362 On the CuUivatioji of American Plants. 



be well beaten and thoroughly incorporated before using. 

 It would, however, be of great advantage to allow the mix- 

 ture to remain twelve months, turning it well two or three 

 times during that period. In old exhausted beds, a good 

 dressing of rotten manure, forked in, will be fomid highly- 

 beneficial. 



" Another point of the highest importance, for it is the 

 foundation of all success in the cultivation of the rhododen- 

 dron and fine-rooted plants of a similar character, is never to 

 allow them to become thoroughly dry at the j'oot. If this 

 occurs, the whole structure of the plant is affected, defi- 

 ciency of vital energy is the result, and the natural conse- 

 quence of a deteriorated constitution is disease, and possibly 

 death. The rhododendron, and its allies, sufler more from 

 excessive dryness than any plants which we recollect, there- 

 fore a damp situation must be provided for their site. If, 

 however, stagnant water is present, drains must be employed, 

 and they should be three feet in depth. If the plants can 

 enjoy the shade of trees without drip from them, so much 

 the better. 



" At Highclere, the seat of the earl of Carnarvon, in the 

 lake at Milford, are several small islands of from ten to 

 twenty yards in diameter, planted with American plants, 

 presenting the highest state of luxuriance ; many of the 

 plants are from ten to fifteen feet high, and constitute, in the 

 blooming season, masses of beauty, from their summits to 

 the very surface of the lake. The soil of these islands is 

 not more than eighteen inches above the water. 



" On the Himalaya Mountains, the rhododendron is inva- 

 riably found growing near or on the margin of morasses. 

 So magnificent is the appearance of masses in flower of the 

 scarlet species of these mountains, that Dr. Wallich com- 

 pares the effect to that of regiments of soldiers in scarlet 

 uniforms in the full sun when viewed at a distance. In 

 America and other parts of the world, where any of the 

 very extensive tribe, commonly known as ' American Plants' 

 are found, it is always on the margin of lakes, rivers or 

 bogs, or on the nearest portions of dry land in their vicinity. 



