114 Transactions. 
them. Lucerne, the Alfalfa of Californians, is sown down like 
grass on somewhat moist land, and under 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 JMelilotus parviflora 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 7'rifoliwm arvense (white clover), and only as a casual 
among imported grasses. Of the Caryophyllacew, Silene gallica, 
Cerastium triviale, and Stellaria media are sparsely represented. 
Only a few of the Composite 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 oleraceus) 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 has been patriotic 
enough to introduce it. The native thistles are quite as un- 
pleasant 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 more or less prevalent, and where unmolested attains a height 
sometimes of 6 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, Hrodiwm cicutarium and £. 
moschatum, known here by the Spanish name of A/jiarce, 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- 
rabiwm vulgare) is an importation of doubtful utility and exten- 
