558 Select Plants for Industrial Culture and 



V. globosa, Retzius, are similarly cultivated in Italy [Langethal] . 

 Many of the other European and Asiatic species of Vicia are deserv- 

 ing of our attention. Sir John Lawes and Prof. J. H. Gilbert 

 enunciated recently their remarkable discovery that nitrogenous con- 

 stituents are largely increased in leguminous plants, notably also 

 Vetches, through development of nodules at their roots by micro- 

 organisms, the free nitrogen of which being fixed during the process 

 of assimilation. This symbiosis can probably be aided by extraneous 

 action in so far as bringing nodulated roots or their surrounding 

 soil for initiation of the growth of the microbes to the spots of 

 culture. 



Vicia sepium, Rivinus. 



Europe, Western and Northern Asia. A perennial Vetch, endur- 

 ing an alpine clime ; indigenous in Norway northward to lat. 69 40'. 

 It might with advantage be naturalised in forests and on high 

 mountains, but it can also readily be subjected to field-culture, the 

 yield being large and nutritious in regions with humid air, though the 

 soil might be poor. This vetch can be kept continually on the same 

 field for about fifteen years [Langethal]. V. Pannonica, Jacquin, is 

 an allied but annual species. 



Vicia Sitchensis, Bongard. (V. gigantea, Hooker.) 



From California to Sitka. Dr. Asa Gray remarks that the young 

 seeds of this tall Vetch are eatable like green peas. 



Vicia sylvatica, Linne. 



The Wood- Vetch. Europe, Northern Asia. Indigenous in Nor- 

 way to lat. 67 56'. Perennial. Recommendable to culturists 

 settling in new forest-land ; available also for growth in sub-alpine 

 copses. Pasture-animals have a predilection for this vetch; its 

 yield is large and very nourishing. In Lime-stone soil of forests 

 V. pisiformis and V. dumetorum, Linne, can best be selected for 

 introduction. 



Vicia tetraspenna, Koch. (Ervum tetraspermum, Linne.) 



The Lentil-Tare. Europe, Western Asia, North- Africa. Annual. 

 According to Langethal this species is preferable to the ordinary 

 tare for sandy soil. It is also less hard as fodder and very palat- 

 able. Lime in the land enlarges the yield. V. monantha and V. 

 hirsuta (Koch) serve nearly as well. 



Vicia villosa, Roth. 



From the countries at the Mediterranean Sea extending to Middle 

 Europe and Central Asia. Annual or biennial. Liked on pastures 

 together with the allied V. varia (Host). Praised by Dr. G. von 

 Beck as a bee-plant of prominent excellence. 



