IN EXTRA-TROPICAL COtJNTEIES. 173 



there, and also in ameliorating the clime of the desert districts. 

 Sheep should not be continually kept on Rye Grass pasture, 

 as they may become subject to fits similar to those pro- 

 duced by L. temulentum. It is one of the best grasses to 

 endure traffic on roads or paths, particularly on soil not alto- 

 gether light. It is one of the few among important grasses 

 which can be sown at any season. The Italian Rye Grass is 

 preferentially chosen as an early temporary shelter for tenderer 

 but more lasting grasses on pastures, thus also furnishing a 

 good collateral return in the first season. 



Lotus corniculatus, Linn^. 



Bird's-f oot Trefoil. Europe, North Africa, North and Middle 

 Asia, extra-tropical Austraha. A deep-rooting perennial herb, 

 readily growing on pasture land, sandy links, and heathy 

 places. 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 clovers ; 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 hable to be injured 

 by drought. It well fills out vacant places between higher 

 fodder herbs on meadows ; it is always somewhat saline and 

 welcome among hay. L. tenuis, Kitaibel, is a valuable 

 variety of the coasts. The nearly allied L. major yields a still 

 greater amount of herbage ; it is particularly suited for bushy 

 and moist localities, and it attains its greatest luxuriance on 

 soils which have some peat in their composition (Lawson). 

 In Australia this Lotus shows a decided predilection for wet 

 meadows. 



Lotus Tetragonolobus, Linne. 



Countries on the Mediterranean Sea. Though annual, this 

 herb is highly valued for sheep pastures. The green pods 

 serve as a substitute for asparagus. The allied L. sUiquosus, 

 Linne, is perennial, and occurs in a succulent form on sea- 

 coasts. 



Lupinus albus, Linne. 



The White Lupine. Countries on the Mediterranean Sea, also 

 in the Orient. An annual quick-growing herb, valuable for 

 fodder and for green manure. It is famed as the" Tramoso" 

 in Portugal, to suppress sorrel and other obstinate weeds by 

 its close and easy growth. The lentil-like seeds, after the 

 bitter principle (lupinin) has become removed through boiling 

 or soaking in salt water, become edible. It would lead too far 



