capsules containing good seed, from which were raised above 1800 
plants, which have been extensively distributed to Nurseries and 
private Gardens both in England and Scotland. The plants retained 
by Lord Caernarvon shewed flower-buds in small quantity late last 
autumn. Some of the most perfect were removed into pots early in 
the present season from the shrubberies, and, being placed under 
glass in a cool conservatory, have flowered. Upon their beauty I 
need not dilate; you have seen specimens, and are in a condition to 
form your own opinion. The plants are quite hardy, having never 
been damaged in the slightest degree by the winters of this climate ; 
but they are very excitable, shoot very early, and will therefore in 
early springs be liable to be injured by late frosts. They make 
extremely vigorous growth, and, judging from the analogy which I 
have observed to prevail in hybrid productions, I am inclined to believe 
that they will attain to the height of 20 feet and upwards. Their 
foliage is very ornamental. 
* Delieve me, my dear Sir, 
** Very truly yours, 
J Ki OWEN 
There are in the Gardens other Rhododendrons having 
a somewhat similar origin, one of which has been figured 
lately by Mr. Sweet, under the name of R. Smithii ; but 
they cannot be compared for beauty with the truly noble 
R. Alta-clerense. a 
