90 



PAXTON'S FLO WEE GARDEN. 



leaves are all but equal to the laurel in appearance,, and the gorgeous effect of their flowers 

 has no equal in the whole range of blooming plants that we now have at command. 



There is one important matter connected with their cultivation that never must be lost 

 sight of : they cannot endure anything in the shape of lime or chalk in .the soil in which 

 they are grown. It was at one time supposed that Rhododendrons would not thrive in any- 

 thing but peat, or, that failing, a substitute of leaf-mould or other decomposed vegetable 

 matter; but this really is not the case, as they will do well in any close moisture-holding 

 soil, especially if it is of a clayey character. Where the natural loam is too dry and sandy, 

 if a liberal admixture of clay in a moderately pulverised state is added, Rhododendrons will 

 grow well in it. 



