[ 224 ] 



With refpect to Cow- Wheat, it is unqueftion- 

 ably the Melampyrum Arvertfey (purple Cow-Wheat) 

 and has no affinity with either clover or grafs; 

 but is a good food for cattle, and as fuch it has 

 been divers times recommended as a fubjecl: proper 

 for cultivation. 



It is a fcarce plant, and perhaps not to be found 

 in five counties in the kingdom ; and being cropt 

 clofe in almoft every pafture where it grows, when 

 fuch paftures are fed, it is rarely found but in 

 difficult acclivities, or under the protection of 

 brambles, furze, or thorns; and doth not arrive at 

 maturity till late in the year. 



It is a large plant, bearing a fpike of purple 

 flowers, with numerous floral leaves of the fame 

 colour. Its feeds when ripe have a near refem- 

 blance to wheat, from which circumftance, no 

 doubt, it obtained its name. Perhaps it is not 

 to be bought at any feed fliop. I have not yet 

 feen it in any botanick gardens. Inclofedare fpe- 

 cimens of a few plants growing near Norwich^ 

 among which is one of the Cow-Wheat. 



I am, very refpeftfully, your's, &c. 

 Norwich. J, WAGSTAFFE. 



Article 



