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CYTISUS TRIFLORUS. 



may be increased by cuttings, and also by seeds, which appear to be produced in 

 abundance. It may also be grafted on the Cytisus Laburnum, or any other showy 

 species of the genus. The soil should be light. The wood of the Tree-Cytisus, 

 or common Laburnum, is much valued by cabinet-makers, and is known among 

 them by the name of French or Alpine ebony. The Cytisus scoparius is much 

 sought after, from its beauty for veneering. It is also thought to be the flowering 

 Cytisus mentioned by Virgil : 



" Florentem cytisum sequitur lasciva capella." — Vibg. Eel. ii. 1. 64. 



Its young branches are frequently given as fodder, and are sometimes used 

 instead of hops for brewing. The bark is also said to be useful for tanning 

 leather ; and the fibre capable of being manufactured into cloth. 



The seeds of Cytisus Laburnum are poisonous, and serious consequences have 

 occurred both in this country and in France, from children swallowing the flowers 

 or seeds. The deleterious effects have been found, by Chevalier and Lassaigne, 

 to reside in a proximate principle to which they have given the name Cytisine ; 

 and so powerful is it, that when small quantities are given to any animal, it 

 invariably produces vomiting, and generally death. 



The generic name Cytisus, is said to be derived from Cythnus, one of the 

 Cyclades, where it was first found; and the specific name triflorus, from the 

 flowers being arranged in three. 



