FLORA DOMESTICA. 



The tree was formerly called Peas-cod-tree, and Bean- 

 trefoil ; but it is now generally known by its Latin name 

 Laburnum, which is supposed to have been derived from 

 the Alpine name Uaubours. The French call it Cytise des 

 Alpes (Cytisus of the Alps), and Faux Ebenien (False 

 Ebony-tree). It is a native of Switzerland, Austria, and 

 the Levant, &c. and flowers in May: at this season the 

 mountains in Italy are hung so richly with its golden 

 drapery as to obtain for it the name of Maggio, as we give 

 that of May to the hawthorn. 



The Black Cytisus is a shrub, seldom growing higher 

 in this country than three or four feet : it is very bushy, 

 and the branches are terminated by bunches of yellow 

 flowers, four or five inches in length, having a very agree- 

 able scent. It blossoms in July. This is a native of Si- 

 lesia, Hungary, Italy, &c. 



The Winged-leaved Cytisus is a handsome shrub, scarcely 

 two feet high : the flowers are large, and of a deep yellow. 

 It is a native of Siberia. 



The Common Cytisus is a native of the South of Europe : 

 it grows seven or eight feet high, is very bushy, and has 

 bright yellow flowers. These will live all the year abroad 

 after they are first raised to strength. If the weather be 

 very dry, they should be watered once or twice a week. 



Virgil recommends the Cytisus as a food for goats : 



; At cui lactis amor, cytisos, lotosque frequentes 

 Ipse manu, salsasque ferat praesepibus herbas." 



VIRGIL, GEORGICS. 

 w T33gcn xtfcw stu r V:'J-- 'giifli>#K>? 



" Those who desire to have milk must give them with their own 

 hands plenty of cytisus and water-lilies, and lay salt herbs in their 

 cribs." MARTYN'S TRANSLATION, p. 313. 

 UJi(iET3T> aiiT 



In the tenth Eclogue, he speaks of it as grateful to 



is crudelis amor, nee gramina rivis, 

 ^gi cytiso saturantur apes, nee fronde capellse." 



