The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1884-12-19

number of similar instances which hay>
occurred during the last three summers,
make the case rather strong one
against the Inmates, though addition
al experimental proof is needed to de-
monstrate the fact that the presence of
the plant and the death of the animals
stand in the relation of cause and effect.
On July | | commenced to collect
the foregoing history, and preparing
for some experimental work by means
of which l hoped to gain some confirm
atory proof. A horse and calf were
placed at my disposal. These pro-
posed to furnish with water supply
charged with the suspected vegetation.
l procured large quantity of the
plant by dipping and Swimming from
portions of the lake where it existed in
the largest quantities. After keeping
the animals from water twelve hours,
and until they were quite thirsty,
gave them all they would drink of this
water. There was such an amount of
the Shiny plant present that it gave to
the water the consistency of linseed
oil. Though the holse drank between
three and four gallons, and the calf an
equal amount in proportion to its size,
not the slightest symptom of disease
was produced. These animals were
again prepared, and a second expert
ment tried the next day, which proved
equally barren of results. l became
convinced that there was nothing pol
sonous in the plant during the stage
at which found it, whatever may be
true of it at other seasons. The farm
ers about the lakes, however, all
united in the opinion before the trial
was made that it was now too late in
the season. That, as the ''lake had
begun to NELL" animals could drink
the water with impunity. Thus the
experiment proved valueless so far as
positive results are concerned. So far
as am able to learn, no animals have
died in the vicinity of the lakes since
these experiments were made. The
fact that cattle having free access to
the lakes are not attacked after this
season of the year does not disprove
the existence of toxic properties in the
earlier stages of growth.
Again, it may be found that the ap-
pearance of this little plant is but a
coincident and has nothing whatever
to do with the real cause OF the dis
ease, which may have been overlooked
in the presence of what at first ap-
peared the obvious explanation. l had
no opportunity to make post-mortem
examination, or of seeing any animal
affected with the disease; but, accord
ing to the best history could obtain,
the sudden death, preceded by pro-
found coma, and the peculiar LESSONS
of the stomach, would not seem to
furnish any parallel to any specific
form of disease known TO veterinary
science.
During the month of July l found
the limnactis in the waters of West
Okoboji lake; Dickinson county, Iowa.
It. existed in limited quantities as COM
pared with what / found in Sakatah
and Tetonka. have not been able to
find it in the waters of any of the other
Iowa lakes. Nor have l been able to
learn of the loss of any stock under
conditions similar to those affecting
the Minnesota cattle. l propose to be-
gin more careful series of expert
ments early next summer, with the
hope of arriving at more certain re-
c1r1fc