114 TrmiS'ictions. 



them. Lucerno; tlie Aljalfa of Californians, is sown down like 

 grass on somewhat moist land, and undei' the genial influence of 

 the western sun it grows luxuriantly. The crop, usually knee 

 deep, is cut from five to seven times a year, and converted into 

 hay. Once properly rooted it never requires re-sowing, and as 

 proof of this it is authoratively stated that one of the fields 

 sown by one of the early Spaniards has yielded five or 

 six crops annually ever since and the last apparently as good 

 as any. Along with these Melilotus jmrvijlora grows in 

 fair abundance, and is also useful for fodder purposes. 

 Of native clovers there are over thirty varieties, some of 

 which seem very valuable. So far the only British species 

 observed is Trifolwm arvense (white clover), and only as a casual 

 among imported grasses. Of the Cari/ophyllacece, Silene gallica, 

 Cerastium triviale, and Stellaria media are sparsely represented. 

 Only a few of the Compositm are represented ; Anthemis cotula 

 and Silybum marianum are not uncommon. Taraxacum officinale 

 (dandelion) is merely a casual, and even where introduced 

 seems to struggle for its bare existence. The sow thistles 

 (Sonchus oleraceusj and <S'. asper are common in the waste 

 grounds around the city lots, and contrary to general experience, 

 both seem alike common. The genuine Scotch thistle has not 

 yet arrived, probably because no Scotsman lias been patriotic 

 enough to introduce it. The native thistles are quite as un- 

 jtleasant as they are generally made, but for some reason they 

 seem very limited in numbers. I think, however, of all the 

 introduced weeds Malva borealis, or the northern mallow, " takes 

 the cake." Over the wastes, orchards, and cultivated grounds it 

 is moi'e or less prevalent, and where unmolested attains a height 

 sometimes of G feet. Once established it is not easily eradicated, 

 as it grows and matures fruit throughout the greater part of a 

 season. The pretty storks bill, Erodium cicutarium and E. 

 moschatum, known here by the Spanish name of Al filar ee, supply 

 along with the burr clover the principal grazing in the earlier 

 summer. In cultivated ground along the valleys and mesa or 

 tablelands, it literally covers the ground in many parts. Though 

 probably introduced by accident, its extensive distribution is 

 mainly due to artificial means, and once introduced its natural 

 fertility ensures its survival and increase. Horehound (Mar- 

 rahiiim vuhjnre) is an importation of doubtful utility and exten- 



