capsules containing good seed, from which were raised above 1800 

 plants, which have been extensively distributed to Nurseries and 

 private Gardens both in En^^land and Scotland. The |)lants retained 

 by Lord Caernarvon shewed flower-buds in small quantity late last 

 autumn. Some of the most perfect were removed into j)ots 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 1 

 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. 



" Believe me, my dear Sir, 



" Very truly yours, 



" J. R. GOWEN." 



There are in the Gardens other Rhododendrons havinsr 

 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. 



J. L. 



