1809. ] 



RHODODENDRON PONTICUM. 



89 



on the side next the sun, with here and there a little russet, especially about 

 the eye and the stalk. Eye open, set in a shallow, evenly formed cavity. Stalk 

 rather long, slender, deeply set. Flesh pale yellow, firm, juicy. Flavour rich, 

 with a brisk sprightly acid, particularly pleasant and agreeable. It is in season 

 from November to March. 



CxC^s 



This is in all respects one of the nicest little winter dessert apples we have 

 ever tasted, so firm and yet so melting and juicy, so briskly acid, and yet rich 

 and sweet. Beautiful in form and colour, like its parent, but in comparison with 

 that much improved in flavour, we heartily welcome it as a pleasant addition to 

 our winter dessert fruits. A. F. B. 



RHODODENDRON PONTICUM. 



Gjjjf HIS is one of the most useful of plants for intermingling with other shrubs 

 ^i/L/ in the borders of or filling up blank spaces in shrubberies which are 



f intended both for a screen and an ornament. No plant is more accommo- 

 dating in its habits, as it will flourish in almost any soil which is free 

 from lime, whether it be sand, or loam, or decayed tree leaves, or clay, or any 

 combination of them. In pure alluvial bog soils, however, it will not flourish, 

 as however rich and good-looking such soils may appear, they have no tenacity, 

 and will not hang together sufficiently for the fibrous roots to take hold of them ; 

 but if mixed with strong loam, or even lumps of very stiff clay, with some sand, 

 the plants will grow luxuriantly. 



Perhaps the soil which it most delights in . is a mixture of strong loam and 

 the debris of tree leaves and rotten spray which accumulates in woods. It is 

 therefore peculiarly well adapted for planting in game covers, where evergreens 

 are desirable, as it spreads well and widely over the surface of the ground, and 

 forms most excellent shelter. In this respect, one of its greatest recommenda- 

 tions is that rabbits and hares never touch it. Some years ago Mr. Wells 

 planted a large bank, of about a couple of acres in extent, with this plant, a few 



