Brookes and Yeomans described (_Veterinary Journal_, 1912) an instance in which 30 animals were affected and 9 died. The chief symptoms were a dull and depressed appearance, entire absence of appetite and rumination, a weak feeble pulse, subnormal temperature and disinclination to move. Three cases showed a mucous and blood-tinged discharge from the nostrils and anus, and these all died, one eight days after being seen and the other two the day afterwards. Obstinate stoppage was noticeable in all cases, and the fæces were inky black, stinking and very thick. Yeomans observed similar symptoms of acute digestive disturbance; later the eyes had a sunken appearance, diarrhœa set in, the fæces being dark coloured, offensive and bloodstained. The temperature was at first normal and later subnormal, and in fatal cases death took place in from 3 to 7 days.
4, 13, 20, 26, 29, 70, 73, 130, 144, 190, 240, 255.
The only Conifer which commonly causes poisoning of live-stock is the Yew, but injury might more frequently occur were it not for the fact that Conifers generally are unpleasant to the taste, and are hence avoided by stock. Many species, however, contain _Tannin_, _Resins_ and _Gums_, _Volatile Oils_, and an acrid substance which may cause inflammation of the digestive and urinary tracts, while Tanret found in the young shoots of _Picea_ the bitter glucoside _Picein_ (C_{ 14}H_{ 18}O_{ 7}H_{ 2}O); Kawalier and Thal found the intensely bitter glucoside _Pinipicrin_ (C_{ 22}H_{ 36}O_{ 11}) in _Pinus sylvestris_, _Thuja occidentalis_ and _Juniperus Sabina_; and Kubel isolated _Coniferin_ or _Abietin_ (C_{ 16}H_{ 22}O_{ 8}), a slightly bitter glucoside found in _Abies excelsa_, _A. pectinata_, _Pinus strobus_, _Larix europæa_ and other conifers. It is not clear, however, whether these substances are at all poisonous. It is quite possible that if eaten in quantity the foliage of some Conifers may induce poisonous symptoms and even death in the animals concerned. It is noteworthy, however, that according to Pott the needles of _Picea excelsa_, _Abies pectinata_, _Larix europæa_, and _Pinus_ sp. are, in the mountainous districts of Steiermark, Kärnten, and Tyrol, extensively fed to cattle and sheep, usually as a supplementary food, either fresh or dried and ground up—chiefly perhaps as an appetiser, and in small quantities as a dietetic; _Juniperus_ sp. are similarly utilised in some districts. It is not known to what extent the foliage may be fed without harmful consequences, but Pott states that large quantities can cause hæmaturia and similar effects, and hence only small quantities should be used, and even so may impart a bad flavour to the milk of cows. All green needles frequently cause digestive troubles.