OS THE PROPAGATION AND CULTIVATION OF PLANTS, 109 



under a hand-glass either in sand or mould, will root freely. The 

 best compost is an equal mixture of sandy loam and peat. Cro- 

 tolaria, from krotalon, a Castanet, a noisy Greek musical instru- 

 ment, similar to the cymbols of the present day; in allusion to the 

 seed-pods being inflated, and, when shaken, rattling in a manner 

 similar to that instrument. Named by Lixx.tus. 



Geneva 44. Cytisus. CI. 17 or 4, sp. 34. Le Cytise, Fr. ; 

 Der grisklus, Ger. A genus of ornamental trees and shrubs, of 

 which the Laburnums (C. Laburnam and alpinus) are well known 

 and universally admired examples. The Cytisus of the ancients 

 is believed to have been our Medicagp arborea. C. alpinus, or 

 Scotch Laburnum, whose timber is very much prized by cabinet- 

 makers and turners for its hardness, beauty of grain and durability. 

 This tree is frequently sown in plantations infested with hares and 

 rabbits, who will touch no other tree, so long as a twig of 

 Laburnum remains. The timber has been sold for upwards often 

 shillings per foot. It becomes most valuable in light loam, and 

 sandy soils. C. wolgaricus and purpureas are very handsome 

 shrubs, and make a fine appearance when grafted on Laburnum 

 stocks, 5 or 6ft. in height. C. cajus, or pigeon pea, is frequently 

 planted in the West Indian Islands, chiefly in rows, as a fence to 

 the sugar plantations, and will thrive on barren land. The seeds 

 are much eaten by poor people and negroes, and are esteemed a 

 wholesome pulse. In the island of Martinieo, even the best sort of 

 people hold it in estimation, and prefer it to the E uropcan pea. The 

 chief use of it in Jamaica is for feeding pigeons, whence its name. 

 The branches with the ripe seeds and leaves are given to feed 

 horses, pigs, and other cattle, which grow very fat on them— 

 ( Shane's and Jaquess Observations.) The greenhouse kinds 

 thrive well in a mixture of sandy loam and peat, and young cut- 

 tings taken ofl' at a joint, and planted in sand under a bell-glass 

 will root freely ; but the glasses must often be wiped, as they arc 

 very apt to damp and turn mouldy, which is certain death to them. 

 Jfanng plants may also be raised from seed, which ripens in abun- 

 dance. The hardy kinds are increased by budding, grafting, seeds, 

 "i layers, and Awing well in common soil. Cytisus, from Pliny 

 ng thai it was first (bond in Cythnue, one of the Cydades. 

 Named by Linn.i [1 



Gewn 10. Cimnichttlw, CJ. 17 or 4, sp. 1. A very prelty 



