Plate 151. 
AZALEA, SURPRISE. 
There are many plants which, although they may not come 
up to the requirements of the connoisseur in those various little 
matters which are to him of so much importance, but which 
do not seem to he so to the general public, yet are exceedingly 
valuable for what is called decorative purposes. Such a flower 
is that so well represented in our figure, which, under the above 
name, and also, we believe, as Madame A. Verschaffelt , has been 
exhibited this season, and been commended, when exhibited 
by the Messrs. Yeitch, by the Floral Committee of the Eoyal 
Horticultural Society. 
To be suited for decorative purposes, a flower ought to be 
vigorous in its growth, brilliant in colour, and very free bloom¬ 
ing ; vigorous in growth, because it must be an easy plant to 
obtain for the market, and unless it have brilliancy and fulness 
of bloom, it will be no better for this purpose than many other 
varieties; and as the Floral Committee have commended Sur¬ 
prise, we may presume that it comes up to their ideal of what 
a decorative plant should be. 
The Azalea in general is admirably suited for all the pur¬ 
poses for which decorative plants are required; whether in the 
conservatory, hall, or boudoir, it cannot fail to attract, by its 
profuseness of bloom and variety. A well-managed plant will 
be so completely covered with flowers that no particle of foli¬ 
age will be seen, while the delicacy of its perfume adds to its 
value. Hence, we were not surprised, during a recent visit to 
Paris, to see that it is so largely used there, although, as a ge¬ 
neral rule, the French are better contented with flowers of less 
value of which they are not required to take any special care. 
One method of growing Azaleas has not met with much en- 
