“In these regions (Tungu) many of my goats and kids had died foaming at the mouth and grinding their teeth, and I have discovered the cause to arise from their eating the leaves of _Rhododendron cinnabarinum_ (“Kema Kechoong,” Lepcha; Kema signifying Rhododendron); this species alone is said to be poisonous, and when used as a fuel it causes the face to swell and the eyes to inflame, of which I observed several instances.” (Hooker, _Himalayan Journals_, ii. p. 150). “_Rhododendron arboreum_ becomes plentiful at 5000 to 6000 feet (East Nepal), forming a large tree on dry clayey slopes.... In the contracted parts of the valley the mountains often dip to the riverbed in precipices of gneiss under the ledges of which wild bees build pendulous nests looking like huge bats suspended by their wings; they are two or three feet long and as broad at the top whence they taper downwards; the honey is much sought for except in spring, when it is said to be poisoned by Rhododendron flowers just as that eaten by the soldiers in the retreat of the Ten Thousand was by the flowers of _R. ponticum_.” (_l.c._ i. p. 200). _Toxic Principle._ The leaves and flowers contain a bitter poisonous glucoside, _Andromedotoxin_ (C_{31}H_{50}O_{10}), which has been regarded as more poisonous than Aconitine. Other glucosides found in Rhododendrons are _Ericolin_ (C_{34}H_{56}O_{21}), _Arbutin_ (C_{12}H_{16}O_{7}), and _Rhododendrin_ (C_{16}H_{22}O_{7}), but it is not clearly shown whether these are poisonous when ingested; Kobert, however, includes the two former among cerebro-spinal poisons. _Symptoms._ In the case of goats Cornevin records intense pain, diarrhœa, discomfort, gritting of teeth, salivation, and frequently vomiting; while there is reduced lactation, trembling, spasms, vertigo, loss of power, and death. Lander notes similar symptoms in cattle and sheep. According to Eve (_Veterinary Record_, 1907), a reddish colour was observed in the milk of a cow poisoned by Rhododendron. REFERENCES. 4, 16, 53, 63, 73, 76, 81, 144, 161, 170, 203, 205, 211, 212, 213, 231, 252, 264. =Azalea= (_Azalea_ sp.). A suspected case of poisoning was recorded in the _Journal of the Board of Agriculture_ in 1907. No British record of poisoning has been found. Various species of Azalea (_A. pontica_, _A. indica_, _A. arborescens_, _A. nudiflora_, etc.) are stated to be very poisonous to all animals which browse on them in the East. Cuttings should never be thrown down where they can be eaten by stock. _Toxic Principle._ Little work has been done on these plants, but they are believed to contain _Ericolin_, _Arbutin_, and _Andromedotoxin_ as in the case of rhododendrons (p. 47). _Symptoms._ Azaleas appear to be narcotic, and to produce symptoms resembling those caused by _Lolium temulentum_ (Cornevin). REFERENCES. 73, 144, 190, 205.