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Earl Blougb

November 1957

CULTIVATED AND SOLD BY

CHICOPEE, MASS

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THIRD

ANNUAL CATALOGUE

CHOICE

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CULTIVATED AND SOLD BY

DEXTER SNOW,

CHICOPEE, MASS.

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OPRINTED BY/O

SAMUEL BOWLES & COMPANY.

SPRINGFIELD, MASS.

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INTRODUCTORY.

The subscriber in issuing the Third Edition of his Annual
Catalogue of Verbenas, takes this opportunity to return his
sincere thanks to his numerous patrons, for their very liberal and
encouraging patronage the past season, and further to assure
them that no pains or expense within his reach have been spared,
so to perfect his business, that he has entire confidence in his
ability to give complete satisfaction to those who may desire to
purchase of him the coming season. He has made valuable
additions to his former unrivalled collection of Verbenas, so that
he now has, beyond dispute, the largest and finest collection in the
world. The enquiry is often made of him, why so large a num-
ber, including so many old, and to somo seemingly inferior va-
rieties, are retained 1 His answer is this, many of the old varie-
ties, like Melindris, Rosy-morn, Sattellite, Iphogene, Royal
Purple, and others of this class, are frequently called for by those
persons, who, having once grown them, and knowing what they
are, prefer them either from association, or for the reason that
they have never' seen better; consequently had rather trust to
them, than to new varieties of which they were wholly ignorant.
On the other hand, the wants of the Amateur, who is desirous of
keeping himself posted up in all the new varieties, must be met.
To do this, the subscriber has spared no pains to secure all the
novelties in his line ; and ho can assure the Amateur that in this
department his collection is complete. These, then, are some of
the reasons why so large a number of varieties are retained, and
not merely for the purpose of making a show in the way of a
lengthy Catalogue. And futhermore, having adopted the plan of

3

Special Culture, it would seem necessary for him to keep as perfoct
a collection as possible in order to meet the wants of all. No
other plant is sold from his establishment, consequently his whole
time and attention is devoted exclusively to this particular branch
of Floriculture, thus enabling him to carry it to greater perfection
than would be the case were he to cultivate many species of
plants.

Iu describing the different varieties of Verbenas named in this
Catalogue, the subscriber has endeavored to be true to nature,
strictly adhering to truth, without exaggeration, as nearly all of
them were described from specimen plants while in flower in his
Garden ; and that he might not deceive those who may desire to
purchase of jijm, he has inserted in this Catalogue no description
but such as he believed to be strictly correct. And purchasers
will please bear in mind, that he does not advertise varieties that
cannot actually be found in his collection, although of some of
the second class or older varieties, the stock is limited ; and per-
sons desiring any of their old favorites, should order them as
early in the season as convenient.

Purchasers ordering by mail, may rely upon their orders being
as satisfactorily filled as though they made the selection in
person.

And it is very important that persons ordering Catalogues or
Plants, should write their name and address in as plain and dis-
tinct manner as possible, thus : Dexter Snow, Chicopee,

Hampden Co., Mass. Then there will be no trouble about their
Plants or Catalogues reaching them safely and in due time.
Many letters were received the past season iu which the names
and address were quite difficult to decipher.

All orders for Plants, from unknown correspondents, to secure
attention must be accompanied with remittances in current bills,
using postage stamps for fractions of a dollar. It is hoped that
none will forget this, as it is quite annoying to have little out-
standing accounts of three, five, and ten dollars, in perhaps a
dozen different States.

OF VERBENAS.

!

For those persons not acquainted with the different varieties,
the subscriber has selected a large number of choice ones and
arranged them in packages, which he believes will be found quite
satisfactory, as they are selected with great care, both, as regards
quality, and variety of color.

In package No.’s 1, 2 and 3, the selection is made with regard
to as much variety of color as possible ; while in No.’s 4, 5 and 6,
some one of the three leading colors predominate ; for instance,
in package No. 4, scarlet will be the most prominent color ; in No.
5, purple ; in No. 6, maroon ; yet in no case are these colors used
to such an extent as to give the bed or mound the appearance of
too much sameness, but enough others are included to produce a
pleasing effect. Where it is desired to make a showy circular
bed or mound upon the lawn, package No. 4 will be the most
suitable, as the scarlet colors will contrast finely with the green
grass.

Package No. 1, will include two novelties, or extra first class,
and two fragrant varieties. Each of the three dollar packages
will include four novelties and two fragrant varieties. No. 3 will
include six novelties and the fragrant varieties.

Four persons residing in the same town, and each ordering a
three dollar package, can have them all put up in the same box,
(yet each package kept separate from the other,) and thus save
to themselves much expense in Express bill ; to those ordering
from a distance, this mode is particularly recommended.

In arranging the prices for his plants, for the coming season,
the subscriber has endeavored to place them within the reach of
all lovers of this favorite flower, as the following will show :

Twelve First Class Varieties, including two novelties and two

fragrant varieties, 75

Twenty-five First Class Varieties, including four novelties and

two fragrant varieties, 3 00

Fifty First Class Varieties, including six novelties and two

fragrant varieries 5 00

Novelties, or Extra First Class, each, 25

Twelve Second Class Varieties 1 25

Twenty-five Second Class Varieties, 2 00

One Ilundred Varieties, including fifty from each class, 9 00

CATALOGUE

The prices named, are for strong, well-established, rooted plants,
put up in moss packages, (in such manner as not in the least to
ipjure the foliage,) and delivered at the Express office in Chicopee ;
after which, the plants are at the risk of the purchaser. No
charges ever made for box, packing or cartage.

For Description of Varieties contained in tliese Pack-
ages, See General List.

PACKAGE NO. 1, THIRTEEN FOR SI, 75.

Brilliant d’Vaise,
Mrs. Thorburn,
Joan of Arc,
Purple Perfection,
Kino of Scarlets,
Casanova,

Fair American,
Castile,

Lord of the Isles,
*Azukea,

Etoile d’Venus,
Mad. Sevigne,

*Queen.

* These two Varieties are included in every Package, and are First Class
only, for their fragrance, they being the best fragrant Varieties in cultivation.

PACKAGE NO. 2, TWENTY-FIVE FOR $3,00.

This will be found a very desirable Package, as the colors are quite distinct.

Brilliant d’Vaise,
Mrs. Thorburn,
Lord Raglan,
Metropolitan,

Lord of the Isles,
Etoile d’Venus,
Joan of Arc,
Princess of Nassau,
Castile,

Hiawatha,

Henry Clay,

Purple Perfection,

Mad. Lemounier,
Sunset,

Azurea,

Queen,

Beauty of Bay-Ridge,
Anna Cora Mowatt,
King of Scarlets,
King of Purples,
Casanova,

Thalia,

Prince of Wales,
Alice,

Mad. Schmidt.

6

OP VERBENAS.

PACKAGE NO. 3

, FIFTY FOR $5,00.

Brilliant d’Vaise,

Princess of Nassau,

Mrs. Thorborn,

Orb of Day,

Lord Raglan,

Miss Hensler,

Metropolitan,

King of Purples,

Kurtz Defiance,

Blue Bonnett,

Arsine Bouoard,

Beauty d’Carbellie,

Purple Perfection,

Beauty of Astoria,

Hector,

Defiance,

Lord of the Isles,

St. Margaret,

Etoile d’Venus,

Thalia,

Castile,

Red Jacket,

Hiawatha,

Viscata,

Mad. Lemounier,

Triumphant,

Sarah,

Gen. Taylor,

Sunset,

Prince of Wales,

Kino of Scarlets,

Blazing Star,

Casanova,

Admiration,

Alice,

Buchanan’s Indispensable,

Azurea,

L. Vesta,

Queen,

Morning Star,

Melvina,

Gen. Scott,

Mad. Sevigne,

Auricula,

Mad. Schmidt,

Anna Cora Mowatt,

Queen Victoria,

Salamander,

Henry Clay,

Rachel.

PACKAGE NO. 4— SCARLET.

Brilliant d’Vaise,

Lord of the Isles,

Lord Raglan,

Purple Perfection,

Mrs. Thorburn,

Thalia,

Metropolitan,

Helen,

King of Scarlets,

Azurea,

Defiance,

Queen,

Castile,

Orb of Day,

7

CAT AL0GUE

Mad. Mallet,
Etoile d’Venus,
Mad. Sevigne,
Sakah,

Mad. Schmidt,

Rachel,

Alice,

Casanova,

S onset,
Henry Clay,
Hiawatha.

PACKAGE NO. 5— PURPLE.

Metropolitan,

Mrs Thorborn,
Rachel,

Purple Perfection
Mad. Sevigne,
Hiawatha,
Casrulean Orb,
Lord Raglan,
Black Warrior,
Alice,

Azorea,

Queen,

Castile,

Etoile d’Vknus,
Joan of Arc,

King of Scarlets,
Defiance,

L. Vesta,

Princess of Nassau,
Blue Defiance,

St. Margaret,
Sunset,

Mad. Schmidt,

Mad. Lemounier,
Casanova.

package no

Casanova,

Favorite,

Viscata,

Melvina,

Purple Perfection,
Lord Raglan,

Mrs. Thorburn,
Brilliant d’Vaise,
Metropolitan,

Lord of the Isles,

L. Vesta,

Thalia,

Empress <

G— maroons.

Azurea,

Queen,

Mad. Lemounier,
King of Scarlets,
Etoile d’Venus,
Hiawatha,

Helen,

Gen. Scott,

Blue Bonnett,
Mad. Sevigne,
Alice,

Robusta,
f France.

8

OP VERBENAS.

No person ordering either of the Packages named, will ever
have reason to feel in the least disappointed, as they include the
best varieties in cultivation, and are arranged in such manner
as to produce a fine effect when in flower. The arrangement will
also be found quite convenient to the purchaser, as they have only
to enclose the money and number of Package desired, without
being obliged to write off a list of names. If, however, the
purchaser selects a Package that includes two or three varieties
already in their possession, they can have others substituted by
writing their order thus : Please enclose Package No. — , sub-
stituting Lord Raglan for Brilliant d’Vaise, Defiance for
King op Scarlets, &c.

The facilities of the subscriber for forwarding plants by Rail-
road or Express are unsurpassed ; as he is located within a short
distance of Springfield, Mass., the great center of Railroad com-
munication from the North, South, East and West, and all pack-
ages will be put up in such manner as to enable them to be trans-
ported hundreds of miles without the slightest injury to their
foliage ; as the following testimony, which he selects from a large
number of letters received from those who purchased plants of
him the past season, will prove :

“ The Verbenas ordered from you arrived safely, and in perfect order,
looking as fresh as if just taken up. I am much pleased with the care evi-
dently bestowed in packing them for so long a journey. You may expect to
hear from me again. Yours truly,

P. B. GILBERT, Guam) Rapids, Michigan.''

“ Your box of Verbenas arrived safely by Express, well-packed and in good
order, JUDGE McCOItD, Temple Grove, Montreal, Canada.”

“Dear Sir: — Your lotter of the 6th inst., stating that you had forwarded
to me the Verbenas which I had ordered, was received on the 11th, but the
box containing the Plants (sent by Express,) did not reach me until yester-
day, having been twelve days on the way; inconsequence, however, of the
admirable manner in which the Plants were put up, they came in fine con-
dition, and but one or two seem lujured at all ; this shows that Verbenas can
be sent from Massachusetts to Illinois with perfect safety, the time, generally,
would not exceed seven or eight days. Yours truly,

1VM. GOODING, Lockport, III.” „

9

CATALOGUE

“The box containing the Verbenas came safely to hand, on the 26th ult.,
they wero in excellent order, and good Plants, Please accept my thanks for
your promptness. The Verbenas I have no doubt will all flower true to
name ; if so, I shall be pleased to recommend your mode of doing business to
my surrounding friends. And believe me, very truly yours,

JOSEPH P. NORTHOVER, Zanesville, Ohio.’’

“ Your favor of tho 27th came on the 28th, and tho Verbenas this after-
noon in the most perfect order, they could not have been better whon they
left your hand. They are now all growing in my flower garden.

E. W. LEAVENWORTH, Syracuse, N. Y.”

“ Dear Sir: — I received the box of Verbenas yesterday, in perfect order,
and was much pleased with the appearance of the Plants. I trust to make a
fine show this summer. Yours truly,

EDWIN NEWBURY, Brooklyn, Ct.”

“ Tho Verbena Plants were duly received, and in good order, they look
finely. Yours, HENRY N. BIGELOW, Clinton, Mass.”

“ Your box of Vcrbonas came to hand in good time and excellent order,
and those Plants showing flower I am highly pleased with.

Yours, JAMES G. FRASER, Galt, Canada West.”

“The Verbenas you sent us gavo much satisfaction, and attracted a good
deal of notice in our garden. For Bonding us such fine varieties, please
accept our thanks. 0. J. RYAN & CO., Rochester, N. Y.”

“ Dear Sir: — I beg to thank you for the promptness with which my order
was filled, the box of Verbenas reached me yesterday, tho Plants well-packed
and as fresh as if put up the day beforo. I was fortunato in leaving the
selection to you, it could not have been better. Yours truly,

W. ALLAN GEDDES, Barrister, Kingston, Canada.”

“ Tho Verbenas arrived safely and in good condition, being well-packed.

JOSIAH HOOPES, Cherry Hill Nursery, West Chester, Pa.”

“The box of Verbenas sent by Adams’ Express, reached us in due time,
the Plants arrived in fine order and continue to do well. You certainly
excel in the art of packing, that alono was worth the money paid for tho
plants; I have never seen anything more securely or beautifully put up.
You may expect to hear again from me during tho summer, as to the pros-
perity of tho Plants. SUSAN M. FRAZIER,

Rockbridge, Alum Springs, Ya.”

(Extract from a letter received from the same, dated August, 1856.)

“ The Verbenas purchased of you last spring, have grown and flourished
finely all summer; out of thirty I have only lost one, and that through
careless planting ; they have bloomed profusely the entire summer.

S. M. FRAZIER.”

(Also from William Frazier.)

“ I have always taken pleasure in saying to my guests, that the packing
quito surpassed any thing of the kind I had ever seen; inasmuch, that after
undergoing all the rough handling of Railroad and Steamboat agents, they
finally came to us on horseback, in perfect and beautiful order.

W.M. FRAZIER, Rockbridge, Alom Springs, Va.”

(Free Press Office, Burlington, Vt.)

“ Your package of thirty-six varieties of Verbena Plants, with your letter
of April 25th, reached me by mail on the evening of the 29th, the Plants
were all in as fine condition as could have been desired.

G. W. BENEDICT.”

From Drew’s Rural Intelligencer, (of May 17th, 1866,) published at
Augusta, Maine.

“ Wo received last week, from Dexter Snow of Chicopee, Mass., a box con-
taining fifty varieties of Verbenas; some in blossom, some in buds, and others
in a younger state of vegetable life— all in excellent order for planting out in
beds; Mr. Snow is no humbug— he promises only what he fulfills. He
hay the largest collection of Verbenas in the United States, nay in the world,
and devotes himself exclusively to the cultivation of this rich and delicate
Plant. The roots he sent us came packed s6 well in moss, that we doubt not
the box might have gone to Louisiana, or California oven, and, on being
opened, would have presented a show of green foliage, brilliant colors and
delicious fragrance, that would have astonished the admirers of Nature’s
Fine Arts. The collection cost us five dollars, but we are entirely satisfied
with the trade; if any of our friends desire ono of the richest flowerbeds,
that will be covered with beauty from Spring to late Autumn, we advise them
to send to Mr. Snow for as many Plants as they desire.”

Should there be some who do not find the arrangement of
either Package satisfactory, they are at liberty to make their own
selection, choosing the same proportion of Novelties or Extra
First Class, as arc included in the foregoing.

11

CATALOGUE

Those making their own selections, will please write the names
of each variety separate and distinct, thus :

Brilliant d’Vaise.

Lord Raglan.

Mrs. Thorburn.

BluejBonnett.

Triumphant, &c.

This will be much better than to write them in the body of the
letter, and mistakes will be less likely to occur.

Plants forwarded as early in the spring as the weather will
admit, or about the first of April.

All orders inclosing Cash, will be promptly and faithfully at-
tended to. Address,

DEXTER SNOW,

Chicopee, Hampden County, Mass.

January, 1857.

12

OF VERBENAS.

VERBENAS.

The Verbena is a native of the hills in the vicinity of Buenos
Ayres, South America, growing through an extensive track of
country in great profusion. It was first introduced into this
country some twenty years since, and has now become quite in-
dispensable in the flower garden, no collection of flowers, however
small, being considered complete without it. And it justly merits
the attention now being given to its culture ; for what plant equals
the Verbena for masses 1 particularly when growing in beds cut
out upon the lawn ; or for border and vase culture, when we take
into consideration the great variety and brilliancy of its colors,
as well as profusion of flower from May to November. It always
looks healthy, bright and vigorous, growing with full native
health in our soil and climate, which seem eminently congenial to
their growth and perfection of flower. Some varieties are quite
fragrant, adding much to their value for the bouquet.

CULTIVATION OF THE VERBENA.

Having received many solicitations the past season, for instruc-
tion in the culture of the Verbena, and finding it something of a
tax upon my time to answer each in detail, I have thought, per-
haps a few practical hints from the experience of one who has
long cultivated it as his favorite flower, might be acceptable to
some, at least, of the many lovers of this floral gem, and perhaps
not inappropriate in these pages ; and first

(SrcMitg %m from JSrei>.

Care should be taken to select plump, heavy and well-ripened
seed, which will be of a dark brown ; soak them a few hours in

13

CATALOUGB

tepid water, and sow in February in eight inch pots or seed pans,
filled to within one inch of the top with a compost of one part
loam, one leaf-mold, and one-half silver sand ; cover the seed one-
half inch deep with the same compost sifted fine; water and
place in a warm frame or under a hand glass, where they will
germinate in ten or twelve days. When the plants are an inch
high, pot them into four-inch pots, and plunge them in sand or
tan in a warm frame, where they may remain until time for
planting out. In good soil and exposure to the sun, they will
blossom in July.

The properties of a First Class Verbena should be, vigorous
foliage, with dwarf, close-spreading habit, truss large, slightly
convex, and thrown well above the foliage ; there should be not
less than fifteen to twenty pips or flower Umbels in each, these
should be smooth, and of good substance, broad segment of
petal, a well-defined eye, and of sufficient stamina to withstand
the hot sun without being burned up. The truss, to be perfect,
should show all its pips fully expanded at a time. In some va-
rieties the outer circles begin to fall, or fade before the center is
fully developed, showing a long, ragged, unsightly truss.

If for Spring planting, should be done in January. I use
four-inch pots, placing in the bottom of each a piece of broken
crock for drainago, upon this one inch-and-a-half of leaf-mold,
filling out the pot with clear silver sand, and give water sufficient
to thoroughly soak the sand. I then prepare the cuttings, by

choosing the points of the most vigorous shoots, cutting them ;
from two to three inches in length, below and near a joint ; trim <
off the lower leaves, and with a pointed stick prick the cuttings |

into the sand about half their length, and near the edge of the

pot. Water the whole in order to settle the sand compactly \

about them. I then place the pots upon a shelf fully exposed to

the sun, using no bell glass or bottom heat, but taking care to
keep the sand constantly moist. In this way the cuttings do not be-
come drawn up, lank and pindeling, but form fine stocky plants,
and become well-rooted in twelve or fifteen days, though it may
be well to let them remain in the sand until the roots strike
through the hole in the bottom of the pot. They may then be
potted into three-inch pots and plunged in sand in a warm frame.

Plants designed for late winter bloom in the parlor, should bo
propagated from cuttings in July, potted into three-inch pots and
plunged in a cold frame. Pinch off the tops of each to cause
them to throw out shoots at the bottom, and water regularly every
morning for the first five or six weeks. By having the frame
three feet deep, the plants may remain in it until about the first of
December, taking care to cover the sash with straw mats in
severe cold nights. To prevent the plants from becoming pot
bound, and the roots getting through the bottom, I give them two
or three shifts into larger sized pots, until I get them into eight-
inch, which should be about the first of November. The plants
should be kept headed in until the last potting, by pinching off the
ends of the shoots. For the more vigorous growers, like Defiance,
and Brilliant d’Vaise, ten-inch pots will be the most suitable. In
potting them the last time, place in the bottom of each pot one
inch of broken crock or charcoal, for the purpose of thorough
drainage, and leave ample space at the top of the pot, (say three-
fourths of an inch,) for water sufficient to thoroughly soak the
whole when watered.

For compost, I use two parts leaf-mold, one part turfy loam,
and one part silver sand ; in the absence of the latter, clean river
sand may be used ; let the whole be thoroughly incorporated.
The leaf-mold I obtain from old woods, by raking off the dry
leaves and scraping together the soil for two or three inches in
depth ; the loam is obtained by cutting the turfs three inches in
thickness, from the top of an old pasture, this should lie in a heap
one year (being frequently turned) before using.

15

CATALOGUE

PmiHgemtut of iljt plants in iljt parlor.

When the plants are brought in the parlor or sitting room, care
should he taken to give them plenty of light, by placing them
near a window fronting south, where they may get the sun the
greater part of the day ; also, to give fresh air and enough of it,
by changing it as often as possible ; improving every mild sunny
day to let in a fresh supply upon them. This I deem of vital
importance, in fact indispensable, for there can be no such thing as
robust, hardy, healthy growth without it. The temperature of
the room should range from fifty-five to sixty, in the day time ; if
a higher temperature is allowed, it creates a dryness in the atmo-
sphere that will be any thing but genial to the plants. Sigh
night temperature should be avoided, as it causes the plants to grow
slender and weakly. Forty to forty-five degrees is about the
point, although the Verbena will stand a temperature much
lower than this, even as low as thirty-two without injury.

During the early part of Winter, or until the middle of Janu-
ary, the plants are nearly in a state of rest, consequently require
but very little water. If given in undue quantities at this time, the
earth becomes soggy and sour, causing decay of the roots ; the
result of which is sickly, yellow looking foliage, if not the entire
destruction of the plant.

No exciting or stimulating manure should be given until the
plants begin to make their Spring growth, or about the first of
February. Water may then be given more liberally, but not
oftener than is actually necessary, and should then be done
thoroughly, so that it may soak the entire ball of earth and drain
through the bottom; always taking care to pour off what falls
into the saucer, as it injures the roots if allowed to stand about
them.

Liquid fertilizers may now be given once or twice a week. I
have used Sulphate of Ammonia with great success, and can confi-
dently recommend it as being perfectly safe, economical, clean,
and easily applied. It gives the foliage a dark-green, luxuriant,
16

OP VERBENAS.

healthy appearance, and stocky growth, with a profusion of
flower. Prepare the liquid the evening before it is to be used, by
dissolving one ounce of the Ammonia in two gallons of water ; if
the plants are coming into flower, it may be used twice a week
with safety. A good fertilizer may also be made by dissolving
one pound of Guano in ten gallons of water, letting it stand
twenty-four hours. This may be used once a week, but not in
connection with the Ammonia. Where either of the above cannot
be obtained. Hen manure may be used as a substitute, preparing
it as recommended for Guano.

As the leaves of a plant are the lungs through which it
breathes, it is very important that they be kept clean and free
from the dust, which is constantly settling upon them in dry
rooms. This must be done by showering the plants three or
four times a week, for I consider the shower bath very essential
to their health and growth. Where there are but few plants, it
may be done with very little inconvenience, by setting them into
an empty tub and showering with a fine rose-sprinkler. In the
early part of Winter, when it is necessary to shower the foliage
without overwetting the soil, lay the pot down upon its side.

Care must be taken to keep down the insects, if they once get
the start, the plant will be a long time in recovering from the
injury done by them. They are easily destroyed by fumigating
with tobacco. Place a dish of coals under the plant stand and
throw on a handful of tobacco, fifteen minutes’ smoking will
destroy them ; or, if but a few plants, set them in a groupjipon
the kitchen floor, place a few chairs about them, over which throw
an old quilt or carpet, forming a tent, set the coals and tobacco
underneath, but not so near as to scorch the plants. In this way,
the insects may be destroyed without the inconvenience of having
the smoke in the parlor.

SHintcrrag Ijjem in: |)its.

I succeeded in wintering some three hundred plants in a pit
made like a common hot bed, with the exception of strong posts
17

CATALOGUE

at the corners and two upon each side at intervals of three or four

roof sufficient to carry off the drip from frost gathered upon the
sash ; the front edge was nearly level with the surface, leaving
just room to slide the sash down a foot, which gave ample room
at the top for the admission of fresh air when necessary. The
ground in front of the frame should have sufficient slope to carry
off the water. The outside was lined with tan one foot thick and
two feet deep in front, and reaching nearly to the top at the back
and ends, being well secured with boards nailed to the frame and
projecting like a roof. In this way the rains and melting snows
are conducted off, thus keeping the packing perfectly dry. I pre-
sume dry leaves, straw or saw-dust, would answer equally as well
as tan, and to many would be far more economical and con-
venient.

The bottom of the pit may be covered three inches with dry
saw-dust, upon which lay a floor of rough boards. Against the
back of the pit I put up temporary shelves, the upper one coming
within eighteen inches of the sash ; upon this the plants may be
kept during the early part of Winter, removing them towards the
bottom of the pit as the cold weather increases, until they are
finally placed upon the floor. The shelves may then be removed
in order to le. in all the light possible.

The plants will require but very little water, just enough to
keep up a moisture about the roots ; but especial pains should be
taken to let in fresh air upon them every mild sunny day, between
the hours of twelve and two. At night the sash (which were
single) were covered with straw mats, also in severe cold cloudy
days. Entrance to the pit may be had by raising one of the sash
in front, and having a temporary step upon the inside. The snow
should be swept from the sash immediately after a storm. If the
plants.get lousy, treat them as recommended for those in rooms.
If mildew makes its appearance, dust the parts effected with
sulphur.

feet. The frame was about twelve feet long, five wide, five and a
half high at the back, and four in front, this gave a pitch to the

18

I may here remark, for the benefit of those who may desire to
keep other plants than Verbenas, in this way, that I had one or
two Heliotropes, a couple of Salvias, a Geranium, and a few
Petunias, all of which came out in the Spring in fine healthy
condition, although the thermometer outside indicated 14 to 16
degrees below zero two or three nights during the Winter, and
no artificial heat was used inside the pit during the time.

dttltitration in ibt (ffiarbeit.

The ground should be prepared in the Fall, by throwing it into
high ridges and spreading over it a coat of wood ashes, and upon
these, old and well decomposed stable manure. In thus exposing
the whole to the sction of frost, the worms, larva of insects, and
that worst of all enemies with whicji the Verbena has to contend,
(the root louse,) are in a great measure destroyed. The soil be-
comes pulverized, and receives a share of Ammonia from the
snows and rains of Winter.

If the soil be too sandy, so much so as to be incapable of re-
taining sufficient thoisture to sustain the plants in very dry
weather, there should be a compost of equal parts clay and leaf-
mold thoroughly incorporated with it. In preparing the beds in
the Spring, care must be taken not to get them too high, or the
plants will suffer from drouth ; although the Verbena requires all
the sun it can have, yet they will not blossom freely unless there
be a good degree of moisture kept up at the root. This must be
done by watering them thoroughly every evening during very dry
weather, always stirring the soil immediately after to prevent its
becoming hard-baked.

The greatest pests of the Verbena in the garden, are the root
louse, and a small worm that encloses itself in the truss, eating
out the undeveloped umbels. It sometimes does serious mischief
in this way, by drawing together a number of tresses and des-
troying them entirely. They are easily detected by the pips being
drawn upon one side, and wove together, thus forming a sort of
cocoon in which the worm may be found. I have found no
19

better way of destroying them, than by picking off the bud or
trass as soon as discovered, and before they have spread over the
whole bed. .

For the root louse, apply a coating of wood ashes, (best done
in the Fall,) and have the ground spaded deep in the Spring. Let
plants when put out be young, strong and healthy. Get them out
as early in the season as the weather will permit, so that they
may get a good start before the hot weather comes on, (at which
time the louse makes its appearance,) in this way the plants will
get ahead and keep it throughout the season. Water occasionally
with Guano, which is quite offensive to most insects, especially
ants, which are the constant attendants of the root louse, and
wherever their little mounds are thrown up near the stalk of the
plant, it is pretty sure indication that the root louse is there also.
They may both be routed by scattering a little Guano near (but
not in immediate contact with,) the stem of the plant.

20

OF VERBENAS.

FIRST CLASS VARIETIES,

Thirteen for $1,75. Twenty-Five Varieties, $3,00.
Fifty Varieties, $5,00. Novelties each, 25 cents.

This is without exception, the largest and finest selection of
Verbenas ever offered, as the whole class have never been com-
bined in any one collection. All of them are First Class in most
respects, being constant Roomers, vigorous growers, and well
adapted to vase culture.

Anna Cora Mowatt, beautiful rosy purple, shaded with crim-
son, a fine strong grower.

Auricula, lavender blue, with very distinct white eye.

Alice, clearest white, bright violet eye, a perfect gem and very
desirable.

Arsine Bougard, peach lilac, conspicuous purple center, very
showy and one of the best, 25c.

Agnes, ( Dingwall ) dark violet purple, very distinct white eye.
Admiration, purplish lilac, with dark center.

Azurea, dark bluish purple, very dark center, vigorous habit,
profuse bloomer and quite fragrant ; this and Queen, are the
two finest fragrant varieties.

^Brilliant d’Vaise, fine crimson scarlet, light eye, truss very
large, habit fine, foliage vigorous, one of the best varieties
ever sent out, 25c.

* Imported by Geo. C. Tbordton of Newark, who may justly claim the
honor of having introduced more bealiy vine foreign varieties of Verbena,
than any other man in the country, as such varieties as Brilliant d’Voise
Defiance, King of Scarlets, Mrs. Mowatt, Alice, Arsine Bougard, Lord Raglan
and others, are ample proof.

21

Black Warrior, (Barnes) dark indigo purple, fine petal, but
not large, good substance, the best of its class.

Blub Bonnett, (Barr//) deep bluish purple, pips large, truss
full, constant and fine.

BlazeingStar, dark crimson scarlet, very profuse, vigorous and
fine.

Beauty d’Carbellie, bluish lilac, very large pips and truss.

Blue Defiance, bluish purple, light eye, pips and truss large,
full and free.

Buchanan’s Indispensable, rich crimson, shading to maroon in
the center.

Beauty of Bay-Ridge, rose white, with a large carmine center,
very distinct and fine.

Beauty of Astoria, light peach pi^t, very distinct light eye.

Corolina, blood crimson, beautiful color, truss large, though
sometimes a little irregular, 25c.

Casanova, dark velvet maroon, or plum crimson, eye very con-
spicuous, the best maroon.

Castile, bright rosy crimson, bright eye, pips large and of first-
rate substance, constant and fine.

CERULEAN Orb, ( Hovey ) fine blue purple, truss largo, foliage
vigorous, and a fine free bloomer, 25c.

Defiance, intense scarlet, first class in every respect.

Dr. Abbott, lilac purple, pips and truss large, substance good,
very free bloomer.

Etoile d’Venus, rosy pink, pips very large, smooth and of
good substance, decidedly fine in every respect.

Empress of France, salmon pink, crimson center, pips large,
but sometimes irregularly set, truss large.

Elenora, fine rose, shading to rose pnrple, constant and fine.

Fair American, pure white, truss very fine, foliage vigorous,
one of the best pure whites.

Favorite, dark velvet maroon, pips small but very evenly set,
forming a perfect truss, one of the best of the small varieties.

Gen. Taylor, bright rosy crimson, large and fine.

22

Gen. Scott, blood red, large truss, very constant and showy.

Gen. Walker, (Snow) dark redish crimson, or maroon, light
eye, pips large and of good substance, habit vigorous and
fine, 25c.

Hiawatha, (Hooey) very dark maroon purple, light center, eye
nearly black, vigorous and constant, very distinct.

Henry Clay, rich ruby, with dark maroon center, constant and
one of the best.

Hyperion, lilac blue, with distinct white eye.

Hector, lavender rose, light center.

Helen, (Snow) lavender, with a rose crimson center, bright eye,
pips large and of good substance, habit vigorous, 25c.

Imperatrice Elizabeth, a distinct species of the pulchella
class, with elegant lancqplate foliage, and exquisitely compact
creeping habit, well adapted to vase culture,— its color is a
violet rose striped with white, flowers very small, 25c.

Isis, fine carmine purple, beautiful color, flower and truss well
formed and fine, 25c.

Joan op Arc, lavender, with rosy crimson center, very fine, first
class in every respect.

ICcrtz Defiance, fine rose white, crimson eye, pips large,
smooth and of good substance, first class in every respect, 25c.

King of Scarlets, intense dazzling scarlet, large, conspicuous
lemon eye, decidedly the most intense scarlet in cultivation.

King of Purples, (Snow) rich dark purple, dark eye, pips very
large and smooth, but lack substance, very fine in the house.

Lord Raglan, bright cherry scarlet, large lemon eye, beautiful
color, pips and truss large and of fine form, the very best, 25c.

Lady Warrander, mottled rose purple, or purplish crimson,
very good.

L. Vesta, creamy white, truss large, very fine and free.

Lord of the Isles, clear deep rose, very^distinct and extra fine,
foliage and habit first class.

Maria Ann, rose purple, pips and truss large, very fine.

23

CATALOGUE

Mrs. Thorburn, (Snow) deep violet blue, distinct light eye,
foliage and habit first class, the nearest approach to clear
blue of any in cultivation, 25c.

Mad. Sevigne, dark plum "purple, very dark center, constant
and somewhat fragrant.

Mad. Schmidt, bright rose scarlet, slightly tinged with crimson,
habit and foliage very fine.

Miss Hensler, (Snow) white, stamina tinged with violet, very
vigorous and free.

Morning Star, (Hovey) blush pink, ruby eye, pips very large
and smooth, but lacking in substance, first class in every
respect in the house.

Metropolitan, (Snow) very fine carmine purple, pips large, of
first rate substance, habit vigorous, extra first class, 25c.

Melvina, rich crimson maroon, pips and truss large, foliage
vigorous.

Mad. Luther, mottled lilac and deep purple, a fine variegated
variety.

Mad. Lemounier, satin rose, each division of carolla having a
clear white stripe on each side.

Mad. Mallet, pure white, very profuse and fine.

Orb of Day, (Hovey) rich crimson scarlet, very fine.

Purple Perfection, fine maroon purple, light center, pips
large and of first-rate substance, first class in every respect.

Purple King, purple, tinged with carmine, large and fine.

Mrs. Mills, rich plum purple, light eye, habit upright.

Prince of Wales, rose, mottled with lilac and purple, eye very
conspicuous.

Princess of Nassau, one of the best pure whites, very free.

Phenomena, crimson scarlet, large and fine.

Queen Victoria, blush white, pips very large, smooth and of
good substance.

Queen, blush white, very fragrant, the best sweet-scented variety,
very constant, first class only for its fragrance.

Red Jacket, bright rose red, fine truss, and an incessant bloomer.

24

OF VERBENAS.

Robusta, lavender, dark purple center, vigorous and constant.
Rachel, dark purplish blue, foliage and habit fine.

Sarah, finely striped lavender and white, very fine.

St. Margaret, rosy scarlet, violet center, a fine, profuse bloomer,
superb in every respect.

Salamander, brilliant scarlet, center nearly black.

Sunset, fine pink, pips and truss very large, vigorous habit.
Samoset, a very fine pure white.

Triumphant, rich bluish purple, bright center, pips and truss
large, substance good.

Thalia, pure white, one of the best of its class.

Vesta, ( Jackson ) light rose, shading to rose crimson.

Viscata, crimson maroon, very free.

Vesuvius, crimson scarlet, large and vigorous.

Young America, (Snow) pure white, truss large, habit vigorous.

Plants can be forwarded safely by mail, to any place
within the limits of the New England States.

CATALOGUE

SECOND CLASS.

These are older Varieties, yet many of them Superb.
$1,25 per Dozen. Twenty-Five Varieties, $2,00

i < Athlete, shaded purplish crimson, large flower.

( America, pure white.

\ v Ajax, bluish purple, very good.

5 Amethyst, bluish lavender, light eye.

{ > Alboni, white crimson eye.

< : Anacreon, rosy scarlet, maroon center, very fine.

: Admiral, dark crimson, foliage small and very close.

< | Albion, plum purple, very good,
t / Acidalie, dark crimson maroon.

I I Anna Qdeen, light lilac, pips large.

; > Ariadne, creamy buff, penciled with cherry.

< t Adele, rosy lilac.

4 > Adtdmn Sylph, blush pink, fine rosy eye.

< • Blue Bell, (Snow) lilac blue.

< : Bridesmaid, pink, changing to pure white.

5 < Beauty op Autumn, blush with crimson eye.

I > Bouquet, lavender.

; ; Bride, pure white, very free.

; j Beauty Supreme, satin rose, constant and fine,
j ' British Queen, delicate pearly white.

' Beauty op Eye, pale vermilion, light eye.

; > Buckeye, very dark maroon,
i Bouquet Parfait, rosy crimson, light eye.

: Blanche d’Neige, pure white, good.

26

ii

&

Bonny Lass, rosy crimson.

Blue Bonnett, (Frost) violet blue, quite sweet.

Crimson Perfection, lively crimson.

Com. Stewart, crimson maroon.

Coronetia, bright cherry, profuse bloomer.

C.erulea, light blue, (white eye, fragrant.

Criterion, purple, white eye.

Claret, dark maroon.

Climax, light rose, shading to rose crimson.

Ciienedolle, peach blossom, purple eye, very distinct.

Com. Perry, creamy pink, largo lemon eye.

Cambridge Lass, lake, with a deeper center, unlike any other
variety.

Captivation, scarlet crimson, dark center, lemon eye.
Chameleon, pink and white.

Chadverii, dark crimson scarlet, center nearly black. 1
Clotilda, lilac and rose purple, striped.

Columbus, purple, fine petal, new and desirable.

Cornelia, white, violet center.

Capt. May, lilac, dark eye.

Cerise Unique, blush, carmine center, very fine and free.
Challenge, bright cherry.

Defiance Unique, rich crimson scarlet, very profuse and showy.
Dedham Belle, blush white, fragrant.

Diadem, (New) purple, light eye.

Dawn of Day, glossy crimson, very fine.

Dorothea, mottled, purple and dark lilac.

Dio Cassius, bluish purple, light eye.

Due of Alba, blush.

Daniel Webster, light rose pink.

Defiance Superb, a very' good scarlet, and a profuse bloomer.
Dictator, cherry carmine.

Eva Corrinne, rose, shaded with crimson.

Empereur Otho, ’ lively scarlet.

Eblouisante, damask scarlet, or cherry carmine.

27

!

/ '•

> >

CATALOGUE

VA^WWVN'

Exquisite, light red, light eye.

Eliza, bright cherry, light eye.

Earl Talbot, bluish purple.

Enchantress, peach pink, lemon eye.

Etna, scarlet.

Eadette, blush white, mottled with lilac purple, scarlet eye, very
profuse.

Francis Rosseau, rose, edged with white.

Favorite, ( Wiei) light pink, pips and truss large, lacks sub-
stance.

Freeoff’s No. 2, light red, edged with white.

Flirt, blush pink.

Fairmount, rosy crimson.

Feast’s White, white, with dark violet center.

Fanny Fern, light straw, the best of its class, habit vigorous.
Fanny, lilac blue, shaded with purple.

Forget Me Not, creamy white, rose purple center.

Fair Maid of Perth, blush white, crimson eye.

Florence, blush, carmine center, foliage good.

Flushing Seedling, pale lilac, mottled.

Fire-fly, very bright scarlet.

Giganteum, cherry carmine.

Grace Greenwood, white, greenish eye.

Gen. Brea, fine maroon.

Gen. Courteigs, cherry, light eye.

Gen. Omar Pasha, vermilion red.

Gen. Changanier, rose, light center.

Gen. Lane, crimson maroon.

Gen. Pierce, cherry carmine.

Graciosa, lilac purple and white, mottled.

Gazelle, white, rose purple center.

Hartford Bell, rich lively crimson, fragrant.

Honeysuckle, rose crimson.

Heroine, deep lilac blue, eye nearly black, quite distinct.
Harlequin, mottled lilac and purple.

Or VERBENAS

Hebe, rosy crimson.

Islington Rival, rosy scarlet, light eye.

Incomparable, cherry, tinged with crimson.

Iphogene, lilac and rose purple, shaded, good.

Indigo, dark indigo purple.

Isabella, peach pink.

Imogene, pure white.

J. F. Knobr, rose, striped, and blotched with crimson purple, ; '

Johann of Guttemberg, lilac, shaded with crimson.

> ? Lilac Qdeen, lilac, shaded with purple.

I ? , L. Melliez, pink, shading to rose purple.

J Louis Phillipe, scarlet crimson, distinct light eye,
/ Loveii, blush white and lilac, mottled.

£ Lilac Perfection, lilac, the best of its color.
j Little Kate, delicate blush.
i Ladv of the Lake, rosy crimson.

I Liberty, red, with a dark center.

I ? Marrion, blush white, carmine eye.

I Margarett, rose white, crimson eye.

> Maid of Erin, a fine white.

/ Mrs. Hovey, white.

i Mazeppa, rosy lilac and purple, large flower.

\ Mad. Melliez, dark maroon or purplish crimson.

very vigorous and free.

Jenny Lind, (Bliss) peach pink, cherry center.
Jenny Lind, (Buchanan) dark velvet purple, good.

Jean Deane’s, bright cherry, carmine center, very profuse and

showy.

J UNO, purplish crimson.

Jennette, pink, cherry eye.

J uli A, bright pink, crimson eye, distinct.
Jenny Jones, white, carmine eye.

Julien, white.

La Camarge, dark plum purple, light eye.
Lilly White, creamy white.

29

CATALOGUE

Mad. Chauvierre, rose purple, light eye.

Mirabeau, deep crimson scarlet, tinted with carmine.

Mrs. D’Tysson, pare white, rosy eye, quite distinct.

Mad. Sontag, salmon pink, best of its class.

Mad. Audret, crimson scarlet, in the way of Orb of Day.

Mrs. Villiers, light lilac.

Miss Nye, bright cherry.

Mellindris, lively scarlet, very constant, the oldest variety in
cultivation.

Mayflower, blush, carmine center, truss fine form.

May Morn, deep rose, distinct.

Mad. Gourney, blush white, striped and splashed with crimson
rose.

Morpheus, plum purple, light eye.

Mad. Jardier, transparent rose.

Major Ringgold, rosy red, crimson center.

Mestosa, crimson scarlet, small showy flower.

Mad. Clowett, bright rosy crimson, darker center, vigorous
and constant.

Montana, cherry carmiDe, crimson center.

Mrs. W. W. Keen, rose white, carmine center.

Macrantha, rosy white, rich rose purple center, one of the best
of its] class.

Magnificent, (.fackson) [rosy pink, pips and truss large.
Magnificent, (Smith) rich purple, fine petal.

Maria Louisa, brilliant scarlet.

Mrs. W. A. Davis, blush white, carmine eye.

Mars, fine rich crimson.

Mad. Cholandon, cherry, tinted with carmine, lacks substance.
Mons. Caprice, mottled lilac and rose crimson, vigorous and <
very free.

Maid of Lorn, lilac blue.

Mr. Luther, cherry red, crimson eye. /

Mary Freeoff, crimson maroon, dark center, lemon eye.

Mad. Talleyrand, mottled lilac.

30

OF VERBENAS.

Montagne, cherry, tinted with crimson.

Mellindris Major, bright lively scarlet.

Mellissa, rose purple, dark center.

Nectar Cup, novel rose.

Newgent’s Variagata, creamy white, striped and splashed
with crimson purple.

Ne Plus Ultra, dark purple.

National, rosy crimson.

Nilevii, lilac purple.

Nosegat, rose white, sweet.

Ophire, creamy white, shading to yellow in the center, green eyo
Othello, maroon purple.

Orion, rose purple, light eye.

Odorata, pale lilac.

Pet, ( Grant’s) rosy crimson and purple, dwarf habit.

Polkii, rich purplish crimson, very fine, free bloomer.

Pauline, blush white, rosy crimson eye.

Powhatten, (Snow) very dark maroon, splashed with crimson,
new and quite distinct.

Peter B. Meade, rich shaded pink.

Painted Lady, white, rosy crimson center.

Pet, (Frost) light rose.

Princess of Navarre, mottled lilac and purple.

Paragon, lilac and purple, striped.

Purity, pure white.

Purpurea, indigo purple, quite dark.

Queen of Scarlets, crimson scarlet, light eye.

Queen of Day, bright cherry.

Queen of Purples, crimson purple.

Rosy Light, rose, crimson center.

Rauch Seedling, maroon purple, very free.

Rosy Morn, bright rosy red, good.

Rosy Queen, rose purple.

Royal Purple, dark purple, vigorous and very free.

Reine d’Jour, blush white, very distinct rosy crimson eye.

31

Rainbow, shaded crimson.

Republic, similar to Mad. Gourney.

Ruby, ruby red.

Rose Souvenib, rosy pink shading to crimson.

Rosea, bright rose red, very profuse.

Sillistbia, pale lilac shaded with rose.

Souvenir Jane Hanson, white, violet stamina.

Susan Brooks, bright rosy crimson, edged with blush white.
Snowball, creamy white.

Striped Eclipse, blush pink, striped with rose crimson, vigor-
ous and constant.

Sunrise, light clear red.

Summer Glow, crimson, with rich ruby center, very fine.

Star of the West, rosy scarlet, maroon center.

Statbllite, bright scarlet, a very usefnl variety.

Seymour Blanc, pure white.

Scarlet Unique, bright scarlet.

Sylphide, light blush, cherry eye.

Theresa, violet blue, light eye.

Topsy, bluish purple, vigorous, and an incessant bloomer.
Triumph, cherry carmine.

Union Jack, vermilion, crimson center, light eye.

Uncle Tom, dark maroon.

Urania, light lilac blue.

Union Beauty, blush white.

Virginius, purple.

Virgin Queen, pure white, fine.

Vulcan, dark rich crimson maroon, bright lemon eye, distinct.
Vampoo, clouded lilac.

Village Maid, lilac and purple.

Wonderful, rose white, dark eye.

B3’- The subscriber is constantly making additions to his col-
lection of new Seedlings, also new Foreign varieties.

• *