in Extra-Tropical Countries. 195 



Lathyrus macrorrhizus, Wimmer. (Orobus tuberosus, Linn.) 



Europe, Western Asia. This herb would gradually establish pas- 

 turage in sterile forest-regions, and could with some allied species be- 

 disseminated in alpine elevations. 



Lathyrus pratensis, Linn6. 



The Meadow-Pea. Europe, Northern and Middle Asia. Hardy 

 in Norway to lat. 69 40'. A good perennial pasture-herb. It can 

 also be utilized for forest-pastures, like L. silvestris, L. 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 utilized as a fodder-herb; its tubers are edible, 

 but very small ; the plant is easily naturalized. 



Lathyrus sativus, Linne. 



The Jarosse. Middle and Southern Europe. An annual forage- 

 herb. Can be grown in Norway to lat. 63 26' (Schuebeler). Superior 

 to vetches in quality of fodder and seed, but inferior in yield; accord- 

 ing to Langethal's observations, content with a lighter soil, hence 

 often chosen for first sowing on. sand-lands. Lime in the soil increases 

 the return. The seeds can only be used with great caution, as their 

 frequent or continous use, like that of L. Cicera, induces paralysis, 

 not only in horses, cattle and birds, but even in the human subject. 

 The plant should therefore only be used for its herbage. The seeds 

 will keep about five years. Probably other specimens of Lathyrus 

 could advantageously be introduced. 



Launsea pinnatifida, Cassini. 



Coast of tropical Asia and East-Africa. A perennial herb, with 

 creeping and rooting stems, arching from node to node (Hooker), by 

 which means it keeps down drift-sand (Cleghorn, Bidie). In this 

 respect the plant has rendered such good services on the Indian coasts, 

 that its transfer to other shores in frostless zones seems desirable, 

 particularly as it does not stray away from the coast to invade cultural, 

 lands. 



Laurelia aromatica, Jussieu. 



Southern Chili. A colossal tree, in Valdivia the principal one used 

 for flooring. Wood never bored by insects, and well able to stand 

 exposure to the open air, far superior to that of L. serrata (Bertero),, 

 the " Vouvan or Huahuoa," which tree predominates over L. aromatica 

 in the far south of Chili (Dr. Philippi). 



Laurus nobilis, Linn. 



South-Europe and Asia Minor. The Warrior's Laurel of the 

 ancients, generally called in Britain " Sweet Bay." Greatest height 

 about 60 feet, but always displaying a tendency to emit suckers and 

 rarely assuming a tree-like character (London). The leaves are in 

 much request for various condiments, and for their peculiar aroma 

 these Bay-leaves cannot be replaced by any others, unless those of 

 Lindera Benzoin and Machilus odoratissima. 



