THE NEW SHRUB BEAUTY 289 



it should be kept in a lumpy state, not broken up into 

 fine particles. The site should be kept free from stagnant 

 water, by drainage if necessary. A great cultural point 

 is to nip off the seed pods directly the plants go out of 

 bloom, but the heads of decayed flowers should not be 

 removed entirely, because the new growth starts from 

 the base. The roots of Rhododendrons are thin and 

 shallow, so that a deep bed of prepared compost is not 

 necessary at the outset, but top dressings of fresh soil 

 and cow manure will be beneficial every two or three 

 years. It is a fact worth noting that if the soil is very 

 loose the whole plant is sometimes bent to one side by 

 snow. 



With respect to a selection of hybrids and varieties, 

 Early Gem may first be noted as a dwarf and very free- 

 flower ing. variety of a pale mauve hue. Among the best 

 of the newer kinds are Alice, a deeper Pink Pearl; 

 Princess Juliana, blush ; and Gill's Goliath, blush with 

 a deeper edge. 



The following are some of the best standard sorts : 



Baron Schroder, plum. 



Blanche Superbe, white. 

 *Concessum, deep pink. 



Jas. Nasmyth, lilac, maroon blotch. 



John Walter, crimson. 

 * John Waterer, bright crimson. 



Lady Armstrong, rose, lighter centre. 

 *Lady C. Mitford, peach. 



Lady Falmouth, rose, black blotch 



Lord Palmerston, carmine-rose. 



Memoir, white. 

 *Michael Waterer, scarlet. 



* These are particularly good. 



