Naturalisation in Extra-Tropical Countries. 279 



Lathyrus Ochrus, De Candolle. 



Countries around the Mediterranean Sea. Eecommended as a good 

 fodder-herb, though annual. 



Lathyrus pratensis, Linn. 



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

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

 also be utilised 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 utilised as a fodder-herb ; its tubers are edible, 

 but very small ; the plant is easily naturalised, but may in culture- 

 land become an irrepressible weed. 



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 ; according to Langethal's observations content with a lighter 

 soil, hence often chosen for first sowing on sand-lands ; a useful 

 ingredient of mixed pasturage. Lime in the soil increases the return. 

 In India it is grown as a cold weather crop, often on very heavy 

 clay-soils, which will raise no other kind of pulse [Dr. G. Watt]. 

 The seeds can only be used with great caution and well boiled, as 

 their frequent or continuous use, like that of L. Cicera, induces 

 paralysis, not only in horses, cattle and birds, but also in the human 

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

 L. Aphaca (Linne), L. purpureus (Desf.) and L. Clymenum (L.) 

 are also recorded as deleterious. Similarly some species of Extra 

 Australian Astragalus and Australian Swainsona and perhaps also 

 of Goodia are very hurtful as fodder, others not. The hurtful sub- 

 stances in Lathyrus are Cytisin, Cathartin and Gentianin. The seeds 

 of L. sativus will keep about five years. Probably other species of 

 Lathyrus could advantageously be introduced. 



Lathyrus Silvester, Linne.* 



Europe, Western Asia, Northern Africa. A perennial rambling 

 herb, enduring alpine and arctic cold. The variety Wagneri, which 

 has become free of noxious principles, has been highly recommended 

 as a forage- and pasture-plant, and if its qualities can be permanently 

 maintained in cultivation, its acquisition will prove a great boon to 

 agriculture. As the specific came implies it is best suited for forest- 

 land, but will also thrive on stony and sandy declivities and will even 

 convert coast-sands into sheep-pastures [Professor Wagner] ; it is 

 not fit for any locality with underground water. It comes to full 

 development only in the second or third year. The roots will finally 

 penetrate to a depth of 20 feet, hence the plant does not flag during 

 protracted drought. Not easily eradicated on ground where it has 



