2 56 
INDIAN AZALEAS. 
THE CULTURE OF INDIAN AZALEAS. 
Within these few years the varieties of the Azalea indica have 
multiplied to an extent, and in such pleasing diversity, that their 
presence is now universally expected in every collection of green¬ 
house plants. A few hints as to the best mode of managing 
them may, therefore, possess sufficient interest to engage the 
attention of those about to adopt their culture. 
To form a just estimate of the splendour of this section of the 
family, a visit to the early metropolitan exhibitions is necessary, 
where from one to two hundred magnificent specimens are fre¬ 
quently collected in all the richness of unequalled vigour, clothed 
in every part with blossoms varying from the purest white through 
every conceivable shade of pink, red, lilac, and purple, to even a 
glowing scarlet; many of the plants there seen are of a size re¬ 
quiring two or three men to lift, and completely covered with 
their specious flow r ers. Once seen in the condition there ex¬ 
hibited, the recollection will possess the most indifferent, and I 
have no doubt, that from such a circumstance may be dated the 
rise of many collections; the beholders are delighted and natu¬ 
rally desire the possession of so much magnificence. 
How to grow them in a manner to ensure the coveted display 
of flowers will be my object to explain in the present paper. 
Azaleas delight in sandy peat, as it is termed in gardens.; but 
some little practice, with a good deal of care, is required to de¬ 
termine on the exact kind of sandy peat that will suit them best; 
heath soil or peat varies as much in consistence and quality as 
perhaps any description of soil that can be named; the proper 
kind is of medium texture, of a deep brown, full of small fibres, 
but not usually having much sand mixed with it; the naturally 
sandy peat is generally too poor and deficient of nutriment to 
grow any plants well, and that which is distinguished by a black 
sooty colour is invariably soured with stagnant water, and 
altogether unfit for potting; good peat has an agreeable scent, 
and a peculiar feeling to the hand, which practice will soon 
render so familiar, that by it alone many gardeners will determine 
on the quality of the soil they are using; the deficiency of sand 
is easily made up by mixing with it about a third of its quantity 
