330 FOREST CULTURE AND 
oil. Marrubium vulgare, L., is not prominently men- 
tioned, as it is already rather copiously naturalized. 
Medicago sativa, L.*—Orient ; now spread through 
Middle and South Europe and Middle Asia. The 
purple Medick, Alfalfa, or Lucerne. A perennial fod- 
der-herb of great importance, and already largely 
utilized in our colony, perhaps descended from the 
English Medicago falcata, which also deserves nat- 
uralization. Lucerne keeps here green and fresh in 
the hottest season of the year, even in dry and com- 
paratively barren ground, but develops itself for field- 
culture with the greatest vigor on river-banks, par- 
ticularly in soil rich in lime. Its deeply penetrating 
roots render the plant particularly fit for fixing fenced 
embankments or hindering the washing away of soil 
subject to occasional inundations. ; 
Melilotus alba, Desrouss.—The Cabul or Bokhara 
Clover. Middle and Southern Europe, North Africa, 
Middle Asia. A biennial herb. On account of its 
fragrance it is of value for admixture with hay. It is 
alsoa good bee-plant. Flowers white. Odorous prin- 
ciple : Cumarin. 
Melilotus officinalis, Desrouss.—Europe, and Mid- 
dle Asia. Also biennial, or lasting through several 
years if prevented from flowering. Contains also 
Cumarin. An allied species is M. macrorrhiza, Pers. 
Both serve purposes similar to those for which M. 
alba is employed. 
Melissa officinalis, L.—The Balm-herb. South Eu- 
rope and Middle Asia, A perennial herb, valuable 
for its scent, which depends on a peculiar volatile oil. 
It is also valuable as a bee-plant. é 
Melovanna bambtsoides, Trinius, (Beesha Rhee: 
