INTRODUCTION. 



The Azalea belongs to the natural order of Ericeae, 

 and to the sub-order of Rhodorea, named in allusion to the 

 dry places in which many of the species are found, or to the 

 brittle nature of its wood. 



Azalea Indica, the well known greenhouse shrub, appears 

 on record as the first specie introduced into Europe from 

 India and China in 1808. 



Since that time many new and distinct varieties have 

 been added, of various colors and markings. 



Most of our best kinds, with but few exceptions since 

 their introduction from India and China, have been pro- 

 duced by fertilizing, which work has been performed by 

 eminent florists of both Europe and this country. 



BALTIMORE, Oct., 1880. 



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