126 07i the Culture of Azaleas. 



Soil composed of half decomposed turves, well mixed with 

 material favorable to the transmission of water, should be em- 

 ployed. Let both plant and soil be rather dry than other- 

 wise ; press the soil pretty firm while potting, then give the 

 whole a good soaking with water. This watering immedi- 

 ately after potting, though disapproved of by some, I consider 

 advantageous, as it places the old and new soil in equal con- 

 ditions at once, and can never be attended with harm, if the 

 materials are properly prepared. Frequent syringings with 

 soft water will benefit them much while growing ; this is 

 also the proper time to prune them into shape, and equalize 

 the growth, by pinching the tops out of luxuriant shoots. 

 When the elongation of the wood is completed, and begins 

 to assume a brown color, they will form flower buds with 

 more certainty if placed out of doors to the full influence of 

 the weather. These, as well as other plants in pots set in 

 the open air during summer, will require less water if the 

 sides of the pots are covered with tan or other material capa- 

 ble of preventing evaporation. 



After removing them into the house for winter, they should 

 not receive much water, this being their period of rest. A 

 few degrees of frost will not injure them, if kept compara- 

 tively dry. They will need more water as the flower buds 

 swell, and when the blooms fade, pick off all the flower 

 stalks and seed pods : unless they have been hybridized, it 

 weakens them to ripen mnch seed. The following is a de- 

 scriptive list of desirable varieties, suitable for a small collec- 

 tion : — 



Variegata — color French white and reddish pink, fine form. 

 Exquisita — deep flesh color, marked with pink, large flower. 

 Gledstanesn — pure white, striped with rose, fine shape. 

 Leucomegestre — white, stained with lemon, large flower. 

 Triumphans — salmon color, thick corolla, large, fine form. 

 Refulgens — flight red with slight spots, large flower. 

 Speciosissima, reddish crimson, large and showy. 

 Lateritia — brick red, medium sized, fine circular flower. 



