147 



The results obtained in pedigreed cultures indicate that various 

 races exist within the species of H. Moscheutos and that hybridiza- 

 tion among these and H. oculiroseus will result in increased 

 variability. 



There is considerable literature (no attempt will be made here 

 to summarize the literature) which indicates that there is more 

 or less marked geographic limitations or even isolation of various 

 races and that other races than those here mentioned may exist. 

 Thus the variability may be quite different at various stations 

 throughout the range. 



Very little is known regarding the range of Hibiscus oculiroseus. 

 In some localities plants resembling this species seem to pre- 

 dominate. Rev. J. P. Otis (personal correspondence) finds this 

 to be the case near Marshallton, Delaware. However, flowers 

 of nine plants which he sent to the writer showed that none of 

 these conformed to the type of the species: the eye was much 

 paler and the corolla-blades were either of pinkish tinge or were 

 white instead of sea-foam yellow. Although there are many 

 plants somewhat resembling H. oculiroseus to be found along 

 the coast southward from New York City, none that the writer 

 has yet seen have agreed with the type of the species grown at 

 the New York Botanical Garden. 



With the exception of Race 7, all the races of H. Moscheutos 

 thus far tested hybridize readily with H. militaris giving highly 

 fertile Fi progeny. The latter species is decidedly distinct from 

 either H. Moscheutos or H. oculiroseus and has a range that is 

 more exclusively inland. It would seem, however, that in many 

 localities both H. Moscheutos and H. militaris are to be found 

 and that in such regions natural hybridization may occur pro- 

 ducing much variability. Dr. O. E. Jennings has informed the 

 writer, in a letter, that the form of H. Moscheutos which grows 

 at Presque Isle, Lake Erie, has prevailingly three-lobed leaves. 

 Evidently the shape of the leaves is somewhat like that seen in 

 H. militaris, a condition which has not been seen in any of the 

 races of Moscheutos that the writer has seen along the coast. 



It will greatly facilitate the writer's efforts to make a field 

 survey of the rose mallows if persons who have opportunity will 



