108 KEW GARDEN MUSEUM. 
Sabdariffa, L., and H. cannabinus, L., and cordage of Thespesia popul- 
nea, Corr., and from other Malvacee, are in the Collection. 
Musk-seeds. Hibiscus Abelmoschus, Z. (Abelmoschus moschatus, 
W. et A.) The kidney-shaped seeds have a powerful musky odour, 
and are said to be roasted with coffee by the Arabs: tincture used 
against serpent-bites. 
Gingodau. Sida sp. Seed. (Dr. Bromfield.) Used in Nubia and 
Soudan as a substitute for Coffee. 
Mallow. Malva sylvestris, L. Britain. Dried herbage used as 
emollient and demulcent, and in poultices for external application. 
Corton. 
From different supposed species of Gossypium, generally known 
as G. herbaceum, and G. Barbadense. The valuable substance is the 
hairy covering of the seeds. Volumes have been written on the history, 
manufacture, and commercial importance of this plant; and the reader 
will find a valuable Treatise in the volume of Dr. Royle, ‘On the Cul- 
ture and Commerce of Cotton in India and elsewhere. London. 1851.’ 
A large compartment in our Museum is devoted to this material, with 
drawings of the plant: it contains 
Cotton-pods, or ripe seed-vessels (generally still surrounded with the 
three-leaved involucre), more or less burst, and showing the cotton, 
which envelops the seeds; from various countries. 
Nankin Cotton pod and Nankin Cotton, which is a variety naturally 
.. produced of that peculiar colour (not dyed, as is often supposed). 
_ Raw Cotton. From the Southern States of North America, Mexico, 
‘South America, East Indies, Africa, etc., as labelled. 
~ Cloth of various kinds, and in various states of preparation, chiefly 
the work of natives in extra- European countries. 
— A case is devoted to samples of Egyptian, Macao, New Orleans, Surat 
.. Cotton, from the bale; and cotton in various stages of manufacture, 
» presented by Messrs. Dunn and Glover, of Manchester. 
Another interesting case contains Cotton-pods and seeds, together 
. with Oil and Oil-cake (for feeding cattle) extracted from the seeds, pre- 
. pared and presented by R. Burn, Esq., of Edinburgh. 
_ We are indebted to numerous other contributors for this extensive 
= Collection of Cottons: viz. J. Hadwen, T. Bazley, W. Weston, J. Col- 
 lings (Maltese Cotton and Cloth), D. Hanbury, Esqs. Dr. Seemann, 
rod Ss ec RE Ds A en a SE 
