AZALEA. 209 



is kept np. They are such general favourites that many 

 hundred varieties of them have been introduced to culti- 

 vation, and many persons devote themselves entirely to 

 the raising of new forms, by hybridising and cross-breeding. 

 We have here attempted from among this profusion to 

 select a few of the best, though no one who desires to have 

 a good collection should think of confining himself to the 

 sorts here named, for tastes differ, and some of the varieties 

 we have omitted may have particular tints which may 

 please certain cultivators, while, again, new forms are con- 

 stantly appearing. 



Azaleas are among the most useful- of all plants for cutting 

 for bouquets and dinner decoration. The plants will indeed 

 stand more cutting than most hard-wooded subjects ; and 

 after the bloom is ofi', if they are placed in heat and kept well 

 syringed, they wiU make a fine new growth, and become 

 again completely furnished. 



After blooming, the plants, except in the case of very 

 large specimens, should be repotted. The large plants 

 will probably not require potting for several years, and 

 must have some weak liquid manure applied to them 

 occasionally. They should be placed in a temperature 

 ranging from 50° to 60°, giving plenty of air when the 

 weather is favourable, and using the syringe freely morn- 

 ing and evening. When the growth is completed the tem- 

 perature must be gradually lowered, until they can be 

 removed outside to ripen the wood and swell up the flower 

 buds. In the autumn they must be removed into the 

 greenhouse before frost sets in. The soil best adapted for 

 them is three parts good fibrous peat, one part light loam, 

 one part leaf mould, and one part sand ; and it is very 

 important that the drainage should be maintained in good 

 condition. 



