ox THE TEEE MALLOW. 293 



bleaching agent,* a mode that is also likely to be applicable to 

 that of the tree mallow. 



For green mamtrc, to be dug or ploughed into the ground, the 

 rapid and luxuriant growth of the tree mallow renders it parti- 

 cularly suitable. Some have assumed that, in consequence of its 

 immense growth, it must be a very scourging or soil-exhausting 

 crop. In reality, however, this does not appear to be the case, 

 for the plants have comparatively few, and by no means far- 

 spreading roots, and throughout the whole period of their growth, 

 but more especially in that of the first year, they shed an 

 abundant, continuous succession of their large succulent leaves, 

 which overspread the ground surface with a thick leaf-manure 

 covering. Thus the plants are not only large producers of their 

 own nutriment, but seemingly derive much of their sustenance 

 from the atmosphere, as is evinced by the forementioned tenacity 

 of life in the unmatured plants. 



For distillation, the seeds of the tree mallow are likely to be 

 useful. A friend to whom I showed them, and who in America 

 had much experience in distilling from buckwheat, as well as 

 from Indian corn, and the ordinary cereals, stated he had no doubt 

 but they would yield over a gallon of proof spirit per 50 lbs. 



For the textile and cordage uses of the tree mallow, see after 

 remarks, page 295. 



Cultivation. — The tree mallow accommodates itself to a wide 

 range of soils and situations, not excluding from the former bog- 

 peat, if sufficiently drained to free it from stagnant moisture ; and 

 although it thrives inland provided the temperature does not fall 

 too low, it is most at home on the cliffs, and among the earth - 

 mixed debris of sea-side rocks, or among sea sand-hills on their 

 partly consolidated slopes and lioUows. Under cultivation it 

 will grow on most soils that are suitable for ordinary farm crops, 

 and in many places where the exposure is too much for these. 

 Ordinary farm-yard manure may seldom be available for tree 

 mallow culture, but a convenient substitute will often be found 

 in those immense quantities of sea-weed or wrack that are often 

 thrown ashore near places that are highly suitable for its growth. 

 Tho droppings of sea birds on its native cliffs suggests the 

 application of guano ; and in inland localities common snlt 

 could not fail in being highly etlicacious. The period at which 

 plants naturally sow or disj)erse their seeds is generally deemed 

 the best, or at least a good time for sowing them in their native 

 countries. To this rule, however, the tree mallow may be 

 deemed an cxce]itic)n ; as a good many of its earliest fallen seeds 

 vegetate in mikl jtiMiods of the succeeding autumn and winter 

 mouths ; and although in very shelUired places tliese may escape 

 yet in many cases most of them will succumb to the succeedin 



♦ See " British and Fon-igu rnp.T.'\r.iIvOrs' Hf-vLnv " fnv An -nM 187^' - ! 10. 



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