THE 

 KHODODENDKON. 



Rhododendron ponticmii. 



HE tendency to depreciate the 

 commonplace is very strikingly 

 illustrated in the preference 

 given to rhododendrons of al- 

 most any and every kind over 

 this very old and most familiar 

 garden flower. So anxious are 

 raisers and planters to obtain 

 something different to the 

 cheap, hardy, accommodating, 

 and uniformly beautiful Pontic 

 species, that they are always 

 prepared to produce and plant 

 and vindicate varieties that are 

 tender, shy, and of ungainly 

 growth, for the sake of colours 

 to which they are unaccustomed. 

 But when seen in masses, co- 

 vered with their bountiful bloom in many shades of rosy- 

 purple, these Pontic rhododendrons surpass all others in 

 point of beauty ; and they have a certain freshness that 

 is indescribable, but must be felt when the surroundings 

 are in harmony with the rich but soft colouring. One of 

 the best places near London in which to see these plants 



