iSyi.] NOTES ON '^AMERICAN" SHRUBS. 299 



securing for them an important place in most collections of American 

 plants. 



Most of the species are thoroughly hardy in this country — forming 

 dwarf bushes, densely clothed with leaves — with very few exceptions 

 evergreen — and producing in early spring and summer their lovely 

 wax-like blossoms with the greatest profusion, uninjured by the severest 

 frosts. 



As regards their culture and general management, little more need 

 be said than that, along with a moderate allowance of peaty soil, they 

 should have a larger amount of root moisture than most other Ameri- 

 can plants. They luxuriate in a marshy, swampy situation, in which 

 Rhododendrons and Azaleas could not exist for any length of time ; it 

 is therefore important to keep this peculiarity in view when it is in- 

 tended to plant them in beds or clumps by themselves — a mode of 

 planting which, though not very generally adopted, is nevertheless 

 very effective, from the great diversity in foliage, heights, and general 

 appearance of the plants. 



This preference for a damp situation need not, however, deter any 

 one from associating them in mixed borders with the other peat-soil 

 shrubs; they adapt themselves to such circumstances w4th the greatest 

 facility, though their vigour will be promoted, and they will flower 

 much more freely, if supplied with water when the situation is natu- 

 rally dry, or in cases of long droughts, especially during the growing 

 season. 



All the known species being interesting and well worthy of cultiva- 

 tion, it is somewhat difficult to make a selection of what are usually 

 termed the most desirable varieties ; and while the following may be 

 regarded as really fine and distinct, we would recommend those who 

 intend planting, and who have the means and the necessary accommoda- 

 tion, to grow as many of the sorts as they can procure, fully assured 

 that no more ornamental and pleasing hardy flowering-shrub can be 

 introduced into a garden or pleasure-ground than an Andromeda, 

 under whatever name it may be known : — 



SELECT SPECIES AND VAEIETIES. 



Cassincefolia. — A native of the swamps of North Carolina, where it 

 is found in great abundance. This is a fine deciduous species, with 

 snowy-white bell-shaped flowers, produced in large racemes from the 

 points of the branches. Blooms in May. Grows from 3 to 4 feet 

 high. 



Calyculata. — A native of North America, from Canada to Virginia j 

 in mountain bogs and swamps ; found also in Siberia and other coun- 

 tries of northern Europe. Forms a neat round bush, from 2 to 3 feet 



