Naturalisation in Extra-Tropical Countries. 291 



observers assert and as has been confirmed here. It is one of the best 

 grasses, to endure traffic on roads or paths, particularly on soil not 

 altogether light, and is also one of the few among important grasses, 

 which can be sown at any season in mild climes. The Italian 

 rye-grass is a large variety preferably chosen as an early tem- 

 porary shelter for tenderer but more lasting pasture-grasses, also 

 furnishing a good collateral return the first season, and will hold out 

 for a series of years if regularly fed down. It is also an excellent 

 grass for irrigation, especially on lighter soils. For permanent 

 pastures the proportion should not be too large, because through its 

 vigor it may suppress other grasses, and is apt to die out in two or 

 three years. The best crop is in the second year [Stebler and 

 Schroeter]. Ordinary rye-grass can be cut several times in a 

 season. 



Lotus corniculatus, Linn6. 



One of the "Bird's-foot-Trefoils." Europe, North-Africa, Northern 

 and Middle Asia, extra-tropical Australia. Indigenous in Norway 

 as far north as lat. 69 58' [Schuebeler]. A deep-rooting perennial 

 herb, readily growing on pasture-land, sandy runs and heathy places, 

 also on wet soil. This plant is well deserving cultivation on light 

 inferior soil, on which it will yield a greater bulk of herbage than 

 any of the other cultivated plants of the clover-tribe ; it is highly 

 nutritious, and is eaten with avidity by cattle and sheep. From the 

 great depth, to which its roots penetrate, it is not liable to be injured 

 by drought. It well fills out vacant places between higher fodder- 

 herbs on meadows ; it is always somewhat saline, and welcome in 

 hay. Most recommendable for mixture in pasturage. L. tenuis 

 (Kitaibel) is a valuable variety of the coasts. The nearly allied L. 

 major (Scopoli) and L. uliginosus (Schkuhr) yield a still greater 

 amount of herbage; they are particularly suited for bushy and moist 

 localities, and attain their greatest luxuriance on soils, which have 

 some peat in their composition [Lawson]. In Australia Lotus 

 corniculatus shows a decided predilection for wet meadows. 



Lotus tetragonolobus, Linn6.* (Tetragonolobus purpuretis, Mcench.) 



The " Nitrification Pea " or Edge-fruited Pea. Countries on the 

 Mediterranean Sea. Though annual, this herb is highly valued for 

 sheep-pastures. Requires but little moisture. Important for restor- 

 ing nitrogen to the exhausted soil [Professor Hilgard]. Its signifi- 

 cance only recognised in recent times. The green pods serve even as 

 a culinary vegetable. The allied L. siliquosus (Linne) is perennial, 

 and occurs in a succulent form on sea-coasts. The seeds will retain 

 their vitality for several years. 



Loxopterygium Lorentzii, Grisebach. (Schinopsis Lorentzii, Engler.) 



La Plata-States. The bark and wood, called Quebracho Colorado, 

 extensively used for tanning ; latterly much exported to Europe. 



TT 2 



