280 Select Plants for Industrial Culture and 



got proper hold. The tubercular excrescences of the root convey 

 nitrogenous ingredients to the plant, rendering it very nutritious. 

 Professor Stebler found the dry herb to contain 25 per cent. Protein. 

 The plant requires phosphatic and potassic substances in the soil for 

 its proper development [Prof. Wittmack]. Also a honey-plant. The 

 European Coronilla varia (Linne), though supplying a good sheep- 

 fodder in its young state, becomes deleterious in age. 



Launsea pinnatifida, Cassini. 



Coasts 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, Linn6. 



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 omit suckers 

 and rarely assuming a tree-like character [London]. The leaves are 

 in much request for various condiments, always much sought for 

 packing liquorice, and for their peculiar aroma these Bay-leaves 

 cannot be replaced by any others, unless those of Lindera Benzoin 

 and Machilus odoratissima. The berries are used in veterinary 

 medicine. 



Lavandula angustifolia, C. Bauhin. (L. vera, De Candolle.) 



The principal Lavender-Plant. Countries around and near the 

 Mediterranean Sea. Of somewhat shrubby growth ; from it, by dis- 

 tillation, the best oil of lavender is prepared. It lives on dry soil, 

 but is less hardy than the following, still it will grow in Norway to 

 lat. 59 55' [Schuebeler]. A thousand plants will yield about two 

 quarts of oil [Piesse]. The plants last only about four years for 

 distillation-purposes. The soil should be calcareous. The principal 

 places of culture in England are at Mitcham and Hitchin [Masters]. 

 According to Mr. Slater's long experiences at Port Phillip, planting 

 should be effected at the commencement of the cool season, with the 

 prospect of oil to the extent of about 40 Ibs. from an acre becoming 



