1869. ] 



ABUTILON THOMPSONI. 



21 



a weedy spindly plant, notwithstanding its pretty flowers, but when grown in a 

 greenhouse its sturdy hardy and ornamental aspect reversed this unfavourable 

 verdict. It is indeed recorded that at Clapharn it has survived in the open air 

 in winter, uninjured. Similar misconception prevailed in respect to Abutilon 



Thompsoni, the utility of which was not even suspected till it was planted out in 

 the open garden for the summer, as an experiment, Here, instead of the dingy, 

 blotched leaves which had been generally seen under house culture, and which 

 failed to procure it many admirers, it became quite brilliant in its mottled livery 

 of green and gold and white, so much so that it must be pronounced a first-rate 



