Pastoral Poisons

Abstract

IN England, losses of farm animals through the ingestion of poisonous plants in pastures is so infrequent that when it does occur it is apt to figure as ‘new’ and to evoke in the Press a gentle stream of correspondence, pleasantly reminiscent, usually interesting and sometimes useful, though not always distinguished by accuracy in technical details. In countries less fortunate in this respect, of which South Africa, Australia and parts of the United States are examples, losses due to the poisoning of stock are a much more serious matter. In general, only cases involving large numbers of animals are reported, so that accurate figures for total losses in any country are not obtainable, but Dr. Steyn quotes an impressive list of examples. Thus, one plant alone, Geigeria passerinoides, took toll of more than a million sheep in Griqualand West and the south-eastern portion of south-west Africa in 1929-30.

The Toxicology of Plants in South Africa: together with a Consideration of Poisonous Foodstuffs and Fungi.

By Dr. Douw G. Steyn. (South African Agricultural Series, Vol. 13.) Pp. xii + 631. (Johannesburg: Central News Agency, Ltd.; London: Gordon and Gotch, Ltd., 1934.) 47s. 6d.