THE FLORAL WORLD 



AND 



GARDEN GUIDE. 



SEPTEMBER, 18 6 



AZALEAS. 



BY GEORGE GORDON. 

 (With Figure of Eeinc Marie Henriette.) 



|HE beautiful variety selected for figuring in the present 

 number is one of a fine batch of continental Azaleas 

 introduced to public notice, during the past season, by 

 Mr. Turner, of Slough, who is well known to be one 

 of the best azalea growers in this or any other country. 

 It may perhaps be considered unnecessary to say anything about 

 the cultural requirements of azaleas, because they are now so gene- 

 rally grown by all classes of cultivators; but it must not be for- 

 gotten that hundreds of growers are by no means so successful in 

 handling them as could be desired. They will stand a large amount 

 of rough usage without being actually killed ; but the fact of there 

 being a vast difference between plants in a healthy, robust condi- 

 tion, and others half dead, must not be lost sight of. To grow them 

 well, they must have very careful attention in all stages of their 

 existence, and not be drowned with water at one time, and dried up 

 at another. A stock can be easily propagated, either by cuttings or 

 grafting, by those possessing the requisite skill and appliances, in 

 the shape of a close propagating-case and a brisk bottom-heat ; but 

 beyond saying that wood in a half- ripe condition is best for propa- 

 gating purposes, we shall pass this part of the subject by. It is 

 by far the best plan to go to a nursery, where clean, healthy stuff 

 can be had, and buy in a few stout, bushy little plants in five-inch 

 pots, for they can be had for a mere trifle. Early in spring is the 

 best season for purchase, as the whole growing season is before 

 them. 



AVhen the plants come to hand, examine them carefully, and if 



they are infested with thrip, immerse them in a solution of Fowler's 



Insecticide twice, or three times if required ; or place them in a 



frame, and give them two doses of tobacco-smoke. Keeping the 



VOL. iv. — ko. ix. 17 



