56 
SEEDLING CHINESE AZALEAS. 
in large clusters, and is decidedly a much superior kind. It was produced at 
the nursery of Messrs. Knight and Perry, a few years ago, together with 
Broughtonii, and many others, from a quantity of seeds, gathered almost pro- 
miscuously from most of the principal sorts in general cultivation. The latter 
was named in compliment to Sir John Broughton, in whose collection the family 
exhibits manifest marks of the attention and excellent management bestowed upon 
it. Optima is also an English seedling, obtained, we believe, in a private 
collection, and purchased exclusively by the same establishment. 
To manage these plants well, they ought to be potted in rougher materials 
than the fine, sandy heath-soil they commonly obtain, and a portion of leaf-soil 
assists vastly in improving their general appearance, especially in the deepened 
verdure of their leaves. They require copious supplies of water in spring ; and old 
plants, whilst growing, receive visible benefit from well-diluted liquid manure, 
given about every third watering. A frame, or pit, where a moist, shaded 
atmosphere can be preserved, is the best place at that time ; but later in the 
season, they should be gradually brought to a full exposure in the sun, and a free 
play of air, to mature their shoots and enable them to make provision for next 
season's bloom. Further directions will be found in detail at page 160 of our 
last year's volume. 
