REST-HARROW.— Ononis arvcnsis. 



CJoss DiADELPHiA. Order Decandria. Nat. Ord. LEGUMiNOSiP, 

 Pea and Bean Tribe. 



During tlie months of June, July, and 

 August, this plant is profusely covered with 

 butterfly-shaped flowers. It grows on barren 

 and waste soils, and is often very plentiful on 

 the green patches which occur on chalky cliffs 

 near the sea, as well as on the borders of culti- 

 vated lands. When it intrudes itself on corn- 

 fields, it becomes a very troublesome plant, 

 for its long and tough roots retard the progress 

 of the plough, while its numerous and thorny 

 branches are so great an impediment to the 

 action of the harrow, as to have obtained 

 for the plant its old English name. Equally 

 old and significant is that by which it is 

 known in Erance, where it is commonly called 

 Arrete-boeuf. Yet this plant has its uses, for 

 although when in its most thorny state no 

 animal but the donkey feeds upon it, yet on 

 ])etter soils it mingles with the pasture, and 

 is relished by cows, sheep, and goats. The 

 roots are very sweet, and when young have 



