is of the greatest importance that stockmen 
familiarize themselves with the appearance of this plant before 
bloom and assiduously avoid it. 
Symptoms of Poisoning. The symptoms of larkspur poisoning 
are similar to those produced by aconite. The first thing noticed 
is a stiffness. The back appears to be arched and the legs are 
carried wide apart. There is usually some frothing at the mouth. 
The animal stumbles and falls, several times, and trembles violently. 
The throat is affected and there is persistent swallowing. 
Breathing is rapid and shallow. In severe cases violent convul¬ 
sions come on, in one of which the animal finally dies. 
Treatment. In cases where the bloating becomes extreme, 
we have not only the intoxication from the active poison in the 
plant to contend with, but the excessive accumulation of gas be¬ 
comes a mechanical condition, which of itself hastens or may even 
become the principal factor in causing the death of the animal. The 
practice of tapping through the left side into the rumen for the 
purpose of allowing the gas to escape in extreme cases is good 
treatment and has no doubt been the means of saving many an 
animal. Every stockman should carry a trocar with him while 
riding the range during the spring months to use for this opera¬ 
tion, and not be obliged to use the jack knife. The instrument can 
be purchased at hardware stores for one dollar or less. The re¬ 
sults of using it in the case of bloat in cattle or sheep from any 
cause are usually perfectly satisfactory, and the animals will not 
shrink in condition as is usually the case from using a knife. 
As previously stated, the most trouble occurs while the animals 
are being moved from place to place during the spring months.' 
In most cases the man is alone and may have several poisoned at 
the same time. He is therefore poorly equipped to undertake any 
complex treatment. His treatment must be simple, effective, and 
done without delay. The practice of turning them so that they 
lie with the head up hill is to be commended, as it relieves the 
pressure on the lungs and heart from the distended bowels. Bleed¬ 
ing is uniformly recommended and practiced by the sheep herders 
and cow men. It is difficult to see how it can be of any benefit, 
