viii PREFACE 



of R. ponticum some 250 years ago ; it has remained, and 

 will not wane. It must be remembered that the season of 

 flowering is a prolonged one. The species commence 

 flowering early in February with such sorts as R. dahuricum, 

 R. parvifolium, R. fulgens, R. praecox, and R. Nobleanum, 

 and they continue until August, when R. calophyllum and 

 R. Maddenii delight us with their fragrant, white blossoms. 

 I once saw in a shaded dell in Co. Wicklow, on 24th 

 February, a large plant some twenty feet high of one of the 

 very early hybrids covered with good trusses of bright pink 

 flowers, some of which cut in the bud state, just expand- 

 ing, lasted for ten days in water. Rhododendrons are 

 sometimes planted in unsuitable positions, and much of 

 their effectiveness is thereby lost. There are hillsides 

 covered with them in their native countries, and there is no 

 reason why the same condition should not prevail in many 

 parts of the British Isles. The effect would be startling 

 and brilliant. A beginning has been made at Howth Castle 

 near Dublin, where the late Lord Howth planted hundreds 

 of both species and varieties on some bold cliffs about 150 

 feet high, facing to the east. In this position the effect, when 

 the plants are in flower, is most pleasing and imposing, very 

 different to that of the little groups crowded together, so 

 often seen on lawns. It cannot be wondered that so many 

 people attempt to grow Rhododendrons even where failure 

 is almost certain. A sight of some of the newer hybrids, 

 such as Beauty of Tremough, Glory of Penjerrick, and 

 Loderi, would make most people determine to have these 

 plants in their gardens if possible ; but where there is lime 

 in the soil, or where strong winds prevail, it is practically 

 impossible to grow them. For myself, the species interest 

 me most, and I maintain that they are at least as beautiful 



