THE MALLOW FAMILY. 195 



II. Ascertain approximately the number of seeds pro- 

 duced by a single strong plant. 



RELATIONSHIP. 



Compare with the common mallow at least one, and if 

 possible several, of the plants named above, noting the 

 various points of difference and likeness. Write a brief 

 summary of the characters common to them all. 



The Malvaceae exhibit a number of interesting peculiari- 

 ties, some of which indicate relationship with several other 

 families, among them the Tiliacese. They are widely dis- 

 tributed in both hemispheres, but with a preference for 

 the warmer parts of the globe. The cotton plant is the 

 most important member of the family, from an economical 

 standpoint. A few species are of medicinal value, and a 

 considerable number, as Althaea, Hibiscus, Abutilon, and 

 others, are well-known ornamental plants. 



