pie, veined with darker purple branching veins. Wings obovate,
white tinged with blush, much shorter than the vexil-
liun, eared on one side, and producing a long slender unguis
on the other. Keel shorter than the wings, of a blush colour,
divided at the point, eared on each side. Stamens 10, diadelphous,
9 joined in a tube, but distinct at the points, the
tenth distinct. Ovarium pubescent, several seeded. Style
linear, dilated and bearded near the point.
Our drawing of this beautiful species of Lathyrus, was
taken from fine specimens, sent us from the superb collection
of Robert Barclay, Esq. at Bury Hill ; the plants were received
from North America, sent home by Mr. T. Nuttall,
and in Mr. Barclay’s garden they grow very vigorously, and
have attained a great size, making a fine appearance when
in bloom ; which continues for a great length of time if the
weather prove favourable. Pursh mentions its being a native
of low meadows in Pensylvania, flowering from July to August
; and Nuttall says it is common on the Alleghany mountains,
growing on the declivities of shady hills ; it was first
introduced to this country about 1823.
The present species is quite hardy, and thrives well in an
open border of the Flower Garden, in the common garden
soil, the richer that is, the stronger will be its growth, and
the larger its leaves and racemes of flowers ; it also ripens
seeds, so that it may be readily increased ; it may also be
divided at the root.
According to Linnæus, the generic name is a Greek word
of doubtful origin; the commentator of Theophrastus derives
itfromXa, much or greatly, and ôowpoç, exciting, most probably
from cattle being very fond of some of the species.
II:i\\
lA
f'ri
lit
1. Calyx, the two upper segments shortest. 2. VexUlum. 3. The two wings. 4. Keel.
5. The 10 Stamens, 9 joined in a tube, but laid open to show their distinct points, the tenth
distinct to the base. 6. Ovarium terminated by the Style, which is dilated and bearded at
the point.