DEVIL'S CLAW.

Shannon News, 2 March 1926, Page 4

DEVIL'S CLAW.

■ _ NEW PERIL FOE, SHEEP. DIABOLICAL SEED. Sydney, Februarv 12. Tire "devil's claw" seed pod", bearing- a striking- resemblance to the hea-J of a curlew, is causing sheepmen much concern. \ The beak part, which is about four inches long, ending in a sharp curve at the neck-end, is fitted with projecting claws six inches long, with sharp hooked points. The pod is so shaped that the claws close on a sheep's jaw on each side of the nose, and the beak part hooks underneath the jaw near the root of the tongue. Thus muzzled, the sheep slowly starves to death amidst plenty, being unable to drink or eat. ■ * i

The senior veterinary surgeon of the Agricultural Department, Mr. )£L I" O'Gorman, says that ''devil's claw" (whose scientific name is Martynia troposidea), is a common weed in many districts. It is unusual for it to become attached to the jaws of she'ep, but it would be quite strong enough to prevent a sheep from opening its mouth once it became attached. It usually grips the legs of sltcep.