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LATHYRUS PURPUREO-C^RULEUS. 



to be well adapted for decorating a south wall, in which situation it will grow 

 rapidly, and bear numerous racemes of its charming flowers; such is its aspect 

 in the Birmingham Horticultural Gardens, where it was first raised from seeds ; 

 it is now upwards of ten feet high, and in full foliage. As we have before stated, 

 the Society is indebted for the seeds to Mrs. Charles Shaw, of Birmingham, who 

 received them from Brazil. 



When cultivated in pots, the soil that suits it best is loam and peat. It has 

 not yet produced any seeds, but may be increased by cuttings of the firm wood 

 taken off with a -heel, and placed in a gentle heat. It flowers in the months of 

 August and September. 



The different species of Lathyrus are valued chiefly as ornamental plants; the 

 sweet pea, the everlasting pea, the Tangier pea, &c, have long been favourites in 

 gardens, where they are often selected for ornamenting trellis-work, &c. 



Some of the species possess poisonous properties, and should, on that account, 

 always be regarded with suspicion. Lathyrus sativus is commonly sown as food 

 for horses ; and the meal of its seeds is occasionally made into bread in several 

 parts of the Continent ; but its continued use is said to be highly injurious. In 

 the seventeenth century such dreadful effects followed the consumption of this 

 bread, that its use was forbidden by an edict of George Duke of Wirtemberg, in 

 1671 ; but this edict being disregarded, two other edicts were issued and enforced 

 by his successor Leopold, in 1705 and 1714. 



It is stated by Duvernay, that equal quantities of wheaten-flour and the flour 

 of L. sativus make good and wholesome bread ; but that if used alone for any 

 length of time, it produces the most frightful symptoms, such as rigidity of the 

 limbs, and a loss of muscular power, which is never restored. The same effect is 

 produced by it upon various animals, as horses, swine, &c. 



The generic name, Lathyrus, is derived from AA0TPOS, a vetching ; the 

 specific name, purpureo-cceruleus, has reference to the colour of its flowers. 



