MAY GARLANDS 77 



heart, to come near stable manure. That alone 

 is fatal to their well-being. 



The life history of the modern hybrid 

 Rhododendron is a deeply interesting one. For 

 nearly all the gorgeous modern varieties have 

 been obtained by endless crossings of four 

 species R. Ponticum, Catawbiense, Arboreum^ 

 and Caucassicum. The purple R. Ponticum was 

 introduced from the Black Sea districts, a 

 hundred and fifty years ago. And, though we 

 may prefer other shades to its somewhat cold 

 purple, it has played a grand part not only 

 as an ornamental shrub, but as valuable 

 game cover being rabbit proof. In many 

 places, such as the woods between East- 

 hampstead Ridges and Bagshot Park, Heron 

 Court near Christchurch, and a score of 

 other estates, it has become completely natu- 

 ralised, seeding and growing as freely as if it 

 were actually indigenous. As a hedge it is 

 invaluable. Thousands of seedlings or cut- 

 tings are planted along the flat tops of the 

 turf banks round the Elvetham estate, and 



