264 FLORA DOMESTICA. 



used as a food in some parts of Italy; particularly the 

 "White Lupine, which is a native of the Levant, and was 

 then known also by the German name. Fig-bean. It was 

 also called the Tame Lupine. In Tuscany and the South 

 of France, where there is a want of manure, the Lupine is 

 ploughed into the land, and is thought to improve it : it is 

 used particularly for land intended for vineyards. 



The Lupines are from Africa, America, and many parts 

 of Europe. The Great Blue Lupine has been supposed to 

 be a native of India. Parkinson says it is from Karamania ; 

 Linna3us brings it from Arabia : but, whether it comes 

 from any, or from all of these countries, it is very hardy, 

 and sustains the changes of our climate manfully. 



LYCHNIS. 



CARYOPHYLLEJE. DECANDRIA PENTAGYNIA. 



The origin of this name is not known. Some say it signifies a torch, 

 and that the plant was so named from its flame-coloured flowers: 

 others derive it from lucerna, a lamp, and suppose it to have been 

 given from the lamp-like shape of the capsule. 



THE Scarlet Lychnis, which is the handsomest of these 

 plants, does not thrive well in a pot, because the roots 

 naturally spread to a great distance, and do not like con- 

 finement. It may, however, be grown in a very large pot, 

 and often is. 



The double-flowered variety of the Common Meadow 

 Lychnis is often cultivated for the beauty of the flowers. 

 The single flowers are very common in our hedges, which 

 are sometimes absolutely illuminated by them, in May, 

 June, and July. They are generally known by the name 

 of Rose-campion, but have a variety of other names; as 

 Meadow-pink, Wild-william, Crow-flower, Cuckoo-flower, 

 Ragged-robin, March-gilliflowers, Wild-campion, Meadow- 



