PREFACE TO THE FOURTH EDITION. 



T~\URING the five years which have elapsed 

 -'-^ since the publication of the first edition of 

 " Rhododendrons," increased attention has been 

 paid to the cultivation of American Plants. A few 

 years since we seldom found rhododendrons and 

 azaleas in the garden as shrubbery ; now they are 

 often seen and greatly appreciated. The culture of 

 these plants is, however, still in its infancy, and each 

 year is witnessing increasing interest in the subject. 



While a new edition of " Rhododendrons " is de- 

 manded, there is, however, little the author can add 

 to the subject matter. 



Of new varieties, we find in the catalogues of 

 English and continental growers the usual abun- 

 dance, but we have yet to see any which are de- 

 cidedly better for general culture than those we 

 have already recommended. 



The greater part of those which have attracted 

 attention abroad are seedlings^ with a strong ad- 



