494 
THE GARDENER’S ASSISTANT. 
owe their origin in a varying degree to the 
four species above - mentioned, successful at¬ 
tempts have been made in more recent years to 
introduce the “blood” of other species into 
the open-air varieties. The results that have 
already been obtained by using the fragrant 
Chinese species, II Fortunei, are full of promise. 
Two or three hybrids, with R. Griffitliianum 
(Ancklandii) as one parent, are of a singularly 
refined beauty, arid very strikingly distinct 
from the old-fashioned race. B. Thomsoni has 
also been used—Ascot Brilliant is one of its 
progeny—but although the colour is almost 
equal to that of B. arboreum, its indifferent con¬ 
stitution is a drawback. A few charming 
varieties, hardy, but too early-flowering to be 
Fig. 601 .—Rhododendron Kewense. 
of much value in the open air, have been raised 
by crossing B. ciliatum and II dauricum. R. 
pmcox and Early Gem are of this class. The 
American B. maximum has been used also to 
some small extent, but its value in this connec¬ 
tion is likely to be greater in its native country, 
where the climate is not so well adapted as 
ours for Rhododendrons generally. 
The value of Rhododendrons in gardens can 
scarcely be overstated. Among evergreens of 
similar stature and bulk they stand out be¬ 
cause of the wonderful profusion and beauty 
of their flowers. Most evergreens of similar 
character, like the Yew, Box, Laurels, Aucuba, 
Holly, &c., have comparatively little to re¬ 
commend them beyond their foliage. The 
Rhododendrons, on the other hand, are almost 
equal to the best deciduous shrubs in flower- 
beauty, and we have only to recall such var¬ 
ieties as Brough t@ni or Charles Noble to show 
how striking some of them are as mere foliage 
plants also. They may be grown as single 
specimens on lawns, either as standards or in 
their natural form. Massed in large beds or 
groups, they produce magnificent effects, especi¬ 
ally if varieties flowering simultaneously and 
of colours that contrast or harmonize well are 
brought together. As an instance of a strik¬ 
ing combination, we may recommend a group 
composed of the fiery scarlet Doncaster and 
the charming white Mrs. John Clutton. Such 
groups or beds, arranged in a more or less 
formal manner, are admirable for supporting 
broad drives and promenades, or for walks 
that lead up to large mansions and imposing 
buildings. But to see Rhododendrons at their 
