Mallows 121 
Both these plants grow in similar situations, under 
hike conditions as to soil, aspect, etc., so that we have 
here an admirable opportunity of testing the difference 
made by cross-fertilisation. Common Mallow aims 
at the good offices of flying insects such as bees, and 
its petals bear streaks pointing to the honey-glands 
at the base of the staminal column; its stems are 
covered with hairs to prevent crawling insects like 
ants approaching the flowers in an illegitimate manner, 
and foiling its schemes by plundering honey and 
pollen. The narrow base of the petals, too, is bearded 
to prevent uninvited insects getting illicit sips of 
honey, but the honey-bee contrives to get her tongue 
in and reach the honey after the flower has been 
closed for the day. Dwarf Mallow is not averse to 
such visits, and its hairs are reduced to a soft downi- 
ness, which would only interfere with 
slugs. But its possession of flowers so 
large and coloured points to the proba- 
bility that it was once larger and cross- * 
fertile only. It may, indeed, have 
originated as a variety of the larger 
species; and I am inclined to take this 
view. The smaller species is not so 
“ : : = : Stigmas of 
widely distributed in this COUNTY? 38 * Sammon Mallow 
the larger, but their range outside these 
islands is almost identical. Many species of bees, a 
few flies, and other insects regularly visit the Common 
Mallow, but in the case of the Round-leaved species 
very few insects — including the honey-bee — take 
notice of it. 
The Tree Mallow (Lavatera arborea) during its first 
year of existence sets itself to building up a stout 
