266 FLORA DOMESTICA. 



MALLOW. 



MALVA. 



MALVACEJE. MONADELPHIA POLYANDRIA. 



Gerarde supposes the Latin name of this genus to be derived from 

 the Hebrew, in which tongue it is called Malluach, from its saltness 

 (Melach y salt), because the Mallow grows in salt places, among rub- 

 bish, &c., where saltpetre abounds. " I am persuaded," says he, 

 " that the Latin word Malva comes from the Chaldee name Malluach, 

 the ck being left out for the good sound's sake ; so that in the Malua 

 we should pronounce the u as a vowel, Malua, which comes near to the 

 English word Mallow/' French, mauve. Italian, malva. 



THE Whorl-flowered Mallow is a native of China : it 

 has pale red flowers, blowing in June and July. 



The Syrian or Curled Mallow has white flowers, veined 

 with red or purple, and is in flower from June to August. 

 These two kinds are annual. 



The Vervain and the Musk-mallow are natives of many 

 parts of Europe, and the latter is sometimes found wild in 

 this country. 



They may be sown about the end of March, several 

 together ; and when they are three or four inches high 

 they may be removed into separate pots, which should be 

 five or six inches wide. They may also be sown in the 

 autumn, for they will bear the cold very well, if not too 

 much watered ; and will flower earlier, and even stronger, 

 than those sown in the spring. In dry summer weather they 

 may have a little water every evening, or second evening, 

 according to the heat of the sun, the plant's exposure to 

 it, &c. : but in cold weather, once a week, or twice in ten 

 days, will be sufficient. 



A species of Mallow was used among the Romans as 

 an esculent vegetable. Horace mentions it as one of his 

 ordinary dishes : 



