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AZALEA RAWSONIL 
(c. rawson's azalea.) 
CLASS. 
PENTANDRIA. 
NATURAL ORDER. 
RHODORACE^. 
Generic Character. — See Vol. 1, pages 126, 129. 
Specific Character. — Plant a dwarf bushy shrub, two feet high. Leaves ovate, of a dark green colour, 
somewhat paler on the under-side. Flowers produced at the extremity of almost every branch, 
invariably three in number, of the most intense tints, surpassing in lustre the coloured figure. 
Anthers varying in number from five to ten. 
We are indebted to Mr. John Menzies, gardener to Christopher Rawson, Esq., 
F.G.S., of Hope House, near Halifax, for this superb new hybrid Azalea, who 
raised it from seeds collected by himself, and sown in 1832. 
In a letter from Mr. Menzies, he states as his belief that it is produced between 
A. phcenicea and Rhododendron dauricum atrovirens, and this we think very pro- 
bable from the existing- similarity of appearance in these two plants. If, from this 
circumstance, we may judge of the habit of the one figured, it is very probable that 
it will prove nearly hardy ; but whether it does or does not, it is decidedly an 
improved feature in this charming family, from which we are encouraged still 
to look forward with a glowing anticipation for something, if possible, still more 
beautiful. 
To the example here set by Mr. Menzies, and others who have preceded him in 
the delightful work of hyhridisation, we solicitously call the attention of our practical 
brethren, &c. in whose exertions we will gladly and actively co-operate. 
It is named in compliment to C. Rawson, Esq., F.G.S., with whom Mr. Menzies 
has lived as gardener for many years. The generic name is from the Greek avaXeoc, 
dri/, arid, in allusion either to the place where the plant is found, or to the dry brittle 
nature of the wood. 
The soil used by Mr. Menzies for his Azaleas is, equal parts of leaf soil and 
heath mould, with a small portion of hazel loam. 
ORDER. 
MONOGYNIA. 
