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THE GARDENER'S ASSISTANT. 



owe their origin in a varying degree to the 

 four species above - mentioned, successful at- 

 tempts have been made in more recent years to 

 introduce the "blood" of other species into 

 the open-air varieties. The results that have 

 already been obtained by using the fragrant 

 Chinese species, R. Fortunei, are full of promise. 

 Two or three hybrids, with R. Griffithianum 



(Aucklandii) as one parent, are of a singularly 

 refined beauty, and very strikingly distinct 

 from the old-fashioned race. R. Thomsoni has 

 also been used — Ascot Brilliant is one of its 

 progeny — but although the colour is almost 

 equal to that of R. arboreum, its indifferent con- 

 stitution is a drawback. A few charming 

 varieties, hardy, but too early -flowering to be 



Fi#. 601.— "Rhododendron Kewense. 



of much value in the open air, have been raised 

 by crossing R. filiation and R. dauricum. R. 

 prcecox and Early Gem are of this class. The 

 American R. maximum has been used also to 

 some small extent, but its value in this connec- 

 tion is likely to be greater in its native country, 

 where the climate is not so Avell adapted as 

 ours for Rhododendrons generally. 



The value of Rhododendrons in gardens can 

 scarcely be overstated. Among evergreens of 

 similar stature and bulk they stand out be- 

 cause of the wonderful profusion and beauty 

 of their flowers. Most evergreens of similar 

 character, like the Yew, Box, Laurels, Aucuba, 

 Holly, &c, have comparatively little to re- 

 commend them beyond their foliage. The 

 Rhododendrons, on the other hand, are almost 

 -equal to the best deciduous shrubs in flower- 



beauty, and we have only to recall such var- 

 ieties as Broughtoni or Charles Noble to show 

 how striking some of them are as mere foliage 

 7)lants also. They may be grown as single 

 specimens on lawns, either as standards or in 

 their natural form. Massed in large beds or 

 groups, they produce magnificent effects, especi- 

 ally if varieties flowering simultaneously and 

 of colours that contrast or harmonize well are 

 brought together. As an instance of a strik- 

 ing combination, we may recommend a group 

 composed of the fiery scarlet Doncaster and 

 the charming white Mrs. John Clutton. Such 

 groups or beds, arranged in a more or less 

 formal manner, are admirable for supporting 

 broad drives and promenades, or for walks 

 that lead up to large mansions and imposing 

 buildings. But to see Rhododendrons at their 



