Notes and Gleanings. 303 



the sorts distinct, in addition to labelling them, we follow up each batch with a 

 variety as different in habit of growth and color of foliage as is possible, so that, 

 if the label is lost or removed, we are thus the better enabled to keep each variety 

 intact at the time of potting. As soon as we perceive they are rooted, or have 

 commenced to grow, we pinch off the point of cutting, so as to induce it to make 

 side shoots. 



Those who cannot spare the room for potting them into single pots in the 

 autumn should obtain some six-inch or 32-size pots, add plenty of drainage, 

 and then fill them with some good, sandy soil ; into each a dozen or more 

 cuttings, according to the strength of the variety, should be placed. Then 

 stand the pots on a border of coal-ashes partially shaded from the scorch- 

 ing rays of the sun. Give a thorough watering, not repeating it again, ex- 

 cept over the foliage with the fine rose of a watering-pot, until they show 

 signs of being rooted. The pots, on this occasion, may be closely packed 

 together, as that will as.sist to check a too rapid evaporation from the soil ; but, 

 in about three weeks from the period of putting in the cuttings, they should be 

 cleansed of all decayed leaves, and the pots stood farther apart from each other, 

 so as to prevent the cuttings as they increase their roots from being drawn into 

 a weak growth. Thus managed, the after-attention should be, when stored in 

 the house, to keep them clear of all decayed leaves, and to stop the shoots 

 when required, and give but little water during the winter months. They will 

 then, early in the ensuing year, be in good condition to be potted off singly. 



The following are among the best of the bedding varieties : — 



Name. Remarks. 



Attraction Strong grower ; flower-stalks erect above the foliage. 



Cybister A fine nosegay ; scarlet with a splendid truss. 



Lord PalmLrston .... Tinted crimson ; good bedder and very free to flower 



Punch A strong grower, with noble truss of flowers ; suitable for large beds. 



Stella A free grower and bloomer ; crimson nosegay. 



Tom Thumb One of the best scarlet, for general bedding. 



T ,, „ ( Very free to bloom, and continues so to the latest period of the season ; 



1 rentn.im Kose . . * \ c • \ a 



\ a fine cense-color flower. 



Of the pink section, Christina is not surpassed. 



Propagating Verbenas. — There are various methods adopted for propa- 

 gating them. Some prefer to strike their principal supply in the spring ; and at 

 that period the smallest cuttings of young wood you can procure will root quickly 

 in silver sand, the pots being plunged in a brisk, but sweet bottom-heat. And, 

 that they may obtain strong plants for affording them shoots, they pot a few of 

 each sort of the spring-struck plant, spotting them singly ; and by pinching the 

 tops of the side shoots, so as to induce a bushy growth, and repotting them 

 when required during the summer months, they have, by the autumn, some strong 

 plants to stand over the winter either in the houses or pits. And then, if subject 

 to a nice moist but warm atmosphere early in the spring, single plants so man- 

 aged will supply a large quantity of cuttings. 



The plan is very good, where room is an object ; but it is best, in my opinion, 

 to propagate as many plants as you can early in the autumn; and bottom-heat is 



