60 
THE NATURALIZATION OF EXOTICS. 
The sorts operated upon were superior varieties of R. ponticum. It was evident 
that, by a similar process, standard Rhododendrons could be procured six or 
eight feet in height, and without waiting a very lengthened period for a satisfactory 
result. The well-known tendency of the lower branches of this shrub to become 
decumbent after acquiring a certain length, renders it probable that a moderately 
old specimen of a standard would form a beautiful drooping miniature evergreen 
tree ; which, when loaded with its showy blossoms, would be surpassingly attractive. 
The ease with which the experiment might be instituted, and the certainty of at 
least an interesting effect being produced, are urgent recommendations of the plan 
here briefly sketched. 
THE NATURALIZATION OF EXOTICS. 
As it should be one of the principal aims of every writer to render his meaning 
clearly apparent, we deem it desirable to begin this paper by showing how far the 
term employed in our title is applicable to the process of which we treat. In its 
strictest sense, naturalization may be understood to imply such an adaptation of the 
habits of plants or animals in a particular country, that, if left to themselves, they 
will flourish and propagate their species, almost or quite as freely as in their native 
districts. 
With regard to vegetable productions, and, primarily, the more immediate 
subjects of present remark, no such extended scope can be allowed to the word. 
Its use here is simply to express that modification of constitution or development, 
by which certain species, inhabitants of warmer latitudes, are enabled to sustain 
the changes of our climate, and to thrive uninjured in the open ground at all 
seasons. 
Whatever doubts may exist as to the possibility of effecting the complete accli- 
matation of any exotic, the fact is beyond dispute, that the limited alteration just 
mentioned has been accomplished in innumerable cases. It is a matter of no im- 
portance whether the organization of a plant is, or is not, at all affected during the 
process, or whether its powers can be radically changed. All that need be urged 
is, that although, when first introduced, or transferred from a protective structure, 
many species retain habits, periods and modes of growth, a tenderness of tissue, and 
a consequent susceptibility of damage, which imperatively call for shelter during 
several months of the year ; they will, after a longer or shorter exposure, and by a 
little timely and judicious assistance from the cultivator, so conform to the natural 
seasons, and so regulate the exercise of their functions by the ordinary vicissitudes 
of temperature, as to become capable of dispensing altogether with the aid of art, 
except in a rare and remarkable combination of adverse circumstances. 
It is interesting, and, in connexion with this inquiry, peculiarly useful, to recall 
