n^IiXBOW GARDEXIXG. 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 quickl}', that many a variety 
becomes old and forgotten in a few seasons. The public iu 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 
Capitolino 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 coinb, 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 " Simpler's Joy." 
The Veibcnais 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. 
Jlie 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 honse 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 arc exceedingly 
beautiful and attractive Among the finest are : 
