Jay Mauney, age 11, of Gastonia, No. Carolina, for his question:

What is locoweed?

These poisonous plants grow mostly on the western ranges. In Spanish, the word "loco" means "crazy" and these wild plants were named locoweeds because their poisonous effects seem to drive cattle and horses out of their minds. There are several hundred species of white, blue and purple locoweeds, named for the colors of their pea blossom type flowers. As a rule, most animals eat the healthful plants and leave the locoweeds. Sometimes the range is overgrazed and healthful food is scarce. Then a few unfortunate animals may eat the locoweeds. If the poor animal is a horse, he becomes dull and draggy. He loses his appetite, staggers around on weakened muscles and most likely dies. Cattle poisoned with locoweed may dash crazily around before they weaken. Sometimes sheep eat locoweed and recover. Naturally, everything is done to oust these weeds from the range. And sensible ranchers make sure that there are plenty of good grasses, which the horses and cattle prefer.