Deser.—A. dwarf, densely branched shrub, flowering when 
only 4 to 6 in. high, though eventually attaining, under 
favourable conditions, a height of 18 in. Branches at 
first clothed with red-brown scales. Leaves persistent, 
thick, shortly stalked, oval-oblong or sometimes almost 
orbicular, 4 to 4 in. long, densely scaly on both sides, 
white beneath. Scales of the inflorescence trimorphic, 
fringed ; outer almost orbicular; intermediate spathulate, 
longer than the outer; inner linear. Trusses terminal, 
usually 5-flowered. lowers very shortly stalked, violet or 
lilac with orange-coloured ‘anthers, about # in. across. 
Calyx-teeth very short, unequal, triangular, sparsely scaly. 
Corolla-tube short, hairy within; lobes equal, oblong, 
rounded, spreading, slightly undulate. Stamens 10, scarcely 
exceeding the corolla-tube. Ovary scaly; styles smooth, 
half as long as the stamens. Capsule about tin. long.— 
W. Bortiyve Hems.ey. 
Cultiv.—This new Chinese species promises to be a most 
valuable acquisition. The dwarf alpine Rhododendrons 
introduced from North India have not proved of much 
value in Great Britain, being too tender and uncertain in 
any but the milder parts of the kingdom. QR. intricatum, 
from its behaviour at Coombe Wood, is evidently. hardier 
than the Indian forms; and of its beauty ample evidence 
was afforded by the group of plants exhibited at the 
Horticultural Hall last spring by Messrs. Veitch. It will 
no doubt thrive in soils similar to those that have been 
found to suit its congeners from North India—either peat 
and sand, or a sandy loam with peat added. The neat low 
habit of the plant points to its suitability for the rockery 
and alpine garden. It will also be a charming addition to 
the Ericetum, where it can be associated with other 
members of the family similar in habit.—W. J. Bran. 
Fig. 1, a leaf, showing the under surface; 2, a scale from the same; 3, an 
outer scale of the inflorescence; 4, an inner scale of the inflorescence ; 5, calyx 
and pistil; 6, part of corolla and stamens; 7, stamen :—all enlarged. 
