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THE FLORIST AND P0M.0LOGIST. 



was raised by Mr. Leach, and exhibited by him before the Floral Committee 

 of the Royal Horticultural Society, when it received a first-class certificate. 

 It is a remarkably fine form of Disa; the colour of the flowers, which are 

 larger and better proportioned than usual in the parts, being richer, and more 

 decidedly contrasted than in the ordinary forms. The dorsal sepal is deeply 

 stained with purple rose, and marked with very distinct crimson-purple foi-king 

 lines, which run out into dots towards the edge ; the lateral sepals are of a 

 light crimson, and the yellow petaloid development of the column distinctly 

 spotted. 



AMONG THE RHODODENDRONS. 



The magnificent exhibition of Rhododendrons furnished by Mr. John 

 Waterer, of Bagshot, Surrey, were on view at the Gardens of the Royal Botanic 

 Society, Regent's Park, during the months of June and July. This splendid 

 annual treat did not seem to be wanting in any of its essential points that 

 always distinguish it, for there were extent, and variety, and quality, and the 

 best arrangement— all uniting to make up a grand spectacle, and a " Metro- 

 politan Exhibition" of itself. And it was so, for thousands went to see it and 

 admire. There was nearly an acre of Rhododendrons under canvass, all with 

 marvellous unanimity in flower at the same time. The plants ranged in size, 

 from dwarf bushes to tall and imposing standards; in colour, from rich dark 

 crimson and scarlet to the most delicate pink and pure white, descending in 

 great variety of shades and diversity of marking ; and then in point of value, 

 from plants at comparatively cheap prices to those of rare possession. 



Each spring are these plants brought from Bagshot, and removed there again 

 at the end of the blooming season. The cost and trouble of this must be 

 something considerable ; for some of the standard plants have heads 30 feet in 

 circumference. When here, they are arranged with ail the aid that taste and 

 skill can render to create the most charming effect ; and when in the acme 

 of flower, it is, indeed, a sight long to be remembered. 



Mr. John Waterer, jun., who with Mr. M. Waterer has the exhibition 

 under their special care, and who are always ready to afford information with 

 the greatest courtesy and kindness, kindly accompanied me through the tent, 

 and pointed out its most salient points of interest. He informed me that most 

 of the kinds exhibited were particularly hardy, having withstood in many parts 

 of the country, without being injured thereby, great exposure to cold, even 

 when the thermometer has stood at from 6° to 12° below zero — a quality that 

 greatly enhances their value to planters. Gathered here were the finest varieties 

 of really hardy Rhododendrons in cultivation, covered with fine bold flowers 

 on immense trusses, the dimensions of some of the trusses being perfectly 

 astonishing; the plants generally possessing a vigorous habit, and having the 

 great acquisition of being abundant bloomers at a season when they are safe 

 irom the destructive effects of spring frost. I was informed by Mr. John 

 Waterer that these beautiful varieties had been obtained by hybridising the 

 Himalayan varieties with the hardy American kinds, combining, by such pro- 

 cess of fertilisation, diversity and advance in colour with lateness of bloom. 

 At Bagshot they have this season bloomed some most exquisitely-coloured 

 seedlings, the tintings of which surpass anything yet offered to the public, 

 many of which are as yet unnamed. 



I selected the following from this exhibition as being the most striking and 

 beautiful : — Mr. Fitzgerald, brilliant rosy crimson ; Perruzi, clear rose ; 

 Duchess of Sutherland, bright rosy crimson band of colour surrounding a 

 white centre ; Sidney Herbert, very bright carmine with black spots ; Sir Colin 



