mre E 
= thickening soups, while the leaves are used for poultices. Model of — 
KEW GARDEN MUSEUM. 107 
level of the sea: and the extraordinarily dense and tufted manner in 
which they grow (looking like, and by the unbotanical eye mistaken 
for, a compact Moss) indicates the exposure in the clefts of rocks to 
extreme cold and driving hurricanes. One of the most elevated of 
flowering plants in our own mountains is a nearly allied one to this, 
and belonging to the same Natural Family, viz. the Cherleria sedoides, 
Linn. 
Pharnaceum lineare, Thunb., flowering branches. Cape. From the 
medical collection in the Great Exhibition. The infusion is employed 
in pulmonary affections. It has a pleasant, aromatic, bitter tase, and 
is somewhat mucilaginous and slightly astringent. (Dr. Pappe.) 
Ord. Matvace®. MarLow FAMILY. 
An extensive Natural Family, chiefly inhabiting warm climates, 
eminently characterized by the general mucilaginous properties, and 
the copious fibre of the inner bark. In England we have only the 
Mallows, Marsh-Mallow, and Tree-Mallow ; but warm countries produce 
numerous species of Hibiscus, Sida, etc., which are generally shrubs 
and small trees, often with very handsome flowers; and in such regions 
alone, the Cotton is extensively cultivated, and forms a staple article of 
trade with almost all parts of the civilized world. In that instance it 
is the fibre surrounding the seeds which is so valuable, under the name 
of Cotton. None are unwholesome, and some are esculent. Dye is 
extracted from some. The beautiful flowers of Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis, 
L., are used by the Chinese to blacken their eyebrows and their shoes. — — 
Marsh-Mallow. Guimauve, Fr., Althea officinalis, Z. Dried flowers 
and foliage. Europe. Demulcent and pectoral. 
-Hollyhock. Althza rosea, L. South of Europe. Dried flowers. 
Mucilaginous and demulcent. The leaves dye blue. 
Ochro, or Ochra. Hibiscus (Abelmoschus, I. et 4.) esculentus, L. 
Pods and Wood. Tropical America and East India. Cultivated for the — 
sake of the green pods or seed-vessels, which are much employed in 
the pod carved in wood by the natives of Bombay, from the soft wood 
of Givotia rütlleriformis, Wight, Ic. t. 1889. On being fresh- cut the — 
wood is very heavy: and it is when thoroughly dry that it becomes so 
soft and light. (J. Law, Esq.) ! i 
Rope made of the fibre of Hibiscus tiliaceus, Z., Fibres T Hibiscus 
