Vlll 
PREFACE 
of R. ponticum some 250 years ago ; it has remained, and 
will not wane. It must be remembered that the season of 
flowering is a prolonged one. The species commence 
flowering early in February with such sorts as R. dahuricum, 
R. parvifolium, R. fulgens, R. praecox, and R. Nobleanum, 
and they continue until August, when R, calophyllum and 
R. Maddenii delight us with their fragrant, white blossoms. 
I once saw in a shaded dell in Co. Wicklow, on 24th 
February, a large plant some twenty feet high of one of the 
very early hybrids covered with good trusses of bright pink 
flowers, some of which cut in the bud state, just expand- 
ing, lasted for ten days in water. Rhododendrons are 
sometimes planted in unsuitable positions, and much of 
their effectiveness is thereby lost. There are hillsides 
covered with them in their native countries, and there is no 
reason why the same condition should not prevail in many 
parts of the British Isles. The effect would be startling 
and brilliant. A beginning has been made at Howth Castle 
near Dublin, where the late Lord Howth planted hundreds 
of both species and varieties on some bold cliffs about 150 
feet high, facing to the east. In this position the effect, when 
the plants are in flower, is most pleasing and imposing, very 
different to that of the little groups crowded together, so 
often seen on lawns. It cannot be wondered that so many 
people attempt to grow Rhododendrons even where failure 
is almost certain. A sight of some of the newer hybrids, 
such as Beauty of Tremough, Glory of Penjerrick, and 
Loderi, would make most people determine to have these 
plants in their gardens if possible ; but where there is lime 
in the soil, or where strong winds prevail, it is practically 
impossible to grow them. For myself, the species interest 
me most, and I maintain that they are at least as beautiful 
