EXPOSURE OF PLANTS. 
179 
much exposed. As to the results, the first set of plants flourished most for a time, 
having the double advantage of greater strength, and a natural soil peculiarly suitable 
to their then condition, insomuch that " three-fourths of them were planted out in 
groups in various parts of the pleasure-grounds and woods, during the winter of 
1830 and 1831, without any other preparation than the ground being well trenched 
two feet deep, and the surface of the bottom well broken." The second set in the 
border of sandy loam, grew less strongly during the first year, but they soon after 
became as well rooted as those in the heath border, and were equally capable of 
being moved with good balls attached — " a circumstance which very few would 
credit did they not see it, but one which has been witnessed by many perfectly well 
qualified to judge, and among others, by Mr. W. M'Nab, of the Royal Botanic 
Gardens, Edinburgh." 
They who are acquainted with the earth of Mitcham Common, and have visited 
the fine American grounds of Messrs. Rollisson on its southern boundary, barely two 
miles from Croydon, Surrey,* will not be surprised at the successful treatment of the 
Rhododendron in a pure sandy loam. In those grounds all the new hybrids of that 
beautiful plant, the choicest Azaleas of America and Europe, the several species and 
varieties of Kaimia, &c, &c, not only grow, but flourish with a luxuriance and beauty 
of foliage and bloom which cannot be surpassed. Most of the nurseries around 
Croydon, Mitcham, and the neighbouring towns, supply themselves with this loam, 
and hence it is that plants of the above families are seen everywhere. The earth of 
Mitcham Common is not a black, sandy, heath mould, but an unadhesive compound 
of hazel loam, abounding with a peculiar sand of fine quality, which renders it open 
and friable ; it is also replete with the fibres of those short grasses which form the 
turf of a sheep common. 
Wherever earth of a similar character exists, Rhododendrons will flourish, and, 
with the addition of some sandy heath soil, nearly all the hair-rooted evergreens and 
" bog " plants will do so also. As respects Rhododendrons, the article under con- 
sideration further stated that, if ground has been prepared " by trenching, and 
breaking the surface so that all the grass and vegetable matter be properly mixed, 
no ' peat ' (heath-mould) whatever will be required : even in banks of very strong 
clay the Rhododendron grew luxuriantly." In that case, however, " the ground had 
been well trenched, and pits or holes were made according to the size of the plants, 
a portion of peat-earth being placed around and under each plant." 
Some years since, a large bank for the aforenamed evergreens and Ghent 
Azaleas was prepared in a nobleman's pleasure grounds near Taplow, in Buckingham- 
shire. The soil was naturally a heavy binding loam ; it was thoroughly dug and 
laid out ; holes were made, and into each a suitable quantity of " Bagshot " heath- 
soil was given to every plant, according to the capacity and bulk required. Uniformity 
* The writer was sorry to observe in this nursery, and also in one near Croydon, many Rhodo- 
dendrons and Kalmias with leaves half-way dead and brown, as if affected by an atmospheric 
epidemic (early in August instant). 
