VARIEGATED EUPHORBIA. 271 



bouquet appears to great advantage. Although showy it 

 ought to be excluded from all gardens where children have 

 free access, for such is the deleterious effects of the leaf, if 

 allowed to come in contact with the lips, it will cause the 

 part to blister ; the irritation may lead to other, and proba- 

 bly worse, consequences. There is a variety of Euphorbia 

 mixed with some Cactuses, but easily distinguished, and the 

 whole tribe is worthless. 



VERBENA. 



(MELINDRE.) 



* Some clothe the soil that feeds them, far diffused, 

 And lonely, creeping, modest, and yet fair." 



This is decidedly one of the best exotics in cultivation. 

 It was first imported as far back as 1640, but does not ap- 

 pear to have created any sensation among florists until 

 within the last thirty years, when many beautiful species 

 were introduced into Europe. The flowers are formed ag- 

 gregate ; the leaves jagged; stem branching. The Ver- 

 bena will flower from March until November. 



It is a native of Buenos Ayres, and is there called 

 Melindre, but Melindre officinalis is a native of England, 

 a plant possessing no merit. Those of late introduction 

 are new, and are becoming plentiful ; possessing such re- 

 markable beauty, they will supplant many flowers now 

 considered indispensable. From the nature of the plant 



