112 EVERGREENS. 



is cultivated without irrigation ; and in the dense 

 woods on the mountains many of the Rhododendrons 

 become epiphytical on rocks and trees a condition 

 which could not be maintained except in an excessively 

 moist climate. 



In the grounds attached to many residences in the 

 country are swampy situations, which, if treated as 

 we have above described, would become excellent 

 situations for placing groups of American plants in. 

 They might be so arranged as to be in view from the 

 windows of the dwelling, or from various positions in 

 the walks and " drives." At all seasons they would be 

 interesting at the blooming period, magnificent. 



Having endeavoured to show that a considerable 

 amount of moisture must be secured for the successful 

 cultivation of the Rhododendron, and as there are 

 many situations, naturally of an opposite character, 

 where it may be desirable to plant them, we proceed 

 to point out the manner by which the latter may be 

 accomplished, and success obtained. The site for an 

 American garden should, if possible, be chosen where 

 the ground has an inclination to the north. Such, 

 however, is not absolutely indispensable, but where a 

 choice of situations can be had, select it by all means. 

 Having decided upon the outline of the beds, proceed 

 with their preparation as follows : Remove eight or 

 ten inches of the surface soil, with all its attached 

 vegetation, to some convenient spot contiguous to your 

 operations ; then cart away from eighteen inches to 

 two feet of the remaining soil, well breaking up the 

 bottom, or trenching it eighteen inches deep would be 



