IN EXTRA-TROPICAL COUNTRIES. 165 



Lardizabala biternata, Ruiz and Pavon. 



Chili. A climber with stems of enormous length. Might be 

 naturalised in our forests for obtaining the tough fibre for 

 cordage. In its native country the torrified stems are used 

 instead of ropes, according to Dr. Philippi. 



Laserpitium aquilegium, Murray. 



Middle and South Europe. The stems of this perennial herb 

 are edible. The fruits serve as a condiment. 



Lathyrus Cicera, Linne. 



Countries at or near the Mediterranean Sea, also Canary 

 Islands. An annual, similar in its use to L. sativus, furnish- 

 ing a tender, palatable fodder, on sandy soil. L. Clymenum, 

 L., from the same regions, serves similar purposes. 



Lathyrus macrorrhizus, Wimmer. (Oro&us tuterosus, Linne.) 

 "Europe, West Asia. This herb would establish gradually pas- 

 turage in sterile forest regions, and could with some allied 

 species be disseminated in Alpine regions. 



Lathyrus pratensis, Linne. 



Europe, North and Middle Asia. The Meadow Pea. A good 

 perennial pasture herb. It can also be utilised for forest 

 pastures, like L. silvestris. The yield is considerable, and 

 the herbage, though bitter, is relished by sheep. The plant 

 spreads easily, particularly on fresh ground. L. tuberosus 

 (L.) can likewise be utilised as a fodder herb ; its tubers are 

 edible, but very small. 



Lathvrus sativus, Linne. 



Middle and South Europe. The Jarosse. An annual forage 

 herb ; the pods also available for culinary purposes. Superior, 

 according to LangethaPs observations, to vetches in quality of 

 fodder and seed, but inferior in yield, content with a lighter 

 soil, hence often chosen for first sowing on sand lands. Lime 

 in the soil increases the return. Can only be used with great 

 caution, as its frequent or continuous use induces, like L. 

 Cicera, paralysis, not only to man, but also to horses, cattle, 

 and birds. Probably other species of Lathyrus could advan- 

 tageously be introduced. 



Laurelia aromatica, Poiret. 



Southern Chili. A colossal tree, in Valdivia the principal 

 one used for flooring. Wood never bored by insects, and 



