CHAPTER V. 



On the Culture of the Erica , Azalea, and Rhododendron. 



ART. 1. The Erica. 



THE Erica is one of the prettiest families of plants culti- 

 vated in the green-house; and its culture is highly deserving 

 of more general attention than has hitherto been bestowed 

 upon it. However, there are many pretty varieties finding 

 their way into the various collections, which I hope will still 

 receive additions. The plants are neat and pretty in habit, 

 and, when in flower, form a lively contrast with other plants 

 of the green-house : they are, indeed, a class of plants that 

 are grateful to the common observer, claim the strict attention 

 of the. amateur, and are worthy the most minute examination 

 of the curious and refined. In a good collection, they possess 

 many shades of color, as white, green, red, pink, <fec. ; and 

 in some instances they are variegated or checkered in a very 

 pretty manner. The manner in which they flower is also va- 

 rious ; as, in clusters, spikes, and in numerical order, which 

 are designated as biflora, triflora, and so on ; and in different 

 habits, as pendulous, erect, &c. The formation of the flow- 

 ers also varies, and has a definitive character, as that of 

 tubiftora, curvi/Zora, and the like regular forms. But their 

 intrinsic value is only to be discovered by examining the 

 flower minutely ; when the neat form and prettily contrasted 

 colors always reward those who bestow such pains with a 

 rich treat of one of nature's most finished copies. 



In the bouquet, the Erica is not surpassed by any flower 

 of its season; and no flower keeps longer as a cut flower in 

 water. 



To my fair patrons, I must recommend the more general 

 culture of this pretty family of plants, and hope the follow- 

 ing little treatise will at least assist those who are desirous to 



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