1 Noy., 1898.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 357 
year I have received specimens of it, for identification, with the report that 
it was suspected of poisoning stock. Only the other day I was instructed to 
visit Nerang, where stock had died, as was supposed, from browsing upon 
poison plants. At the spot where the stock had died there was a dense growth 
of Noogoora Burr, and it was said that there was a similar young growth of 
this plant when the deaths occurred (September). At the time of my visit 
(5th October) young stock were feeding upon plants of this species, but these 
were, for the most part, very weedy and not at all succulent on account of 
there being such a dense growth of them. I consider that this plant would 
only be really dangerous when making a rank, succulent growth. Mr. W. C. 
Quinnell, Government Veterinary Inspector, who accompanied me to Nerang, 
furnished a report for the Chief Inspector of Stock, and by kind permission [ 
am enabled to attach hereto an extract from same. 
Experiments made by the late Dr. Joseph Bancroft, soon after the plant 
made its appearance in the colony, proved conclusively its poisonous nature. 
Its effect on cattle was to paralyse the heart, induce torpor, and cause death 
without pain or struggle. He also advised most exact measures being taken 
to avoid adding this poisonous weed to the flora of Australia. 
Various medicinal properties have been ascribed to this plant by writers, 
but none of sufficient importance to in any way compensate for its noxious 
character as a weed. 
The only way to keep this plant in check is to destroy the young plants 
as they spring, so as to prevent the production of seed. 
Exrract From Report py W. C. Quinnett, M.R.C.V.S., Lonpon, ro THE CHIEF 
Insprcror or Srock, re Potsonina or Stock at NERANG. 
HP tao epey Arriving at Nerang, Mr. Bailey and I were met by Mr. Clare, 
the acting clerk of petty sessions, who took us to the locality where the animals 
had been pastured, and where we soon discovered the weed which had caused the 
injurious effect, for on examination of the pasturage it was seen that the Noogoora 
Burr was generally abundant, and it had been eaten down over certain areas. . . - 
T regret not having had the opportunity of seeing an animal attacked with the 
reported malady, or making a post-mortem examination, as deaths in the township 
had ceased two or three weeks previously. However, we received from the owners, 
and those that interviewed us, a very clear description of the symptoms and post- 
mortem—the latter made by Mr. Clare—and I have no hesitation in stating that the 
mortality was due to the cattle feeding too freely upon the succulent Spring Noogoora 
Burr, producing the disorder known as ‘Tympanitis, or Hoven—viz., a distension of 
the rumen, or paunch, with gas derived from fermentation of the ingesta, and 
ultimately death by asphyxia, induced by pressure of the stomach on the lungs by the 
medium of the diaphragm, or from absorption of noxious gases into the blood. 
Syuproms.—Tympanitis (variously known as “Hoven,” “ Blown,” or “Fog- 
sickness’) is easily recognised by the swelling on the left side, which may make its 
appearance while the animal is feeding, or shortly after. The symptoms are rapid, 
as a rule, in their appearance: rumination is suspended, dribbling of saliva from the 
mouth, and the nostrils dilated. As the accumulation of gas increases the greater is 
the distress of the animal, owing to the increasing obstruction to the entrance of air 
into the lungs; and this is characterised by moans and grunts, bloodshot and staring 
eyes, staggering gait, and, insensibility at length supervening, the animal falls 
prostrate to the ground. ‘ 
Prevention and Treatment.—Animals should be immediately removed from 
affected areas, and the localities thoroughly cleared of the noxious plant. 
In Early Stages of the Disorder.—Dilfusible stimulants administered promptly 
are efficacious in dispelling accumulated gases—viz., a full dose of ammonia, ether, 
alcohol, or chloroform in solution. Exercise and friction to abdomen hastens expulsion 
of gas. Introduction of hollow probang allows escape of gas when the amount of 
food in the stomach is limited. 
In Extreme Cases.—When distension and distress are present, puncture abdominal 
wall (the most prominent part of swelling is generally a suflicient guide for the 
operator) with trocar and canula; or, where these are not at hand, a butcher's, 
SS or other large knife would serve the purpuse. : 
After abatement of acute symptoms, administer a strong purgative to remove any 
irritant, and feed for several days on soft, easily digestible food. 
