38 SELECT PLANTS FOR INDUSTRIAL CULTURE 



27^ per cent. ; both have the advantage of producing an almost 

 colourless leather (Sievert). F. Jean states that even the Quebracho- 

 wood contains 14 to 16 per cent, of tamiic and 2 to 3 per cent, of 

 gallic acid. 



Astragalus arenarius, Linne. 



Europe and Western Asia. A perennial fodder-herb for any sandy 

 desert country. The species, numerous in various parts of Europe 

 and Asia, in Cailfornia and some other parts of the globe deserve 

 attention for pasture and other agronomic purposes. 



Astragalus cephalonicus, Fischer. (A. aristatus, Sibthorp.) 



Cephalonia. A small shrub, yielding a good tragacanth ; and so 

 probably also the true A. aristatus of 1'Heritier is producing it. 



Astragalus Cicer, Linne. 



Middle and South Europe and Middle Asia. A nutritious and 

 tasty perennial herb, much sought by grazing animals. It requires, 

 according to Langethal, deep friable grounds and, like most legu- 

 minous herbs, calcareous ingredients in the soil 



Astragalus Creticus, Lamarck. 



Candia and Greece. A small bush, exuding the ordinary vermi- 

 cular tragacanth. The pale is preferable to the brown sort. 



Astragalus glycyphyllos, Linne. 



Europe and North Asia. Succeeds on light soil, also in forest 

 regions. It has been recommended as a perennial substantial 

 fodder-plant. 



Astragalus gummifer, La Billardiere. 



Syria and Persia. This shrub also yields a good kind of tragacanth. 



Astragalus hypoglottis, Linne. 



In the colder regions of Europe, Asia and North America. This 

 perennial plant is regarded as a good fodder-herb on calcareous and 

 gravelly soil, and would likely be of importance for our Alps. Of 

 the enormous number of supposed species of this genus (according 

 to Boissier, not less than 750 merely in Asia Minor and the 

 adjoining countries) many must be of value for pasture, like some 

 of the closely-allied Australian Swainsonas, though they also 

 may include deleterious species. A. Hornii and A. lentiginosus, 

 A. Gray, are poisonous to cattle in California. 



