PLOHISTS* FLOWERS I AMERICAN PLANTS. 93 



the same treatment. They must have a well drained 

 peaty soil, do well on a sloping bank facing north or 

 east, and require plenty of water. The Rhododendrons, 

 Azaleas, and Andromedas will thrive if overshadowed by 

 trees. The best annual dressing for them is decayed 

 leaves and the bottom of an old wood-stack, or any 

 mixture of earth and old woody fibre. Spent tan or 

 sawdust is good for them, or any refuse of the same 

 character. In making compost for them use two-thirds 

 vegetable matter, with one-third of ordinary light soil 

 and sand, A covering of moss is beneficial to them. 

 The American plants are Azaleas, .Rhododendrons, 

 Heaths, Kalmias, Andromedas, Ledums, and Vacciniums ; 

 the first two of which are florists' flowers. 



The American Azaleas are propagated by layers, laid 

 in March : cover the layers with moss to retain mois- 

 ture, and leave them on the parent plant until aftex* 

 the second year's growth. The Indian or Chinese 

 azaleas may be propagated by cuttings of young tops 

 three inches long, trimmed only in the lower leaves, and 

 stuck in pots of silver sand, over peat. "When they are 

 planted, water them gently, cover them close, place 

 them in a temperature of 55 to 60, and keep them 

 shaded from the sun. "When they are rooted put then, 

 in a greenhouse, take oif the bell glass every night, and 

 put it on in the day. Pot off singly, keep them in a 

 close frame until the roots are growing well, and then 

 harden them off to bear sun and air, and, by re-potting 

 from time to time, get them to a large size. Azaleas 

 may be grafted in early spring, on stocks of Azalea Indica 

 Ma and A. Phcenicea, both easy to strike. Varieties 

 may be raised from seed taken from the best shaped 

 flowers and those of the best colours crossed with each 

 other. Sow the seed in February, in gentle heat, and 

 when the little plants have three or four leaves prick 

 them out far apart in pans fresh filled with sandy peat. 

 The following spring they may be potted out singly. 

 Azaleas will not bear frost. Keep them for the winter 

 just safe from frost, and water sparingly. When they 

 begin to show for bloom give more heat arid a liberal 



