NAT. ORDER. MALVACEAE. 47 



The Hibiscvs rosea is a native of China, but is now quite com- 

 mon in the flower-gardens, both in this and the old countries, where 

 it forms one of the chief ornaments to decorate the hedges in 



o 



autumn. We view it, however, with less delight, as its splendid 

 blossoms are a sure indication of approaching winter. 



There are many varieties of this plant mentioned by authors, 

 such as the purple, the red-Jlowered, the white-Jlotvered, the variegated 

 red and white-Jiowered, and the striped-Jlowered, to which may be 

 added, another variety, lately introduced, with double flowers. It 

 varies also in its foliage, which is sometimes marked with white, 

 and sometimes with yellow. 



Propagation and Culture. From the lateness of its flowering, 

 and the want of sufficient warmth, this plant rarely ripens its seeds 

 with us : the usual mode of increasing it is by layers, and some- 

 times by cuttings ; but the best plants are raised from seeds. We 

 would remark, that, in order to increase and multiply the scarce 

 varieties, they may bo grafted on each other, which is the common 

 method of propagating those valuable sorts with striped leaves. 



Medical Properties and Uses. The leaves and flowers of this 

 plant are the parts directed for medicinal purposes, although the 

 roots were at one time considered preferable for some purposes ; 

 as sirups, poultices, &c., for which purpose the roots are washed 

 clean, and boiled in a sufficient quantity of water to extract all 

 of their strength ; after which the liquor is strained off^ and one 

 pound of honey added to every quart of the liquor, and one sixth 

 part of good gin : have this well mixed, when it is ready for use. 

 This sirup was used principally for its diuretic qualities, but never 

 gained much celebrity. The roots were boiled until they became 

 quite soft; then mashed to pulp, and appl"edin this form as poul- 

 tices. In this way it is said to have been the means of performing 

 some astonishing cures. 



