DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 55 



the R. purpureum of Pursh, which never existed as , 

 a species, is not now recognized, and is probably 

 some hybrid of R. Catawbiense. Of the last we have 

 been able to obtain no information. It is said by a 

 writer in the " Cottage Gardener " to have " pink 

 flowers, fine foliage, and to be of good habit ; " if so, 

 it must be indeed desirable. 



Ehododendeon dauricum. 



This charming species we place among the most 

 desirable of Rhododendrons, not so much for the 

 beauty of the individual flowers as for its hardiness, 

 its early blooming, and the abundance of blossoms. 

 It is a native of Siberia and Eastern Asia. The 

 foliage is deciduous ; the flowers are rosy-purple, and 

 appear in very early spring before the leaves. A 

 mass of this plant is a charming object in early 

 spring; and no collection, however small, should be 

 without it. 



PigTired in And. Rep. 1, 4; Lodd. Cab. 605 and 

 1446. Bot. Mag. 17, t. 636. 



Variety atrovirens is also a native of Siberia, and 

 differs only from the species in having dark ever- 

 green leaves, which render it more desirable, as when 

 in bloom it is more effective. 



Figured in Bot. Mag. 44, t. 1888 ; and in Lodd. 

 Cab. t. 1584, under the name of sempervirens. 



These plants naturally grow tall and spindling, 

 and are much benefited by careful pruning. 



They may be imported for about fifty cents a 

 plant. 



