18S-A.] 
THE AMERICAN GARDEN. 
149 
hibiscus. 
In this extensive genus are comprised 
annuals, herbaceous perennials, hardy and 
tender shrubs, and small trees. Among tlio 
annuals, H. csckIciiUis, the Okra or Gombo 
of our kitchen gardens, is one of the host 
known. Jf, the indigenous Swamp 
Kose-Mallow. is prominent among the herba¬ 
ceous perennials, and H. Syriaeus-, the AUhroa 
of our gardens, as a hardy shrub. 
if. rosa-sinensis, both the 
single and double forms, 
bear very showy flowers, 
and belong to our most val- 
lied greenhouse shrubs, as 
they are of the easiest cul¬ 
ture, and thrive under a de¬ 
gree of neglect that would 
prove disastrous to most 
other plants. They bear 
pruning well, and large 
specimens, when cut back 
severely, will bloom pro¬ 
fusely. 
Our illustration shows a 
most remarkable new form. 
Hibiscus sciiisopetalus, wliich 
has lately been introduced 
to cultivation, and is de¬ 
scribed as follows : “ This V./.. 
plant is regarded by the 
authorities as a variety of 
the well-known H. rosa- 
sinensis, but it is so remark¬ 
ably distinct in general ap¬ 
pearance that few ordinary 
observers would consider it 
so nearly related to that 
species. The flowers are 
pendulous, on slender pe¬ 
duncles, the petals being 
deeply cut, or lacinated, 
somewhat in the style of 
the Clarkias. The united 
filaments of the stamens 
closely sm-round the style, 
and the latter projects about 
two inches beyond the co¬ 
rolla, terminating in five di¬ 
visions. The color of the petals is a brilliant 
orange red; and although the fiowers, like 
Lamb. It was exhibited at one of the Koyal 
Horticultural Society’s meetings, and was 
honored with a first class certificate. It re- 
(piiros similar oulturo to that of its congener.” 
&EEENH0U8ES FOE AMATEUE USE. 
With every year the number of grocn- 
housos and conservatories increases percep¬ 
tibly, so that already comparatively few 
\ 
.double hibiscus. 
ore of short dura- 
those of other Hibisousos, a 
tion, yet the plant as bot tropical 
interesting. It is a Rev. J. A. 
Africa, where it was foundby^^^^^^^^^^ 
HIBISCUS SCHIZOPETALUS. 
country places are foimd without some j 
structure for the preservation and cultivation 
of plants during winter. 
Those contemplating the 
construction or i-emodel- 
ing of plant houses shoidd 
now complete their plans 
so as to have everything 
in readiness when their 
tender plants require shel¬ 
ter. The following, fi'om 
the pi'ize essay of the Mas¬ 
sachusetts Horticultural So¬ 
ciety, by Mr. William P. 
Philbriek, is full of excel¬ 
lent practical suggestions 
and advice, well worth the 
careful consideration of 
those interested in tliis 
subject. 
The essayist supposed 
the wants of the average 
amateur to be a variety 
of flowering plants, some 
stock of bedding plants 
for use in the garden in 
summer, and conveniences for propagation. 
Some of his plants will be tropical, others 
more or less hardy; some will delight in 
abundant sunshine, others will floui-ish bet- 
tor in partial shade. These demands can 
be satisfied most efficiently and attractively 
by a span-roofed house. The south side 
will suit the flowering plants and the north 
side the Ferns, and the latter will also 
bo the place for the cutting-bench. There 
will be no imsightly north wall, as in a 
'• lean-to ” house, and by curving the raf¬ 
ters an ornamental appearance can be giv¬ 
en to the house. It should bo partitioned 
into three or, better, four 
compartments. Two will 
face the sun; the one near¬ 
est the fire will be for trop¬ 
ical and the other for hardier 
plants; the former should 
have a temperature of 60° 
at night, while the hardy 
plants will do better with 
40° to 4.0°. Both will need 
abundant air, and therefore 
must be provided avith am¬ 
ple ventilators. The com- 
- partments on the north side 
will be for plants which 
flourish best in diffused 
light. ■ J"." . - 
The house may be built 
twenty feet wide, and as 
long as the needs of the 
owner require. The south 
side should have upright 
sashes three feet from the 
ground, for ventilation. 
From the plate to which 
these sashes are hung spring 
the i-afters, rising to a ridge 
nine feet high and eleven 
and a half feet from the 
front of the house, giving a 
length to the rafters of about 
thirteen and a half feet. The 
northern eompai'tment will 
be eight feet' wide, with 
rafters ten feet long, spring¬ 
ing from a sill laid on a con¬ 
crete wall three feet high. 
This plan gives a steeper 
pitch to the north sides so 
as to prevent snow from lodging. The glass 
should be double thick, ten inches by twelve. 
l/'-l 
SINGLE' HIBISCUS. 
bedded in putty. Ventilating sashes three 
feet square will be needed every six feet 
along the I’idge on both sides, and a row of 
posts midway of the rafters. 
