20 THE RHODODENDRON. 



No weeds should be allowed to grow over the sur- 

 face of the bed ; but no spading or hoeing should ever 

 be permitted. The annual spading of shrubberies is a 

 relic of barbarism, which should long ago have been 

 discontinued in a civilized age. 



DISEASES. 



The Rhododendron has no diseases, at least this 

 is in our experience ; and of itself this fact should 

 lead to its general cultivation. 



INSECT ENEMIES. 



These are very few, and seldom do any great 

 injury. 



We have occasionally noticed a branch in a dying 

 condition, and upon investigation have found the 

 pith eaten out by some species of borer ; but have 

 never been able to capture the insect in any state. 



A species of saw fly sometimes cuts holes in the 

 young foliage, but never to any great extent. 



A year ago, noticing a young Rhododendron in 

 bad health, and finding no apparent cause in the plant, 

 we were led to examine the roots, upon which we 

 found myriads of the white root aphis. This, how- 

 ever, is an exceptional case. 



Our experience gives us the above facts, from 

 which we deduce that insect enemies, as they exist 

 at present, need deter none from cultivating Rhodo- 

 dendrons. 



