PEA AND BEAN TRIBE. 145 



years, but in sheltered places continues to grow until it 

 reaches a height of from 12 to 18 feet. Its natural 

 habit is, however, to grow on dry, exposed commons, 

 which, in its flowering season, it covers with a gorgeous 

 sheet of golden blossoms, entirely concealing its some- 

 what unsightly branches. Perhaps no plant is so 

 broadly characteristic of English scenery,, and the Eng- 

 lish climate, as " Yellow Whin." It does not thrive in 

 hot countries ; and if removed to a much colder climate, 

 pines and dies ; it is rare even in the Highlands of 

 Scotland. The seed-vessels burst elastically in hot 

 weather with a crackling noise, scattering the seeds on 

 all sides. The calyx-teeth of this species are so closely 

 united as to be scarcely visible. Fl. February June. 

 Shrub. 



*.A variety has been found in Ireland, which does 

 not flower freely, and also differs from the common form 

 of the plant in having a soft and succulent, instead of a 

 rigid, habit. This variety has been cultivated with 

 success as fodder for sheep and oxen. 



2. U. nanus (Dwarf Furze). Calyx-teeth spreading ; 

 bracts minute, closely pressed to the calyx. A very 

 distinct species from the last, with which, however, it is 

 sometimes confounded. It may readily be distinguished 

 by the above characters, by being smaller in all its 

 parts, and by the spreading wings of its flowers, which, 

 moreover, usually appear at the same season with the 

 Heath, a plant with which it loves to intertwine its 

 rigid branches. Fl. August November. Shrub. 



2. GENISTA (Green-weed). 



1. O. Anglica (Needle Green- weed, or Petty Whin). 

 Stems thorny and leafless below ; leaves narrow, 

 smooth ; legumes smooth, inflated. Not uncommon on 

 heaths and moors, A low shrub, about a foot high, 

 with reclining tough stems, which are armed at inter- 

 vals with groups of slender, very sharp thorns. The 

 L 



