WINDOW GARDENING. 217 



* Ultramarine, the best blue raised, very fragrant. 

 White Beauty, purest white. 

 Warrior, crimson maroon, violet eye. 



*Beacon, fine dark scarlet. 



Those marked with a star are considered best novelties for this year. Lists 

 change so frequently, and new ones are formed so quickly, that many a variety 

 becomes old and forgotten in a few seasons. The public in this respect are de- 

 pendent solely upon the annual announcements of the florists. We could wish 

 good varieties might be a little more permanent and less shifting. 



The Verbena derives its name from the Celtic for Vervain, a common wild 

 flower. It bears its flowers in long spikes, while the Verbena is a cluster flow- 

 ered variety. The Vervain was called holy herb ; it grew plentifully on the 

 Capitoline Hill at Rome, and was much used in religious festivals, and also em- 

 ployed as a symbol in making treaties of peace. 



The Druids, of Great Britain, held it in high esteem, and used it in foretelling 

 future events, and in casting lots ; but for these purposes the plant must be 

 gathered " when the daystar rose at such a time as neither the sun nor the 

 moon should be above the earth to see it," and also that before they take up the 

 herb they bestow upon the ground where it greweth honey, with the comb, in 

 token of satisfaction and amends for the violence done in depriving her of so 

 holy an herb." 



The Vervain is said to grow in the vicinity of villages and towns, and never 

 in the wilds, which has gained for it the name of " Simple r's Joy." 



The Verbena is found growing wild in Kansas, and there is a species called 

 Verbena montane, which grows in our western territories, but its flowers are 

 small compared to those we cultivate. 



21ie Petunia. 



Here we meet some very charming favorites. The common single Petunias 

 will grow in any soil, being usually quite hardy. The large double varieties are 

 very fragrant and frail, and though easily raised for cuttings produce few if 

 any seeds. 



Start cuttings in April or May, and plant them in damp sand, keeping it moist 

 all the time. When rooted pot in rich garden loam and press the soil carefully 

 around the roots ; keep in the shade until the roots begin to grow, then give it 

 all the sunshine you can. Pinch off the flower buds during the summer, to 

 allow the plant to become bushy, and do not give too much water to make the 

 sprouts spindle out. There are no handsomer house plants than the improved 

 Double and Single Petunias, and their culture is very simple. Some varieties 

 will train easily, and require a frame for support. The Double varieties are 

 blotched and striped like Pelargoniums, or Picotee Pinks, and are exceedingly 

 beautiful and attractive Among the finest are : 



