218 Account of four new seedling Verbenas. 



J. P. Gushing, Esq., Watertown, whose merits as a gardener, 

 and whose affability and kindness to all lovers of plants who 

 visit Mr. Cushing's residence, are too well known to need 

 any further eulogy, and whose name is well deserving of being 

 attached to so universally cultivated and beautiful a tribe of 

 plants as the verbena. 



Verbena var. Russellii odordta. — Flowers rosy pink, with 

 well formed compact umbels. A free flowerer, and in habit 

 and growth much resembling V. Haggerstonii. It is well 

 adapted to pot cultivation as well as to the open border, on 

 account of its stiff and compact habit. 



It is not so strong and vigorous as the above, but partakes 

 somewhat of the character of its parent, V. teucrioides, though 

 inclined to grow taller. The flower stalks are long, and in 

 consequence are well adapted for cutting for bouquets; in this 

 respect it is superior to most of the other varieties. 



Although you have named one, of your own raising, in hon- 

 or of Mr. Russell, I think that a sub-variety which has the 

 additional character of being fragrant, will be no more than a 

 just tribute to the name of a gentleman whose writings in your 

 pages have been so instructive and useful to a great portion of 

 your readers. 



Verbena var. Hoivellu. — Flowers light pink; umbels large, 

 well formed, half orbicular, forming a pretty contrast with the 

 flatter umbels of many of the other varieties. The habit and 

 growth of the plant resemble the last described one, V. Rus- 

 sellii odorata, with the exception that its leaves are not quite 

 so large, and more finely dentate. The flowers are also sweet 

 scented, thus making, in all, three varieties, highly fragrant. 



Verbena var. densiflora. — Flowers rich crimson; umbels 

 large, but so flat that the flowers almost form an even surface: 

 each individual flower more than medium size. The plant 

 has a neat trailing habit, flowers very freely, and its joints are 

 so short that it is completely covered with dark green leaves, 

 intermixed with its fine crimson umbels of flowers. I think this 

 variety a most valuable addition to this beautiful tribe of plants. 



I have also raised, in addition to these, a number of other 

 seedlings of considerable merit, and I have some yet that have 

 not flowered, from which I expect something good. I have 

 also some seedling geraniums, of which, should they prove 

 handsome kinds, I will give you an account at another oppor- 

 tunity. W. Howell. 



J^orwichf Conn.y March, 1841. 



