JIMSON WEED.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1410, 10 April 1912, Page 8

JIMSON WEED.

APPEARANCK IX ASHBURTOX. A weed which is finding its way into the Ashburton County was recently tub--111 it tod by .Mr. .7. U. Christian to tiie Department of Agriculture for identification. Mr. E. Clifton, director of the Wellington Experimental Division, stntes that the weed is the thorn apple or jimson weed (datura stramonium), a common plant in many parts of Xew Zealand. It belongs to the potato family. All parts of the plant are narcotic and poisonous, especially the seed. The plant produces a very disagreeable odour, and nay containing "this plant is poisonous to cattle. It contains the alkaloids, atropin and liyoscyamin common to many members of the potato tribe. The presence of this weed in pastures is likely to lead to poisoning of cattle, especially at times when feed is scarce, but when feed is abundant no stock will touch it. In Australia there are well authenticated cases of cattle being poisoned by it, and mortality has also occurred through children eating the seeds. To get absolutely the best results, a Dairy Factory depends upon good management, good milk, and "Victor" Vats. The latter are finite different from other makes, and are made so that the whey drains away quickly, leaving the curd high and dry. The materials used jn their construction are the best. Use "Victor" goods. Write for particulars to'. Albert J. Parton. Carterton.—Advt. Chiclt-rearing ts not only profitable, but a pleasure, when you feed "A and P" Chick Kaiser. It is a complete and pro-perly-blended food for \ oung Chicks. Obtainable from all storekeepers.—Advt.