LUPINE. 503 



LUPINE. 



Lupinus. 



The Lupines are distinguished among Leguminous Plants 

 by their strong, erect, branching habit of growth. Of the 

 numerous species and varieties, some are cultivated for orna- 

 ment, others for forage, and some for ploughing under for 

 the purpose of enriching the soil. The only species grown 

 for their farinaceous seeds, or which are considered of much 

 value to the gardener, are the two following : 



An annual species, with a sturdy, erect stein "White Lu- 

 pine. Law. 

 two feet high ; the leaves are oblong, covered LUPINUS ALBUS. 



with a silvery down, and produced, seven or eight together, at 

 the end of a common stem ; the flowers are white, in loose, 

 terminal spikes ; the pods are straight, hairy, about three 

 inches long, and contain five or six large, white, flattened 

 seeds, these are slightly bitter when eaten, and are reputed 

 to possess important medical properties. 



" The White Lupine was extensively cultivated by the 

 Romans for its ripened seeds, which were used for food ; 

 and also for its green herbage, which was employed for the 

 support of their domestic animals." 



It is of little value as an esculent, and, compared with 

 many other Leguminous Plants, not worthy of cultivation. 



The seeds should be sown where the plants are to remain, 

 as they do not succeed well when transplanted. Sow early 

 in May, in drills sixteen to eighteen inches apart ; cover an 

 inch and a half deep, and thin to five or six inches in the 

 rows. 



The Yellow Lupine is a native of Sicily. It Yellow Lu- 

 pine. Law. 

 is a hardy annual, and resembles the foregoing LUPINUS 



species in its general character. The flowers 



