many hardy species of this genus, but of the numerous varie- 

 ties that art has produced, entitle these shrubs to rank among 

 the most ornamental plants that decorate the garden ; indeed 

 they already appear conspicuous in evei-y good collection. 

 The A. pontica, together with a fine white variety that has 

 been raised from it, may be recommended for their delightful 

 odour as well as for their beauty. Assemblages of the species 

 and varieties of this shrub produce most pleasing effects in ap- 

 propriate parts of the pleasure-ground ; the numerous shades 

 of red, scarlet, pink, white, and orange, which these flowers 

 afford during the months of May and June, produce a sort of 

 enchantment upon the beholder. 



" But who can paint 



Like Nature ? Can imagination boast. 

 Amid its gay creation, hues like hers ? 

 Or can it mix them with that matchless skill. 

 And lose them in each other, as appears 

 In every bud that blows?" 



In the American borders, among the Kalmia^ Uliododcndron^ 

 and others of this beautiful tribe, the Azalea will be found 

 highly ornamental. 



Some singular accounts have been given respecting the 

 medicinal properties of A. pontica. Professor Pallas relates, 

 that bees frequenting the flowers of this plant produce honey 

 supposed to be narcotic ; and that cows, goats, and sheep, have 

 been poisoned in consequence of feeding on its leaves. It is 

 said in the journals of Mr. Anthony Hove, that a Tartarian 

 farmer subsisted entirely upon the profits of honey produced 

 by bees from this plant, which he sold at Constantinople and 

 other parts of Turkey for medicinal uses. 



The hardy Azaleas are all deciduous shrubs, and flower 

 during the months of May and June : they are propagated by 

 seeds and by layers. The latter process is the more expeditious; 

 for the plants thus raised will frequently flower the first year 

 after being removed from the shoot or mother-plant. 



The A. pontica is a native of Pontus, and was introduced 

 in 1793. 



