McDaweWs Rhododcndnm. 223 



pared witli tliosc of Ponticum, which wo fortunately then had in 

 hloom, and wliich were inferior to it in all respects. The ibliage 

 also differs from it, being- larger and heavier, having* golden yel- 

 low foot stalks and mid-rib, the peduncles to tlie flowers being 

 likewise of the same color, whilst those of Ponticum ai-e green ; 

 the under surface of the leaves are nearly white, and of a velvety 

 texture, diflcring from R. Maximum and R. Catawbiense in not 

 becoming ferruginous. Xo native American flower can exceed it 

 in habit and beauty, and it must become a popular acquisition to 

 tlie slirubbery and flower garden, being sufficiently hardy to en- 

 dure any climate. Its color is a bright crimson, approaching to- 

 wards scarlet ; the panicles are composed of a large number of 

 flowers, from 20 to 30, forming a conical mass nearly as large as 

 a man's head ; the contrast between these and its dark green fo- 

 liage is very rich and magnificent, and can only be conceived of 

 by being seen. 



The labors of Mr. McDowell have been both arduous and unre- 

 mitting in transferring these plants to his grounds, as tliey have 

 only been found on the tops of the highest and most inaccessible 

 mountains — the only approach being on foot. He has employed 

 men to bring them some six or seven miles on their shoulders, it 

 being the only mode of conveyance practicable. Specimens ol' 

 flower and leaves have been sent to many of our most celebrated 

 botanists and cultivators of Rhododendrons, and, as yet, all have 

 failed to identify it with any previously known, and it will proba- 

 bly prove to be a new species. 



We hope the industry and labors of Mr. McDowell may meet 

 with a suitable reward in the sale of liis noble plant ; and those 

 who procure them, we will guarantee, -will never regret li;iviiig 

 done so. 



The drawing I send you is a very good representatinu of the 

 flower I drew it from, being a medium sized panicle. I saw a Imsli 

 a few days since which had twenty fine panicles of flowers, simi- 

 lar to this, the past season. It is perfectly hardy. 



I am not interested pecuniarily in these plants, and only have 

 one or two, which are growing in our flower garden. I only cul- 

 tivate fruit for sale, as a business ; occasionally sell a duplicate of 

 some flower we may happen to have on hand. Our fruit crop has 

 been unusuallv fine and al)nndant this season. We have rnaiiv 



