CATERPILLAR. 309 



Varieties. There are three varieties ; the distinctions, 

 however, being neither permanent nor important. 



Leaves and stems comparatively rough or Hairy-leaved 

 hairy ; in other respects similar to the Smooth- 

 leaved.. 



This, like the others, is a sub-variety, and Large-seeded 



Burnet. 

 probably but a seminal variation. 



Leaves and stems of the plant comparatively Smooth- 



J leaved Bur- 

 smooth, but differing in no other particular net. 



from the Hairy-leaved. Seeds from this variety would prob- 

 ably produce plants answering to both descriptions. 



CATERPILLAR. 



Scorpiurus. 



All of the species here described are hardy, annual plants, 

 with creeping or recumbent stems, usually about two feet in 

 length. The leaves are oblong, entire on the borders, 

 broadest near the ends, and taper towards the stem ; the 

 flowers are yellow, and quite small ; the seeds are produced 

 in caterpillar-like pods, and retain their vitality five years. 



Cultivation. The seeds may be planted in the open 

 ground in April or May ; or the plants may be started in a 

 hot-bed, and set out after settled warm weather. The rows 

 should be fifteen inches apart, and the plants twelve or 

 fifteen inches apart in the rows ; or the plants may be grown 

 in hills two feet and a half apart, and two or three plants 

 allowed to a hill. 



Use. No part of the plant is eatable ; but the pods, in 

 their green state, are placed upon dishes of salads, where 



