1 1 2 Notes and Gleanings. 



azaleas had been for some time going on quietly, and that, as a result, a number 

 of novelties of sterling merit had been obtained. It is two of these which we 

 now describe by permission of Mr. Anthony VVaterer. 



These grand acquisitions, which occur in considerable variety of coloring, 

 are, as we understand, partly the result of a judicious intermixture of sinensis 

 blood, and partly the result of selection and of seeding on from the best varieties. 

 Not only the quality of the flowers but the habit of the plant has been cared for, 

 and in this way have been secured varieties which combine with larger, more 

 brilliant, and better-shaped flowers, a vigor of growth which enables them to 

 develop their blossoms freely. The new sorts have this further recommenda- 

 tion, that instead of blooming early, and having in great measure faded before 

 their associates, the rhododendrons, come into flower, they bloom contempora- 

 neously with the latter; and it need scarcely be pointed out that their brilliant 

 tints, of orange and red especially, are particularly valuable from the fine con- 

 trast they present with the colors familiar amongst rhododendrons. Their early- 

 blooming habit was in fact one of the chief drawbacks of the primitive azaleas of 

 our boyhood, and this is now in great measure removed by the introduction of 

 Mr. Waterer's new varieties. 



We may also mention that in the same collection are some wonderfully fine 

 double-flowered varieties. One which we particularly noticed, an exquisite 

 shaded orange, was much brighter and more attractive than the well-known 

 Van Houttei. 



Nancy Waterer is of vigorous growth, producing contemporaneously with its 

 leaves fine trusses of deep orange-yellow flowers, which are larger and richer 

 colored than in any yellow previously obtained ; the coloring being most intense 

 in the three upper segments. In this, the flowers are fully two inches across, 

 and sweet-scented. 



Bessie Holdaway is a lovely flower, sweet as violets, but scarcely so large as 

 the foregoing ; the flowers being about an inch and three-quarters broad, and of 

 a clear, lively rose-color, the upper segment being freely spotted with bright 

 orange. Many other equally beautiful forms have been obtained ; and, as the 

 process is still going on, we may expect in the future to see the hardy azalea 

 again occupying a very conspicuous place in our American gardens. — M., in 

 Florist and Poinologist. 



Adiantum concinnum latum. — We have latterly had some very choice 

 additions to the family of maiden-hair ferns, thanks to the discoveries of the 

 Messrs. Veitch & Sons' collectors. One of these novelties is closely related to 

 A. concinnum, having the pinnules of the same character, both as regards form 

 and position ; but the frond is much broader, and hence the variety has been 

 named A. concinnum latum. Its points of difference, besides the greater com- 

 parative breadth just alluded to, are the stouter rachides, and stiffer growth of 

 the fronds, peculiarities which are very well shown in the accompanying figure. 

 It was introduced from Niana in Peru, by the late Mr. Pearce, and requires a 

 cool stove. It is a fine plant both for exhibition and decoration, and has gained, 

 as it deserved, the highest honors at our floral competitive exhibitions. — Florist 

 and Po7nologist. 



