DESCRIPTION OP THE RHODODENDRON. 65 



EhODODENDRON DALHOUSIiE. 



This species, one of the noblest of the family, pro- 

 duces flowers three to four inches in diameter ; white, 

 tinged with rose, and very fragrant. 



It is parasitical on the trunks of oaks and mag- 

 nolias, in its native habitat ; but in cultivation does 

 not require the treatment of an ^iphyte, growing 

 freely in the ground or inarched on other gpecies. 

 No description can do justice to its beauty ; but some 

 idea may be formed by reference to the illustrations 

 in Hook. Rhod. tab. 1 and 2 ; Bot. Mag. 79, t. 4718, 

 and 88, t. 5322 ; M. des Serres, 5, t. 460-468. 



Rhododendron barbathm. 



A tall-growing species, attaining the height of 

 sixty feet ; the leaf-stalks covered with long bristles, 

 or hairs. The flowers are blood-color, in a close, 

 compact head ; very handsome. This species has 

 proved hardy in England. Figured in Hook. Rhod. 

 pi. 3 ; and Fl. des Serres, 5, t. 469-472. 



Rhododendron lancifolium. 



A shrubby species, with lanceolate, coriaceous 

 leaves, and small, close heads of rich crimson 

 flowers ; nearly allied to the foregoing, but wholly 

 destitute of hairs. 



Figured in Hook. Rhod. pi. 4. 



