OROBUS HIRSU'TUS. 
HAIRY BITTER-VETCH. 
Class. 
DIADERPHIA. 
Natural Order. 
LEGUMINOS.E. 
Native of 
Height. 
Flowers in 
Duration. 
Introduced 
Thrace. 
6 inches. 
May, June. 
Perennial. 
in 1822. 
No. 487. 
It is very certain that the name of this genus was 
not founded on the present species, for in fattening 
oxen its wiry stems would prove of little worth. 
The Greek words oro, to excite; and bous, an ox, 
are compounded to indicate such fattening qualitys, 
which the Orobus of the ancient Greek botanists 
probably possessed. Hirsutus, from the Latin, 
rough or hairy. 
This is a very pleasing little plant, and one that 
deserves attention to its increase, so that a good 
patch may be obtained ; which, by the bye, is what 
we have never seen. It is rather scarce, being very 
seldom met with excepting in respectable nurseries. 
As it is quite hardy, and suitable for ornamenting 
rock-work, or the foreground of borders or mounds, 
by its delicate blossoms, we hope to see it more plen- 
tifully distributed through the collections of admir- 
ers of this class of plants. We have never observed 
it ripen seeds, therefore increase must be dependent 
on a division of its roots. This should be performed 
in the spring, in preference to autumn. It succeeds 
best in a rich light loamy soil, in a situation which 
is rather dry and open. 
Bot. Mag. 2345. 
Order. 
DECANDRIA. 
