110 



The Flora of Wiltshire. 



alternate lines of C. antiquorum (Benth) by the much smaller 

 leaves and flowers, by its legume equalling the calyx, and by its 

 solitary finely tubercled seed. 



Medicago, (Linn.) Medic. 

 Linn. CI. xvii. Ord. iii. 

 Name,. Medica was some kind of trefoil introduced into Greece 

 by the Persians or Mede3, the termination ago signifies resemblance, 

 whence Tournefort gave the name Medicago to this plant. 



1. M. lupulina (Linn.) Hop like Medic. Humulus Lupulus is the 

 hop, to the cones of which the flower-heads of our present species 

 bear some resemblance. Engl. Bot. t. 971. 



Locality. Common in waste ground, meadows, pastures, and 

 cultivated fields. A. Fl. May, August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. General 

 in all the Districts. 



Habit like that of Trifolium flliforme, but distinguished from the 

 latter by its dense ovate spikes, and curved naked black legumes. 

 It is much esteemed by some of the farmers in Wilts, and occasion- 

 ally sown with other crops. 



2. M. maculata (Sibth) Spotted Medick, Heart Medick. Engl. 

 Bot. t. 1616. 



Locality. Fields and pastures on a gravelly soil. A. Fl. May, 

 June. Area, 1. * * * * 



South Division. 



1, South-east District, "Alderbury Common," Mr. James Hussey . 



The only locality at present recorded for this plant in Wilts. 

 It should be looked for in the southern parts of the county. 

 Leaflets marked with a purple spot in the centre. 



3. M. sativa (Linn.) cultivated or purple Medic Lucerne. Engk 

 Bot. t. 1749. 



Locality. Borders of fields on which it is cultivated, especially 

 on dry calcareous soils. P. Fl. June, July. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 

 Naturalized in the county. 



This species was introduced into England from France about 

 the year 1650, and is considered by many superior to clover as 

 fodder. It is said to be the Medica of Virgil and other ancient 

 writers on Husbandry. 



