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L iv i s to n a C h in e n s is , R. Brown.
South-Cliina and Japan. A very decorative Fan-palm, and one of
the hardiest of the wliole order. In its native country, the hairy
stem-covering of this palm is used for fixing lime-plaster to buildings
[Christie].
L iv i s to n a L e io h h a r d t i i, F. v. Mueller.
North-Australia. Under this name might be combined L. inermis
and L. humilis (R. Brown), neither name applying well to this finally
tall palm with thorny leaf-stalks. The author of this work as well
as Dr. Leichhardt saw it far inland in dry open not mountainous
regions also ; nevertheless it may need a moister clime than the
following species.
L iv i s to n a M a riæ , F. v. Mueller.
Central Australia, barely within the tropics. This noble Fan-
palm attains 70 feet in height, according to Professor Tate, and is
likely to prove more hardy than many others. Young foliage copper-
coloured. An allied species with larger fruits, L. Alfred! (F. v. M.)
inhabits exclusively tropical West Australia.
L o lium p e r e n n e , Linné.*
Europe, North-Africa, Western Asia. The perennial Rye-grass,
one of the best known of all utilitarian grasses. In Norway it grows
to lat. 65° 28' [Sclmebeler], and extends naturally to Shetland [S ir
J . Hooker]. One of the most important of all pasture-grasses, also
almost universally chosen for lawn-culture. I t produces an abundance
of seeds, which are readily collected and easily vegetate. I t comes
early to perfection, and shoots quickly again after it has been cut.
Nevertheless the productive and nutritive powers are considerably
less than those of Dactylis glomerata, Alopecurus pratensis and
Festuca elatior, hut it pushes forward earlier than the last-mentioned
grass, while the ripening of seeds is less defective than in Alopecurus.
'The chemical analysis, made very early in spring, gave the following
results :—Albumen, 3'36 ; gluten, 4-88 ; starch, 0-51 ; gum, 1 '8 0 ;
sugar, P80 per cent. [F . v. Mueller and L. Rummel]. A t the
London Sewerage-Depot, 60 tons of rye-grass were obtained from
one acre [Mclvor]. Rye-grass, though naturally living but a few
years, maintains its ground well, by the ease with which it disseminates
itself spontaneously. Sëveral sorts, which can scarcely be called
varieties, are under cultivation, 22 kinds being distinguished in Morton’s
Encyclopædia of Agriculture. Rye-grass stands the dry heat
of Australian summers fairly well. I t is likely to spread gradually
over the whole of the Australian continent, and to play an important
part in pasture, except the hottest desert-tracts. Sheep should not
be continually kept on rye-grass pasture, as they may become
subject to fits similar to those produced by L. temulentum, possibly
due to the grass getting ergotised or otherwise diseased, as many
observers assert and as has been confirmed here. I t is one of the best
grasses, to endure traffic on roads or paths, particularly on soil not
altogether light, and is also one of the few among important grasses,
which can be sown at any season in mild climes. 'Tlie Italian
rye-grass is a large variety preferably chosen as an early temporary
shelter for tenderer but more lasting pasture-grasses, also
furnishing a good collateral return the first season, and will hold out
for a series of years if regularly fed down. I t is also an excellent
grass for irrigation, especially on lighter soils. For permanent
pastures the proportion should not be too large, because through its
vigor it may suppress other grasses, and is apt to die out iu two or
three years. The best crop is in the second year [Stebler and
Schroeter]. Ordinary rye-grass can be cut several times in a
season.
L o t u s c o r n io u l a tu s , Linné.
One of the “ Bird’s-foot-'Trefoils.” Europe, North-Africa, Northern
and Middle Asia, extra-tropical Australia. Indigenous in Norway
as far north as lat. 69 58' Schuebeler]. A deep-rooting perennial
■ herb, readily growing on pasture-land, sandy runs aud heathy places,
also on wet soil. This plant is well deserving cultivation ou light
inferior soil, on which it will yield a greater bulk of herbage than
any of the other cultivated plants of the clover-tribe ; it is highly
nutritious, and is eaten with avidity by cattle and sheep. From the
great depth, to which its roots penetrate, it is not liable to be injured
by drought. I t well fills out vacant places between higher fodder-
herbs on meadows ; it is always somewhat saline, and welcome iu
hay. ^ Most reeommendable for mixture in pasturage. L. tenuis
(Kitaibel) is a valuable variety of the coasts. 'The nearly allied L.
major (Soopoli) and L. uliginosus (Schkuhr) yield a still greater
amount of herbage; they are particularly suited for bushy and moist
localities, and attain their greatest luxuriance on soils, which have
some peat in their composition [Lawson]. In Australia Lotus
corniculatus shows a decided predilection for wet meadows.
L o t u s t e t r a g o n o lo b u s , Linné.* (Tetragomlobuspurpnrens, Moenoh.)
The “ Nitrification P e a ” or Edge-fruited Pea. Countries on the
Mediterranean Sea. Though annual, this herb is highly valued for
sheep-pastures. Requires hut little moisture. Important for restoring
nitrogen to the exhausted soil [Professor Hilgard]. Its significance
oniy recognised in recent times. The green pods serve even as
a culinary vegetable. The allied L. siliquosus (Linné) is perennial,
and occurs in a succulent form on sea-coasts. 'The seeds will retain
their vitality for several years.
L o x o p t e r y g iu m L o r e n tz ii, Grisebach. (Schinopsis Lorentzii, Engler. )
La Plata-States. 'The bark and wood, called Quebracho Colorado,
extensively used for tan n in g ; latterly much exported to Europe.
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