L A T H Y R U S pratenfis.
Meadow Vetchling.
D1ADELP HIA Decandria.
G e n . C h a r . Style flattened, downy above, broader
upwards. Two upper fegments of the calyx
ihorteft.
S p e c . C h a r . Several flowers on a ftalk. Tendrils
moftly Ample, each bearing two lanceolate leaves.
S y n . Lathyrus pratenAs. Linn. Sp. PI. 1033. Hudf.
317. With. 633. Hull. 161. Relh. 273. Sibth.
223. Abbot. 157. Curt. Lond. fafc. 3. t. 44.
Mart. Fl. Ruß. t. 52.
L . luteus fylveAris dumetorum. Rail Syn. 320.
( C o m m o n in meadows, paftures, hedges and bufhy places,
efpecially in wet fituations, flowering in July and Auguft.
Root perennial, creeping, propagating itfelf very faft by
means of fmall flefhy tubercles. Stems weak, branching, two
or three feet long, climbing, leafy, fmooth, tharply angular
but not winged. Leaves lanceolate, rather glaucous, fmooth,
in pairs on tendrils which are generally, but not always, unbranched.
Stipulse unequally arrow-fhaped, embracing the
ftem. Stalks very long, eredt, bearing numerous large bright-
yellow flowers. Calyx hairy, its teeth tapering and fharp-
pointed. Pods almoft eredt, black, fmooth, holding about 8
or 10 feeds, but fparingly produced, the roots being fo very
prolific.
Mr. Curtis, on the authority of the ingenious Dr. Anderfon,
fo well known by his agricultural works, (and who ought to
be much better known as the author of feveral valuable inventions
by which others have profited,) recommends this vetch
for cultivation, as fupplying excellent fodder both early and
late in the feafon, making good hay, and thriving on a clay
foil, where Saintfoin will not grow. He advifes increafing it
by firft fowing the feeds, and then parting the roots.