ALOYSIA

(in honour of Maria Louisa, mother of Ferdinand VII., King of Spain). Sweet-scented Verbena. O RD. Verbenaceæ. This genus is nearly allied to Verbena, which see for generic characters. A greenhouse deciduous shrub, with a very fine perfume and graceful habit. The most satisfactory plan of culture is to obtain well-grown thrifty young plants in spring, and grow them on for the season. As the wood ripens, give le water until they are at rest, when it must be nearly withheld. About the end of January, bring into the light and warmth, and water thoroughly. As soon as the plants break, cut back to three or four eyes; and when the young shoots are about an inch long, transfer into rich sandy soil, using pots a size or two smaller than those they were in before. When the pots are full of roots, transfer to those that are to hold the plants for the season. By this mode of culture, good plants are to be maintained for any length of time. Aloysias form excellent pillar subjects for either a cold greenhouse, or out-of-doors, in which latter situation they thrive remarkably well, but require thorough protection, with straw bands or mats, from November until March, and afterwards at night, until danger from severe frosts has pa ed. They require no summer training, their young growth being continually cut off for the many purposes of decoration to which they are applied, and to which they are so well adapted. They are easily increased by young cuttings in spring, which should be placed in sandy soil and gentle heat, when they will root in about three weeks.