Our drawing was made from a specimen produced 
in the garden of the Birmingham Horticultural 
Society, under the care of Mr. Cameron; and in 
allusion to its prostrate stems, he says, “ Upon 
taking up some runners of the Malva lateritia, I 
found its creeping stems rooted at every joint. The 
roots when first emitted, are fibrous, and several in 
number; one, however, soon takes the lead down- 
wards, and becomes long and fusiform — in some 
instances more than a foot in length, and half an 
inch in diameter in the middle, for it tapers from 
the centre up to the joint, as well as dow nward to 
the point. I do not recollect having seen any other 
plant root in this manner. If hardy enough, it 
would soon bind down any moving sand, as its 
tough stems would form a complete mat over it, 
and they would be firmly fastened, at every joint, 
by the united power of the fusiform and the fibrous 
roots.” 
This plant was, doubtless, designed for the very 
purpose here suggested. Its roots and stems spread- 
ing on and near the surface, collect and hold toge- 
ther, a light and sandy soil, and as an artificer would 
apply at intervals, a bond to render his work secure, 
a strong descending root is provided to hold down 
the whole with firmness. Surely the most deter- 
mined sceptic cannot here doubt either the existence 
of design or the efficiency of purpose. 
We cannot state, with confidence, that the Malva 
lateritia will bear severe frost, therefore recommend 
that some of the runners be potted in autumn; and 
kept in a cold frame, with due winter protection, 
till the following April. 
