VETCHES. 91 



shaped stipules, and tendrils without leaves. The flower is 

 a pale yellow. I have since found it on field borders in the 

 same neighbourhood. It is a smaller plant than the Narrow- 

 leaved species. Its seeds produce headache, so it must be 

 placed with the Laburnum, as an exception to the general rule 

 of the wholesomeness of leguminous plants. 



The Crimson Vetchling (L. nissolia, Plate VI., jig. 11), 

 is a very elegant plant, growing about a foot high, with a 

 slender stem, awl-shaped stipules, and grassy leaves without 

 tendrils. The flowers are solitary, upon a long footstalk, and 

 both standard and wings are of a bright crimson. Edward 

 found it in a lane near Hawkhurst last June, and it also grows 

 near Frome, in Somerset. 



The Meadow Yetchling (L. pratensis), is a familiar hedge 

 ornament, decking with its full clusters of bright yellow 

 blossoms groves and hedgerows in every county I have ever 

 visited. 



The Sea Pea (Pisum maritimum), has large flowers in com- 

 pact clusters, both standard and wings are purplish-crimson; 

 each leaf boasts eight pairs of glaucous leaflets, and its stem 

 is prostrate. It frequents stony shores. 



The Bitter Yetch is the last leguminous family. These 

 plants have no tendrils, and do not grow more than a span high. 



The common Bitter Yetch (drobus tuberosus, Plate VI., 

 jig. 13), has crimson blossoms turning purple as they fade. 

 It is common in woods everywhere. In the Highlands of 

 Scotland it is very abundant, and the people eat the root, or 

 steep it in their liquor. It has somewhat the flavour of 

 liquorice, and they believe that it prevents hunger. They call 

 it "Corneille" or "Heath-pea." It is an early flower, and 

 both its leaf and blossom are desirable in the spring nosegay. 



The Black Bitter Yetch and the Wood Bitter Yetch (O. niger 

 and sylvatica), are rare Scotch species ; the former has blue 

 flowers, the latter cream-coloured ones. 



"We have now gone through this very important order of the 



