a a a 
EVERGREEN SHRUBS. 179 
narrow leaves, and is found chiefly in the more northern 
portion of the Canadas. 
LoIsELEURIA PROCUMBENS (Alpine Azalea).—A small, 
trailing evergreen shrub with small white or rose-colored 
flowers and small opposite elliptical leaves; propagated 
from layers; found in the mountains of New Hampshire. 
LEIOPHYLLUM BUXxIFOLIUM (Sand Myrile). — Leaves 
about one half inch long, oval, smooth, glossy, very thick, 
mostly opposite ; flowers terminal, in clusters, small, white, 
not showy ; a spreading shrub, five to ten feet high. 
RHODODENDRON. 
The Rhododendron has been and is still admired by all 
civilized nations. Its flowers, foliage, and general habit 
command the attention of every beholder. Its name is 
derived from a Greek word signifying rose-tree, and there 
is none of the species to which the name is more appli- 
cable than to one of our native species—R. Cataw biense. 
Rhododendrons are found in many portions of the globe. 
Tartary, China, Siberia, Japan, Italy, Caucasus, and many 
other portions of the Eastern world, contribute different 
species to ornament the groves and gardens of civilized 
man, whether he dwells in city or country. 
Although the Rhododendron is so much admired at the 
present time, still there was a day when it was condemned 
in no measured terms, In the time of the ancient Romans 
it was supposed to be a very poisonous plant, and deadly 
to all kinds of animals, but a counter-poison to man, espe- 
cially against the bite of serpents. Even the honey which 
the bees gathered from the flowers was said to be poison- 
