McDowell' s^Rhododendr on. 221 



munity at large are brought in debt to this source. Of course 

 we expect that those directly interested in soil cultivation as a 

 means of obtaining- a living, will feel more interest in this siib- 

 ject, than those not directly in connection with it. But still there 

 is a principle beyond the mere " dollar" idea and view of the sub- 

 ject which is worthy of attention and consideration. In this 

 grasping age we know the first question is, how much " money" 

 can we bring out of it as a business ? Our question now is, 

 what is this business worth to us as an improver of morals, 

 health, happiness, long life, &c. ? Let every individual answer 

 this question for himself at leisure. 



MCDOWELL'S RHODODENDRON. 



BY J. VAN BUREN. 



A new, hardy Rhododendron will be welcomed by the lovers of 

 evergreen shrubs. The Rhododendron is certainly one of our 

 most elegant trees, being equally admired for its foliage and flow- 

 ers. Many persons who are professedly its advocates have, how- 

 ever, abandoned its cultivation as a garden shrub, for the reason 

 that it will not submit to the same treatment as the Spirea and 

 similar riotous plants ; but if these same individuals would take 

 a lesson from our brethren across the water, they would soon be 

 able to conquer the repugnance of this plant to occupy dooryard 

 quarters. Give the Rhododendron such soil as is adapted to its 

 nature and peculiar habits, and it will thrive as well as in the 

 districts it naturally inhabits. We have invariably had success 

 after the following method of treatment : Subsequent to selecting 

 a location, dig a hole at least three feet deep, and four in diame- 

 ter, removing the garden mould ; then procure a cart load of leaf 

 mould from the woods, one of sharp river sand, and an equal 

 quantity of peat or swamp muck ; incorporate these well, and ex- 

 pose to the action of the atmosphere, by repeated turning with a 

 spade. Fill the hole with this compost, in which plant your Rho- 

 dodendron, and success will assuredly follow. 



We are unable to write positively regarding the distinctness of 

 the Rhododendron known as McDowell's, having only seen a beau- 



