Azalea. 25 



of blossoms, with which the branches are so completely 

 covered as to be almost hidden from sight. The flowers 

 are somewhat funnel-shaped, with long stamens, and 

 among the numerous varieties are flowers of many colors. 

 They are very fragrant, appearing in May or early June. 

 Unfortunately, the species is not entirely hardy, and in 

 many situations needs winter protection. Almost every 

 part of the plant is narcotic, and to some degree poison- 

 ous. Honey gathered from its flowers is known to produce 

 stupefaction in the bees that gather it, and sometimes 

 death. It is believed to have been such honey that 

 caused the delirium among the soldiers of Xenophon's 

 army, and compelled the famous retreat that has figured 

 so prominently in ancient history. 



A. indica is indigenous to the East Indies, and is 

 common to China and Japan. Since its introduction to 

 Europe and America it has been largely grown under 

 glass, as it is too tender for our northern winters, though it 

 may do well in the South. The flowers are mostly soli- 

 tary, and always very beautiful. Its chief value to us in 

 open-air cultivation has been the impartation of its splen- 

 did colors to the varieties produced by crossing with 

 hardier sorts, and there are enough such hybrids to meet 

 all the requirements in this direction. 



A. mollis is a somewhat recent introduction from 

 Japan, which has been received with much favor. It 

 proves to be adapted to forcing under glass, but, as it is 

 hardy, its chief cultivation is in the open air. It is of 

 low, spreading growth, so that its diameter is often 

 greater than its height. It is sometimes grafted so as to 



