MISCELLAXEOUS EXHIBITION PLANTS. 117 



allowed to expand about a month before the show, and no 

 effort spared to have the plants in full bloom by the end of 

 that time. Primula obconica is a continuous bloomer, and 

 is much easier had in perfection under similar treatment than its 

 companion. The points of merit are : (1. ) The size and condition 

 of the plant ; (2.) size and symmetry of the heads of bloom ; 

 and (3.) the flowers fully expanded, and the petals of good 

 colour, form, and substance. 



RHODODENDRON. 



This is an extensive genus of useful showy flowering shrubs, 

 which, according to their dififerent characteristics, form dis- 

 tinct groups. There are many beautiful shades of colour among 

 their flowers, and most of them can be freely forced. The 

 following are among the best hardy kinds suitable for exhi- 

 bition specimens : — Austin Layard, Catawbiense, and its varie- 

 ties, Frederick Waterer, Gloire de Gandavensis, Lord John 

 Russell, Maculatum, Nobleanum, Prsecox and its varieties, 

 Robert Marnock, Sir William Armstrong, William Austin, and 

 William Ewart Gladstone. Hardy Rhododendrons may be 

 cultivated in pots specially for forcing, or they may be planted 

 on a border made up of sandy peat, leaf -mould, and well-rotted 

 manure. They are more easily kept in a good healthy condition 

 in this manner than when confined in pots. They can be lifted 

 for forcing with good balls, and potted without receiving a 

 check in the operation. They should be potted in the same 

 soil as that in which they are grown, and forced in the same 

 manner as recommended for Azalea. The points of merit are : 

 (1.) Size and health of the plant ; (2.) freshness and quantity 

 of flower; and (.3.) coloiu-, size, and substance of petals. 



KICHARDIA. 



The popular Lily of the Nile is a valuable decorative plant, 

 and also makes a grand specimen for exhibition. To produce 

 a large specimen quickly, a number of roots should be put 

 together in a twelve-inch pot among rough sandy loam, peat, 

 and pieces of charcoal. The plants should be placed in the 

 greenhouse, supplied with plenty of water, and well fed with 



