124 OTHEE AMERICAN PLANTS. 



tTiriying under the same treatment, and harmonizing 

 well with them, both in foliage and flower. 



Their culture is very simple, being only to plant 

 them in moist soil, and leave them to grow. While 

 they will bear pruning, they seldom need it ; for, if 

 not crowded, they form symmetrical bushes them- 

 selves. They are propagated by layers or from seed, 

 in the same manner as Rhododendrons. 



They are perfectly hardy, -although in exposed 

 situations the foliage sometimes gets browned in 

 winter. 



No insect attacks them, and they are subject to no 

 diseases. 



A mass of the large-flowered Kalmia in full bloom 

 is a beautiful sight, and the smaller species are all 

 attractive and pretty. 



No words can describe the beauty of this plant 

 on the mountains of the Middle States, where it 

 covers acres, and sheets whole hillsides with pink 

 and white. Even in New England there are places 

 where it grows in great abundance, but it does not 

 flower as freely as further south. 



The plant is popularly known as " Mountain 

 Laurel," in distinction from the " Great Laurel " 

 (^Rhododendron maximum) ; also as " Spoonwood " 

 and " Calico Bush." 



The common small species is called Sheep Laurel, 

 or Lambkill. 



The foliage of all the species is evergreen, but 

 only in Kalmia latifolia is ornamental. 



