Dec. 1801.] BOTANICAL tiUGlKTY OF KDINHUlUiJl. 303 



seed catalogues under the title of X. nznrcus or Lord 

 Anson's pea. It has beeu long cultivated in the south of 

 Europe as a fodder plant, and, according to \)q Candolle, 

 was indigenous before cultivation in the region extending 

 from the south of the Caucasus or of the Caspian Sea to 

 the north of India, " spreading thence towards Europe in 

 the track of ancient civilisation." 



There are several varieties of L. sativus showing 

 slight differences in colour of flower, size and colour 

 of seeds, in colour of foliage (darker or lighter), and 

 strength of growth. I wish to refer specially to two 

 varieties, viz. : — 



1st, the L. sativus with small dark-coloured seeds, 

 known in India as Khesari Pulse, or Latri, or Matar. The 

 terms Matar, Muther, Mutter are all names used in India 

 for peas generally, and the L. sativus seeds imported 

 from India are well known in Britain under the name 

 " Mutters." 



2nd, L. sativus, the white variety, with larger pale- 

 coloured seeds, which are spoken of as the seeds of the 

 " dog-tooth vetch or the dog-tooth pea." Many inquiries 

 are being made up and down the country as to what genus 

 or species these seeds are to be referred to. Through the 

 kindness of Professor Balfour we have been able to rear 

 plants from these large wedge-shaped seeds, with the result 

 that the seeds are seen to belong to L. sativus, weisse, the 

 white-flowered variety of the Continent, a result confirmed 

 by one of the greatest living authorities on seeds — Professor 

 Nobbe. 



As to a general description of the plant. L. sativus, 

 although an annual, may be treated as a biennial hj plant- 

 ing late, say, in early autumn, when by due care and in 

 favourable conditions as regards soil the plant will flower 

 in spring. The leaflets are in single pairs, oblong or 

 lanceolate in shape, and witli a three-parted tendril between 

 tliem. The flowers, which are solitary, may be bluisli or 

 they may be white. The plant may grow to a height of 

 three feet or so, obtaining support by its tendrils. The 

 fruit is a small, smooth-winged, several-seeded pod. The 

 seeds vary in colour and size, but all have the characteristic 

 wedged, angled, or hatchet-shaped appearance. 



