PRBPAEATION OP THE SOIL. 5 



In a wild state, they grow most luxuriantly in a 

 peaty loam, formed by the debris of decayed vege- 

 table matter, such as wood and leaves, with an 

 admixture of disintegrated rocks, and generally in 

 a shady situation. These conditions we must, in a 

 measure, imitate in cultivation. 



It is a singular fact that cultivation has in some 

 plants produced greater abundance of bloom and 

 luxuriance of growth than they ever exhibit in their 

 native haunts. This has especially been shown with 

 some of the orchids of India and South America. 



The fact is, to some extent, true of Rhododendrons ; 

 many species producing in our gardens larger and 

 finer flowers than in their wild state. 



In preparing for Rhododendrons, the situation of 

 the bed is of primary importance. The plants will do 

 well in any exposure, but they naturally love shade ; 

 and a northern hUl-side is the best place for the bed. 

 Our largest plantations are on a steep hill, sloping to 

 the north-west, and exposed to the full fury of the 

 winter storms. In such a situation not only do the 

 hardy varieties do well, but even some kinds, con- 

 sidered tender in England, stand the winter unin- 

 jured. 



In a southern exposure the foliage is seldom as 

 fine as where the plants are sheltered from the full 

 sun, though they sometimes set more bloom. A 

 large bed on our lawn stood uninjured the parch- 

 ing summer of 1870, and is now in fine health, with a 

 promise of abundant bloom for the coming year. 

 The roots, however, never became dry, as the bed 

 was kept moist by heavy mulching. 



