Rhododendron. 161 



known in England and America this plant grows from ten 

 to twelve feet high, with fine foliage, oval, dentate, sharp- 

 pointed at the apex, and narrowed at the base and tinged 

 with red, as are also the sepals of the creamy flowers. 

 When in full flower the entire shrub is often covered 

 with these large, showy blossoms, but it is not certain 

 that even at its best it is superior to the American sorts. 



RHODODENDRON. 



THE rhododendrons are among the very best of the 

 broad-leaved evergreens, and are everywhere much 

 admired. A large group of these plants when in 

 full bloom is a sight seldom to be forgotten. And 

 in winter they are equally prominent because of their fine 

 foliage. More than almost any other species they are 

 attractive at all seasons of the year, though they cannot 

 always be seen at their best during the colder months be- 

 cause of the partial protection afforded them, and supposed 

 to be necessary, against the extremes of heat and cold. 



But, though every one admires the rhododendrons, 

 very few, comparatively, proceed to grow them. The 

 prevailing opinion is that these shrubs are not suited 

 to ordinary cultivation, except within very narrow terri- 

 torial limits. The failures have been so many and so 

 disastrous that it is thought to be scarcely worth while to 

 continue the experiments, unless it be by experts and 

 under the most favoring conditions. And so, many of the 

 common people pass them by under the impression that 

 though pre-eminently good plants, they are not for them 

 to enjoy in their own gardens and at their own homes. 



