(Jultupp of ?fltiorih "JPIanh* 



ELONGING to the Mallow family, the Abutilons 

 are frequently called Strawberry-bells because of a 

 resemblance between the flowers of some of the earlier 

 \ari(.ties and the common strawberries. They are also 

 scimctimes called Flowering Maples, from a similarity 

 m the shape of the leaves to those of the Maple. The 

 leaves arc wonderfully varied in color and markings, 

 eing of a bright golden yellow in some varieties, and 

 ■ JTitc mixed with yellow in others, while some few 

 re beautifully ornamented b}- green, white or yellow 

 lotches, constituting a sort of picturesque vegetable 

 mosaic. The A. Thompsonii, so called after the great 

 X^ English collector of that name, who introduced the 

 iriety from Japan, retain their bright colors and well- 

 hottest weather. The}' are especially adapted to oiu' 

 Southtin St Ucs, whtiL tht\ itt un immense proportions, growing from ten to fifteen feet 

 high and spieadmg lateialU to a corresponding extent. They are also not inappropriate 

 to noithein cultuie, thiough then accommodating habit, as they may be kept in an ordi- 

 nary cellar over winter, with occasional waterings to prevent the soil from becoming 

 entirely dry. The stems are slender, and those of the smaller ones can be trained to form 

 a pretty window-screen, or to assume an umbrella-like or other fancy shape to suit the 

 taste of the cultivator. Thev should be gro\\ n in a lich, sandy soil; and, as has been inti- 

 mated, they will thrive in or out of doors, though all will be the better for a partial 

 shading when planted outside. This can be the most easily secured by setting them to 

 the north of a fence, an evergreen or a shrub somewhat higher than themselves. The}' 

 make an abundance of small roots near the stem, and, being what gardeners term gross 

 feeders, they should have plenty of liquid manure during their season of growth and 

 bloom. Ther flower freely during the winter and spring months in about sixty degrees 

 of heat, and some varieties continue to flower all summer when properly cared for. In 

 removing Abutilons indoors on the approach of winter, from the beds or borders where 

 they have been resting, it is best to anticipate a little, that they may have time to make a 

 few rootlets in their new abode before the cold weather is fairly upon them. 



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