164 THE FLORIST. 



are stopped at one time, and a few at another, you may be sure 

 your bloom the following season will come out in the same 

 succession ; to avoid this, the stopping must all be done at the same 

 time, and very strong or very weak shoots cut away entirely, 

 leaving the wood of a uniform degree of strength ; this will ensure 

 the young wood growing and ripening at the same time, and the buds 

 will therefore be in an equal state of forwardness, and consequently 

 will open at one time ; on this depends those fine shows of bloom 

 which elicit so much admiration at the exhibitions, and in other 

 plants besides Azaleas — for instance, Pelargoniums as well. 



At page 137 of the Florist for 1852 we gave an illustration 

 of two seedling varieties raised by the Messrs. Ivery, of Dorking, 

 and at the same time an epitome of culture was given, which may 

 appear to some to render our present paper unnecessary ; but 

 Azaleas are yearly becoming such popular plants, that we have 

 ventured again on their cultivation. It is highly satisfactory to know 

 that the varieties then figured (Admiration and Criterion), still 

 hold their high character ; and splendid specimens of them will 

 soon be brought to the exhibitions. (Jne of the seedlings raised 

 by these gentlemen (Iveryana) was, as we have elsewhere stated, 

 the admiration of all who witnessed the Horticultural Society's 

 last exhibition. The plant in question was shown by Mr. Green. 



One of the varieties we now figure — Beauty of Dropmore — has 

 been raised by our old friend Mr. Frost, of Dropmore, who has 

 previously raised many fine varieties, of which Grenvillese, Frosti, 

 and Glory of Sunning Hill are well known. He likewise has a 

 seedling besides the one figured — Alba magnifica — which in our 

 opinion is the best white out, and which w^e should have figured, 

 but white flowers never look well on paper. The other is a seed- 

 ling of the Messrs. Rollissons. 



THE SHOWER. 



Of the many delights experienced in the pursuit of gardening no mean 

 pleasure arises from contemplating the gradual development of the objects 

 cultivated. We sow the seed, and watch with interest the springing 

 germ ; we adopt the young and tender plant, nurture it during hard- 

 ships, trials, and difficulties, and hail with delight the unfolding of new 

 leaves and blossoms as it rises to maturity. But beyond the direct 

 pleasures and influences of gardening it is no small gratification to 

 consider that it brings one continually in contact with the beautiful and 

 sublime in nature, and engenders habits of observation and reflection 

 which enable the mind to understand and enjoy them. 



How rich and varying is the aspect of Nature ! Who can do other- 

 wise than rejoice amid the new-born glories of spring ! What fulness 

 and strength are exhibited in the manhood of summer ; what beauty 



