Plate 201 . 
AZALEA, SOUVENIR DE PRINCE ALBERT. 
As a general rule, amongst what are called florists’ flowers, 
double flowers are preferred to single ones. In the Dahlia, 
Pink, Hollyhock, Carnation, Picotee, etc., this rule holds good; 
while amongst some of the more tender classes of the same, 
such as the Pelargonium and the Azalea, the reverse is the 
case. Several fine sorts of double Azaleas are however now 
in cultivation, and when in large plants are very effective. We 
need only mention that very fine white variety sent out by 
Messrs. Smith, of Dulwich, Flag of Truce , to bear out the 
truth of this; nothing can be conceived more lovely than a plant 
naturally grown, covered with the pure white flowers of this 
fine sort. 
We have said naturally grown, for the conviction is, we 
think, forcing itself upon the minds of all who are interested 
in the beauty of our exhibitions, that an alteration is required 
in this respect. Since we last figured an Azalea, and mentioned 
this subject, the great Spring Shows have been held; and while 
everybody stood in wonder at the huge masses of bloom which 
the immense plants of Messrs. Turner, Veitch, Green, and 
others exhibited, yet the question was universally asked, Why 
is it necessary that these pyramids of bloom should be exhibited 
in this shape ? It used not to be so, in Chiswick days, when 
Mrs. Lawrence, of Ealing, was so constant and so successful an 
exhibitor. Her plants used not to have this character; they 
were full of bloom indeed, but their foliage w r as to be seen, 
and plants were not tortured into the shapes of crinolines or 
sugar-loaves. To effect a change, the initiative must be taken 
by the Societies themselves. If they discourage it, the growers 
will at once fall into the arrangement, for this present system 
