In passing it might be mentioned that Rhododendron maximum 

 and Rhododendron catawbiense would not occur in this scheme 

 except as a few plants of each merely to represent the species, 

 because they have been used abundantly elsewhere in the Garden 

 and because to make them effective scenically, they would have 

 to be used in such large numbers as would seriously curtail other 

 more important effects. 



The greater part of the floor of the valley would be a more or 

 less continuous cover made up of low-growing members of the 

 family. There might be a quarter to half an acre in cranberry 

 bog, serving purposes of scenic effect and affording a lesson in 

 economic botany at one and the same time. Other plants that 

 should appear over considerable areas, in simulation of the way 

 they occur in nature, are leatherleaf, Labrador-tea, Rhodora 

 (if it can be made to thrive), Kalmia angustifolia, Kalmia glauca, 

 Andromeda polifolia. While in the main this floor-cover should 

 be low, there could be relief here and there from its continuity 

 by individuals and small groups of highbush blueberry, swamp 

 azalea, sweet pepperbush, and even of rhododendrons and 

 mountain laurel. 



While the main appeal would thus be to the esthetic and hor- 

 ticultural sense, the botanical or scientific would be well pro- 

 vided for. There would be as complete a representation of the 

 Ericaceae (including such other families as formerly were a part 

 of it) as the climate, soil and location would permit; but many 

 kinds, especially those that would contribute little or nothing 

 to the general scenic or floral effect by being present in large 

 numbers would be represented, each by a few individuals or 

 small colonies so disposed that they could be easily discovered 

 and examined, especially by those interested in learning about 

 the family in detail. Examples of this class are species of Da- 

 boecia, Pyro/a, Kalmiella, Dendrium, Menziesia, Epigaea. 



It would undoubtedly be desirable to include some plants not 

 of the Ericaceae for the purpose of enhancing the artistic effect. 

 Ferns it seems should surely be added. Further, we have in 

 mind some of the conifers, especially various dwarf yews and 

 junipers; also hemlocks, both our northern and the Carolina, 

 and particularly the common inkberry. 



The system of paths would be such that the people would be 

 led around to the various vantage points for obtaining the best 

 impressions, and also that access would be afforded for the en- 

 joyment and study of the plants in detail. 



Besides path-building, considerable other work of a con- 

 structive nature would be required. The bottom of the valley 



[45] 



