THE VERBENA. 
131 
With respect to the coverings used on the hoops at a more ad¬ 
vanced period, I think that worsted netting of a rather small 
mesh will be found preferable to mats, as affording a warmer 
covering, and will at the same time admit a much larger propor¬ 
tion of light. 
Florista. 
THE VERBENA AS A SHOW FLOWER. 
I read with much interest the remarks of your correspondent 
Hortulanus, at page 173 of the last volume, on the propriety of 
adopting the Verbena as a flower pre-eminently qualified for 
exhibiting, and, cordially agreeing with his commendation of 
that lovely tribe, I am highly gratified in observing that at least 
one society has judiciously embodied the suggestion in their 
schedule for the present season. The Royal South London Flo- 
ricultural Society have thus wisely added another great attraction 
to their autumnal show by offering prizes for collections of twelve 
varieties of these interesting flowers. There cannot be a doubt, 
from the timely notice thus given, and the general favour in 
which the plants are held, of a very fine display being present: 
it will give to the raiser of new varieties an opportunity of 
thoroughly establishing the character of those that are really 
deserving of public estimation, and afford the purchaser an 
equally good one of judging of the habit of such as he may feel 
disposed to add to his collection, a matter of almost equal mo¬ 
ment with the quality of the blooms, which all will admit who 
like myself have felt annoyed by the straggling, uncontrollable 
character of a great part of those now cultivated. The prize is 
certainly not restricted to new varieties, being open alike to all; 
but no dealer who values the fair fame of his productions, and 
who is anxious to supply his customers with really good articles, 
will, I should think, omit the opportunity of thus bringing them 
in competition with the best of the existing varieties. Such a 
chance of advertising their qualities ought not to be passed over, 
and, as the plants are good travellers, there can be no reason 
why they should not be collected from all parts of the country, 
and there is little doubt, if growers evince a proper conception 
