iSyi.] NOTES ON HARDY "AMERICAN" SHRUBS. 253 



The arrangement and distribution of Azaleas in the American ground 

 must always depend upon the taste and convenience of the cultivator. 

 Under ordinary circumstances, they require neither artificial watering 

 nor more shelter than is usually afi"orded to other ericaceous plants. They 

 are found growing naturally in dry situations, and prefer gritty fibry 

 peat ; and though, in common with Rhododendrons, they require a good 

 amount of moisture while making their growth, which may be supplied 

 them with the greatest advantage when the weather is exceptionally 

 dry during that season, they will not thrive in a wet swampy position 

 w^here the soil is continually saturated with water during winter ; in 

 such a condition the roots soon decay, and, as a necessary consequence, 

 the plants lose their vigour and gradually die. In preparing ground 

 for their reception, therefore, care should be taken to have it sufficiently 

 drained to prevent the possibility of stagnation ; and in the case of re- 

 tentive clay soils, it is a good plan to raise the beds considerably above 

 the surrounding level. When a choice can be had, preference should 

 be given to a west or north-west aspect, as they are there protected 

 from the full glare of the sun, and less apt to sufifer from continued 

 drought, while the partial shade keeps the flowers longer in perfection. 

 They may be transplanted any time between the autumn, after they shed 

 their leaves, till they begin to show signs of activity in early spring ; 

 in this operation the roots should be carefully preserved — the less the 

 ball is mutilated the better, and more likely to secure success. 



Azaleas, being so distinct in their general appearance from the rest 

 of American plants, give a pleasing variety, and appear to great ad- 

 vantage, when associated with Rhododendrons and other evergreens in 

 mixed borders or beds ; or when, as is very frequently done, grouped 

 in masses by themselves, they have a most magnificent efi'ect — their 

 elegant foliage, richly coloured and in some cases fragrant flowers, 

 produced in such profusion, amply compensating for that naked 

 appearance in winter which is sometimes urged as an objection to this 

 mode of planting. 



In the following list are a few of the finest varieties in cultivation — 

 all of them thoroughly hardy, profuse bloomers, and with efl'ective 

 colours : — 



