and the continued succession of flowers, present the most 

 lively and handsome assemblage that plants ai-e capable of pro- 

 ducing : added to which, as these shrubs (denominated Ame- 

 rican shrubs) sustain their leaves during the winter, they are 

 ■well calculated when planted in groups to add a great de- 

 gree of cheerfulness to the pleasure-ground and arboretum, in 

 that dreary season when little verdure is otherwise to be ex- 

 pected. Notwithstanding the many excellent properties and 

 powerful attractions of the Azalea tribe, they will, like the rest 

 of the American shrubs, be most probably ever limited in their 

 cultivation ; the peculiar peat-soil in which they thrive will 

 however be obtained by those who delight in a good collection 

 of ornamental shrubs. 



As these species rarely produce seed, the propagation must 

 be effected by laying. The beginning of April is the proper 

 season for commencing this operation. The present shrub 

 was introduced into this country in 1729. It is in its greatest 

 splendour during the month of May. It is a native of Swit- 

 zerland, where it grows in great profusion among the moun- 

 tains; and the smallest portion of earth is found sufficient to 

 yield it sustenance. 



