400 



after, and introduced into nearly every pleasure-ground in 

 Belgium. 



The varieties of this handsome genus are very numer- 

 ous and have been raised in a short period. Twenty 

 years since there were only a very few moderate species, 

 having small, insignificant flowers, in large clusters, con- 

 tinuing through the month of June. The colors are 

 white, yellow, orange, scarlet, and pink, with every inter- 

 mediate shade. 



Notwithstanding the exceeding beauty of this tribe of 

 shrubs, and their perfect hardiness, they are rarely to be 

 seen in our gardens. 



Azaleas require a moist, peaty soil, or black, sandy 

 loam, and rather shady situation. Plants may be freely 

 raised from seed, or from layers and suckers. 



If taken from the woods, the best way is to cut them 

 off close to the ground. They will throw up numerous 

 shoots and form fine healthy plants. 



BENZOIN.— Fever Bush. 



[So named from (he resemblance of its odor to that of the drug Benzoin'] 



Benzoin odorifcrum. — This was formerly called Laurus 

 3enzoin^ by botanists, and is popularly known as Fever 

 Bush. It is a graceful shrub, from four to ten feet high, 

 Avith large and handsome leaves. In April or early in 

 May, clusters of from three to six flowers, of a green- 

 ish yellow color appear in the axils of last year's 

 leaves. The fruit is berry-like, of an oval shape, and 

 dark-red or purple. All parts of the plant have a strong 

 aromatic odor which, to some persons, is disagreeable. 

 Common in damp woods, where it grows most vigorously, 

 but does not flower and fruit as freely there as in more 

 exposed situations. 



