JUNE. 
115 
Rose Eclatante, and Prince de Galitzin, are dull yellow ground flowers striped 
with rosy crimson ; with a great resemblance between them. I cannot recom¬ 
mend either of them for pot or for border cultivation. 
The majority of the foregoing have ceased to exist. I miss their gaudy, yet 
pleasing forms, but we shall meet again some day to renew, and I also trust to 
extend, my acquaintance with them. 
“ A kindling eje and beating heart shall yet 
Catch thy quick glance, and note thy welcome smile.” 
Quo. 
CULTURE OF AZALEA INDICA. 
Plant-growers generally recognise a great distinction between what are 
known as hardwooded and softwooded plants. The latter section is repre¬ 
sented by Geraniums, Fuchsias, Cinerarias, &c.; the former by Ericas, most 
New Holland plants, Camellias, Azaleas, &c., each section requiring cultural 
treatment equally distinct. But then, again, there must be a certain dissimi¬ 
larity of treatment of the various genera, particularly among the hardwooded 
section : for instance, Cape Heaths and New Holland plants require greenhouse 
treatment only, and a temperature consistent with our climate, no artificial 
heat being required except for the purpose of protection from frost; but 
Camellias, Azaleas, and a few other plants of this section, differ from the 
above so far that the periods of excitement and rest are more distinct, in con¬ 
sequence of which the treatment, as regards temperature, &c., must vary at 
different times of the year. With these few introductory remarks I will pro¬ 
ceed, to the best of my ability, to give such directions for the culture of the 
greenhouse Azalea as may possibly be acceptable to some of the many admirers 
of this beautiful race. 
It is probable that in this, as in other distinct classes of plants, the highest 
point of excellence in the cultural art is usually achieved by those who grow 
for exhibition; at least it is by such means only that the public generally 
obtain an insight into the display of skill and science which the art of plant¬ 
growing admits. I cannot say that I have been a grower of the Azalea for 
exhibition purposes to any great extent; but I have grown it for years as a 
conservatory plant, and while in bloom I have found it one of the most effective 
class of plants for decoration, and equally so in cutting for bouquets and vases. 
I have also found it so far accommodating that the season of blooming may be 
prolonged for at least one-half the year, as no plant bears forcing or retarding 
better than the Azalea. I will, however, proceed to describe the manner in 
which I have grown tolerable specimens, beginning with small plants. 
The Azalea is not difficult of propagation, as it will strike in a greenhouse 
temperature; but for all that I would not recommend beginners to obtain 
plants by striking them themselves. It would be cheaper in the end, and 
far more satisfactory, to obtain about a dozen plants or so of good sorts from 
some well-known raiser or grower in the nursery business. A little care ought 
to be exercised in this, because plants are sometimes crowded together in the 
nursery, and become infested with thrips or mealy bug, which pests, in the 
hands of beginners, often prove very troublesome. Good growers and raisers 
are generally too much alive to their own interests to send out plants so infested, 
or even to keep them, so that they are more to be depended upon. In pur¬ 
chasing plants of this kind there are three points which it would be well for 
beginners to observe and act upon. The doing so will be an advantage which 
he will be unable to see or appreciate for years probably, but may save much 
vexation at the time, and more as he proceeds. The first point is—be satisfied 
