CHA.r»TER XXV. 



Miscellaneous Plants. 



The Azalea. 



This has of late years become a popular window plant, and most justly, too, 

 for with their profuse masses of flowers they make every window or balcony a 

 bower of bloom. 



The plants should have a light dry soil, of leaf mould and loam. The best 

 for this purpose is a mixture two parts loam, rich vegetable matter ; two parts 

 rotten peat from the swamp, and one part sand, and be sparingly watered — yet 

 the roots must never become dry. They need a temperature of 65'"-' by day, and 

 at night coolness of 40"^ to 45°, for rest. 



While dormant they need shade and but little water, but when the flo-nrer 

 bads are swelling, they desire more. It is a shrub that needs little pruning, 

 only enough to keep in good form. 



The usual months for bloofning are April and May, but a succession of bloom 

 can be kept up from February to May, by storing in the cellar the previous 

 winter, in a cool place, dormant plants of the chosen varieties, then bringing 

 them one by one to the window, where they are hastened into bloom. When 

 done blooming, take them away, and fill their places with new ones. 



Ordinarily, after Azaleas have done blooming, it is best to set the plants in the 

 shade out of doors until September. If desired to propagate new plants, take 

 cuttings in May, in moist sand under glass ; but since so good plants are pur- 

 chased at so cheap prices at the florists, propagation for window purpose only is 

 not worth the trouble. 



Most of the varieties brought to the window will bloom for three weeks ; yet 

 some will last six weeks ; by bringing up new plants successively, the blooming sea- 

 son, may be extended several months. The following is a select list of those 

 most suitable for window purposes. Those with a star are the most desirable 

 of the collection : 



Amaena, very early. 



Amarantina, rosy purple. 



Belle Gantoire, rose and striped with white. 



* Charles Quint, rose. 



Criterion, light salmon, edged with white, upper petals spotted with crimson. 



Delicata, rose. 



Exquisita, violet pink, edged with white. 



